I have great sympathy to all whose recovery from TKR is more difficult and painful that you expected. It is distressing when an operation that was supposed to cure pain doesn't work as expected.

I think we need to rethink what is a "success" to surgeons, compared to what is a success to us as patients!

I have had 5 hip replacement surgeries, an ACL/MCL repair and replacement and multiple hand/ wrist/thumb surgeries. Most surgeons consider a stable implant without infection a "success".

Most patients I know have far different expectations! We want full use, with little or no pain after recovery.

Here is where we have know to help educate our doctors and ourselves:

I have learned "the hard way" to discuss my expectations and aftercare BEFOREHAND with the surgeon to make sure we are in agreement about this, including post surgical pain, PT, OT and time to full recovery. This has led me to walk away from more than one surgeon over the years...

I have learned that every surgery and every recovery is different, our bodies, especially angry and disturbed muscles and nerves, mend on their own schedule, and predicting how it will go is impossible.

I have learned that most of the hard work comes after surgery. It is my responsibility. PT, daily exercises, icing, elevation - and insisting on being heard when things go wrong. This continues far longer than the 2 or 6 or 14 sessions with a therapist and a couple after visits.

And finally, I have laearned that sometimes I must be persistent and insistent, but not angry and demanding, until someone hears me.

To all of you who are surprised and distressed that you didn't know what was going to happen, PLEASE keep insisting on being heard, and know that there is a solution to nearly every unforeseen effect if you persist.

Wishing you all a full recovery in the new year.
Sue