Truth about Total Knee Replacements

Hang in there I’m at 17 Weeks also and just this week I’m starting to see progress. Still not great but I just saw my Ortho and he said it takes a full year to completely heal. I was getting discouraged but it is getting better. Good luck to you ps I’m 66

Neuropathy in my right foot has gotten much worse since I had a right TKR. Have you heard that can be a result of the TKR?

I understand that there are unknowns such as the individual's propensity to build up scar tissues based on their body's immune response, but .... is it also possible that the surgeon's expertise and interaction with his patient could help to mitigate some of the negative outcomes? My surgeon who operates out of the "supposedly #1 orthopedic hospital in the US... (World?) did not afford me the time of day when I reached out to him before the 6 weeks appointment that was scheduled.
He refused to do imaging such as ultrasound, Ct scan, MRI that would identify the presence and an amount of scar tissue that seemed to be building up 2 to three weeks after the procedure. Why would a medical professional wait 6 weeks before checking in on a major incision? Why would he refuse to respond to the patient's request for additional imaging? Research says that procedures such as arthroscopy is best done within 6 weeks of the operation.
He then proceeded to perform an arthroscopy without any imaging to predetermine the areas that needed the attention.
We need to stop blaming ourselves and scar tissue buildup as the reason why some of us are experiencing such pain and discomfort after tkr. There are procedures that can be done to help us to heal better. Of course, that is where your surgeon (and insurance) comes into play. Many of them are not telling you the options that are available for helping (mine didn't) and I had to do my own research and actually force the issue. My healing is still not complete, but I believe that I am better off having done the post operation procedures. After all, these are modern times, and I believe that technology is advanced enough to help those of us who are experiencing tkr post operation issues.
I hope that we will continue to stay positive and advocate for ourselves and that additional research will result in improved outcomes for us in the near future.

I have heard that but my last TKR doctor didn't mention it. I now have it in both feet. The other foot has had 4 ankle fusions and that's why I have the neuropathy in it. Also, the 2 pinched nerves in my back add to it.

I'm so grateful someone invented the rollator. It keeps me steady when I walk. Also, the neuropathy isn't painful very often. How about yours?

guitarlady

I have heard that but my last TKR doctor didn't mention it. I now have it in both feet. The other foot has had 4 ankle fusions and that's why I have the neuropathy in it. Also, the 2 pinched nerves in my back add to it.

I'm so grateful someone invented the rollator. It keeps me steady when I walk. Also, the neuropathy isn't painful very often. How about yours?

guitarlady

Neuropathy in my right foot has gotten much worse since I had a right TKR. Have you heard that can be a result of the TKR?

I hadn’t heard it and dr said surgery didn’t impact it but mine is worse also.

I posted last week but am so much better a week later. I’m not as depressed. My bend today at pt on day 16 was 117. My only issue now is my heart rate is elevated most of the time even at rest, 85-115. It was 130 at pt but decreased fairly quickly after. Dr doesn’t seem concerned. He said it’s my pain, meds and stress. Anyone else have this? I’m walking with no cane or walker but tend to throw my foot out to the left when I step. That’s my next goal: to walk properly. My pt guy said I had one of the best recoveries he has seen, so I’m thankful. Still just don’t feel myself… hungry but don’t want to eat, etc. So tired. Take lots of naps. My main message is that weekly we all will see progress. I think I need prayerful patience. All of your posts really help me not to feel so isolated. Thank you!!!