Connect
One knee replacement and will never have another one!
Hello to all of my fellow knee sufferers! I had a TKR in 2020. I had a very rough time after the surgery…..allergies to pain meds etc and had to only take Tylenol! PT for six months following surgery. My knee (right) is still painful and stiff, even after the replacement. I had this done at a top Boston hospital with a surgeon that came highly recommended. However, his answer to me with all of this pain and stiffness is “It will never be the knee that God gave you.” Oh, great!!! My left knee is bad but I could never go through this surgery again. I have had cortisone shots to the left knee which are no longer working and recently received three gel shots, which did not help. Both of my knees are so painful! Should I seek out a dr who deals with pain? I don’t know what else to do. Other than these knee issues, I am in good health and am 75 years old (although, other than these knees, I don’t feel like I am 75!!!!). Any suggestions or help would be deeply appreciated! I have tried knee braces, creams, ointments, Voltaran, Advil, Tylenol etc. Nothng has helped!!! Thank you, in advance, for any input! MaryAnn from Boston
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Joint Replacements Support Group.
Connect
Trying to decide between trad shoulder replacement vs reverse shoulder replacement. I'm an active 71 woman caregiver. Accent on the very active when younger or the shoulder would not be blown now. Looking for thoughts on this. I still have quite a bit of motion even tho 3 of 4 tendons are torn through according to the mri. Tho I do have to call 911 to lift my spouse now, the docs have read me tbe riot act about that. Thanks for any input in advance, Alice
Did you get a second opinion?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionYes, I did get a second opinion from a wonerful orthopedic dr from Mass General Hospital in Boston MA. He suggested looking into a “genicular ablation” where the nerves around the knee are numbed and it frees you of pain. The nerves do regenerate over time so the procedure can be done several times. The procedure is geared to people who just do not want to go through a second knee replacement, or where the cortisone or gel shots just don’t work any longer. I am going to look into it but I have to make sure that it is covered by my insurance before I make a decision. At this point, I will do anything to relieve my left knee on this bone on bone pain!
@mabfp3 I didn’t know that there were two different surgeries for shoulder replacement. I taught elementary school for many years and worked with a teacher who, after retirement, had to have a shoulder replacement. I think that it was a “regular shoulder replacement” (not reverse). She made out very well………had to go to PT for a while……but she completely healed and felt much better. Wishing you all the best with your decision. Be sure to. Get a second opinion from another orthopedic dr.
Planning on it soon. Thanks.Sent from my T-Mobile 5G Device
Yes some people do really well and are of varying ages. I’m happy for those that do well it’s just hard to understand that we all heal differently especially when we thought we’d be back in the game after surgery. Look into k laser therapy I’ve been going and it has helped.
@nobend
My experience mirrored yours. I specifically asked repeatedly in the pre surgery visit about the recovery process and possible complications. My surgeon refused to answer my questions, saying that "we don't like to dwell on things that might go wrong." I did not know at the time that she was required by law to answer my questions. Patients have a legal right to the information before any procedure. So for anyone else out there who is deciding about surgery, please make a list and challenge the surgeon for factual answers. If they won't answer, find another surgeon. "If I had only known" is not good news once it's too late.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsMy 75 year old friend had a reverse shoulder replacement about 8 weeks ago, and is doing well, and progressing nicely. Her orthopedist explained why a reverse shoulder replacement was necessary/best in her case, and your orthopedist should have the knowledge and experience to know what is best for you as well.
Different people have different experiences. If you are still in pain, or if the TKR was not successful, shouldn’t the original surgeon be responsible to remediate it? Although one may have lost confidence in them. Have you looked into revision?
I didn’t know until I had to choose between several options (my insurance uses a service to optimize options for quality and reasonable cost) that you can ask for references from surgeons. You can look to online ratings. I thought you just were lucky to find someone, anyone. Now, I know better but you do take your chances.
I have had 2 TKRs and 2 THRs and each had a different recovery - even the 2 that were done by the same surgeon. All ended up good and successful for relieving pain. Don’t give up.