Posted by: Hummer on December 19, 2008 1:02PM EST I am so sorry you are in so much pain. I had a total knee replacement about six months ago. The recovery has been much longer and more painful than I expected. I still feel discomfort when I walk (which, granted, is better than the pain was), but there are times pain will come out of nowhere and about flatten me. I have assumed the pain was from damaged nerves trying to reattach, or muscles still healing and stregthening, or a pressure shift on the bone when I wear different shoes. The pain type (ache or sharp stabbing, etc.) varies so I don't think it's the same cause each time. I say all this to let you know, no one I've talked to has ever completely gotten away from pain with the replacements - the pain is just different now and tolerable when all is considered. What you describe sounds like a serious problem. I have a co-worker who had almost exactly the same problem you describe with her knee. X-rays revealed nothing. She finally ended up going to an out-of-area orthopaedic surgeon who performed a new replacement. He discovered once into the knee that the original artifical joint was set "backwards". This co-worker has not had a problem at all since the second surgery. If you have ruled out infection, allergic reations to the "glue" or the material of the artifical joint, then perhaps a second opinion would be best at this point. Best of luck to you.

Posted by: pat59 on December 19, 2008 9:01PM EST I've had 3 knee replacements, one did get loose after 7 years, and they revised it...None of the knee replacements bothered me after the healing time, and i'm glad i got them.. I have gotten away from pain, having the knee replacements, Have you had a recent xray?...If the doctor suspects something wrong, they also do a nuclear bone scan, to further see whats going Sometime, when i am flaring from my RA, i will get that burnign RA pain, even in a knee replacement, that is normal Good luck, hope you get this resolved quickly

Posted by: Susie on January 5, 2009 4:33PM EST I had knee replacement Dec. 07, and I never had good bend, or straightening, even after 8 months of physical therapy at three different establishments. For three months I was basically bed-bound, which is hard for an avid runner and former aerobics instructor. I finally demanded that the doctor do something, as the pain was astronomical and he went in and replaced the knee in Sept. 08 with a much smaller knee. This one bends and straightens, but the pain is still at an extreme level, and most days I am again laying down just trying to cope. I have done the pain clinics, the massage and even the voodoo doctors, and nothing is working. I can't even get groceries or go to Target anymore and I'm only 51 and otherwise, in excellent health. Going to try a neurologist this month and see if they can lead me down any path that will reduce the pain. Pain is from the hip down, and the worst is at the ankle - just as it was in the Dec. knee replacement. The surgeon says 'sorry you are having a tough time and eventually it should get better', but to me it is five months out, following three months of physical therapy, and although the knee functions, the pain is becoming more and more unbearable. Any answers are welcome. Thanks Sz

Posted by: Karen on January 12, 2009 3:07PM EST I had my total knee replacement July 24, 2008. I have been in excruciating pain since the end of September. It feels like you put an ace bandage as tight as you can get it around the knee, and use another ace bandage and tie it in knots as hard and tight as you can get it. Then top it with a 20 lb weight. The shin bone feels like it is breaking horizontally down the leg. This is constant and never ending. I have not had more than 3 hours of sleep a night since the surgery. My Dr did xrays in his office in Sept and Oct. Said everything looked fine and it just takes time to heal. Then in December 08 he looked at the xrays again and said he saw a fine line between the bone and the prostesthis (?). I went today for the bone scan (1/12/09) will let you all know what the results are as I find out. I too, have trouble grocery shopping, have to use a electric cart, because I cannot walk through the store. I cannot get down to my basement, I have to have a sister to go down once a week to get meats out of my freezer. The shin bone kills me when I drive, so I drive very limited distances, no more that 25 miles and that is on a rare occasion. I am in constant pain, and try getting pain pills! I am talking tylenol 3 with codiene, not oxycodiene or anything stronger. When family calls from out of state, all you can talk about it your pain, and what you cannot do.

Posted by: Jenn on January 19, 2009 11:58PM EST wow! I came on here to help my dad find some answers to his questions. He had a total knee done in November. He says it still hurts and feels warm to the touch to him and still swollen. He goes back to see his surgeon for a re check in a month. Sounds like he isn't the only one in this position. He is 72. I hope everyone gets better soon! Please post more info when you get it on your conditions Susie and Karen!

Posted by: Dot on January 27, 2009 11:50PM EST I, too, had a replacement in April '08. I was wondering if I should be further along in my recovery but apparently there are others out there that are having problems too. I am still in alot of pain; a different kind of pain though than before. I wake up alot at night and don't get a full nights sleep. I think others that have never experienced this type of pain/surgery think I should be all better and should be back to where I was before my knee injury (the replacement was my 6th knee surgery). I'm happy to know there are others that are experiencing the some of the same things that I am.

Posted by: corina on February 2, 2009 2:36PM EST I'm 38 and had my TKR done in July 2008. The pain I feel now is nothing compared to the pain I experienced before surgery. The knee is solid as a rock and I just love being able to walk once again. However, when my arthritis flares up I still have the same pain in the new knee that I have in the other joints. Weird huh? I can say that atleast I can now walk and that the pain is not constant. I figure seven months out that's pretty good considoring what the doctor did tearing into my knee like that. For those of you still hurting keep your chin up. It does get better. This surgery is HUGE. People heal at different rates. Good luck.

Posted by: corina on February 2, 2009 2:39PM EST By the way. Make sure you have done your research to find the most qualified Ortho surgeon. i just love mine!

Posted by: Lou Landers on February 12, 2009 6:08PM EST I had a TRK 18 months ago and still have chronic pain on the inside of my knee, pins and needle pain around the patella moving into the thigh, chronic swelling, difficult walking and climbing stairs but worst problem is my leg goes numb from the knee down to the foot about 5-6 time a month. Now, I can say the pain that I was in before the TRK has gone and this is all new stuff. I've addressed this with my Doctor and he does not know why it is still hurting or in pain. I've use Iontophoresis for the chronic swelling with no help at all and he recommend a manipulation of my TRK joint in narcosis bent. I was put to sleep and the surgeon passively bending my knee to 90 degrees or more but it did not help. I served in the Military for 20 + years and was extremely active but now my life style has completely changed because of the TRK. Any help, suggestion or advise.

Posted by: Marilyn on Feb.14,2009 10:30pm on February 14, 2009 11:43PM EST I had replacement in 04 and then on 06 right first then left then right again and i am in pain 90% of the time. I can't walk but short distances pushing a basket while shopping helps but not for long.I can't bend i have done water therapy and pt but nothing helps any ideas. I'm 57

Posted by: wanda baggett on February 15, 2009 8:59PM EST I had mine done in 2002 and the pain after surgery was agonizing. The pain has lessened but my knee still hurts and sometimes it's pretty bad. My other knee needs surgery but I refuse to do it because I had such a hard time with the first one. My surgeon was one of the best around and some other people have not have the problems I have but I have also talked to many that would not do it again. My surgeon told me that the knee was one of the most painful surgerys. Worse than hip and ankle.

Posted by: leslie vahn on February 19, 2009 2:23PM EST I'm amazed at how similar so many peoples stories are to mine. This is somewhat comforting, but very scary. Marion, I'm sorry you are having so much pain with your replaced knee. I can relate. I was in terrible pain for at least 9 months. I was told by the doctor not everyone recovers at the same rate, had all the xrays, CT scans, sent to specialist to see if other reasons. I'm still on 400 miligrams 3x/day. I will tell you I eventually got past the constant pain, but still had to use a cane to walk for about 1-1/2 years. It is tolerable now, even though disappointing, most of the time, I accept that it will never be pain free. I don't know if that helped any, but hang in there. Keep telling your doctor you are hurting whether he likes it or not. Have them perform all necessary tests to rule out any other problems. Have you talked to your primary care doctor? My primary care is actually been more understanding and helpful in the long run. The ortho surgeon is very good as well, but after all is a surgeon and wants to hear success stories. I'm new and came here hoping to find people who also had similar issues. I have had one knee replaced in September, 2006, and also have a great deal of difficulty walking any distances without a cane. I use the cart as a walker when shopping & am in pain when standing. I have not known anyone else who had this much difficulty after knee replacement until now. Everyone I know is pain free after knee replacement. It's very disappointing and I probably won't replace the other one which is painful too. The knee thing has caused chronic problems with my back as well. I do as much walking as I can and try to stay involved in things I enjoy as much as possible, but I do get very frustrated because of the limitations. I would like to know how others deal with their frustrations. Is there anyone who has had thumb joint replacement? I've been putting it off, but because of other health issues, have had to stop the cortizone injections. If anyone has had thumb joint replacement, I'd like to hear your comments.

Posted by: Lynn on February 21, 2009 4:59PM EST I, too, am amazed at the number of people who are experiencing continued pain after their TKR. Sometimes you feel like you are alone in this boat. I had LTKR in April of '08 and the RTKR in August of '08. I'm now 6months out from the last one and 10 months out from the first one and I, too, am still experiencing pain. Fortunately, mine is not excruciating, but it is still THERE. I have tried so hard to stay away from the Norco, but when they're really killing me (like today) I have to give in. Ibuprofen screws up my stomach and Tylenol does nothing. Sometimes I can go a day or two without taking anything, but as often as not its a 1/2 -1 a day. I know this isn't much compared to others who are suffering greatly here, but the constant pain is wearing me down. In addition, now that my knees are somewhat better than they were before the surgery, I have severe osteoarthritis in my left ankle that has been flaring up weekly. It's a killer pain. Guess I'm just venting today, but WHY oh WHY is this surgery not successful for so many? Logic tells me that with "new" mechanical knees there should be no pain and yet it persists. OS says everything's "looking good." Whoopee - then WHY am I still in pain??? Please know that I am with all who are not as satisfied (or even dissatisfied) with their TKRs. My hopes and prayers are that all of you will experience improvement as time goes by. One can only hope...

Posted by: marina moots on February 24, 2009 6:50PM EST I had my TKR in August 08. Went back to work full time in October. I walk alot during the day but when I do longer distances it is still difficult. My pain is different also than before. My knee has been totally shot since high school sports. I had severe OA and was bone on bone. At least I can walk through stores, do grocery shopping etc. I do get swelling still around the knee and feels like a rock at the joint. I have been told that this will go away in time. Being 6 months out, I don't know if I would do it again, but the pain was severly worse prior to surgery. I keep a cain at work and in the car should I need it. Rather use it than not. Keep the chin up and keep on going.

Posted by: Kathy on February 27, 2009 12:36PM EST I had a LTKR in October 2007, and remain in pain every step I take.

Posted by: JIMMY CORLEY on February 27, 2009 5:41PM EST WHY ? I ask after 14 months of total knee replacement I"m still having pain in my knee, the PAIN is getting in my upper and lower leg now.The doctor said it will take time ( WHAT ) I"m 65 , I don"t have time. ( HELP )

Posted by: Ginger on February 28, 2009 5:47PM EST My husband just went though TKR a week ago. He had so much pain in the hospital that it was hard getting it under control. They used a femoral block which they said would keep him out of pain at least for the first couple of days. Not! After coming home and just trying to get from the bed to the bathroom, the pain is so severe in the entire leg from the hip to the ankle. His thigh is the worst. He sometimes feels that he won't be able to take another step. Then when he gets off his feet it takes about 20 minutes until it finally settles down. He also complains with being extremely cold when the pain hits. That goes away when the pain subsides. He is on oxycodon and is taking 1 every hour but still it does not stop the pain. The home nurse says this is not normal and the Doctor says he does not know why he is having that extreme of pain in the thigh and lower leg. The pain meds should help. If anyone has had this similiar pain or knows someone who has, let us know so I can talk to the doctor with something more than I have now. I understand this is just the first week, but everyone says the pain should not be this bad on pain meds.

Posted by: Tricia on March 5, 2009 6:08PM EST I came here looking for answers. I had my RTKR in June 2008. There hasn't been a time since then that I haven't been in pain. But it's become worse in the last 6 weeks - to the point that like most of you, I'm no longer shopping or really doing much of anything that requires me to stand or walk. It is wearing me down as well. Saw my OS yesterday to go over results of nuclear bone scan and lab work...no infection or loosening. He tells me he has never had a patient come out of a TKR with chronic pain (which I'm not sure I believe), so he is "stumped". Fortunately, we live near LA so he is referring me to UCLA for further evaluation. I'm 55 and the TKR was the third surgery following a tibia plateau fracture. I didn't really have a choice - my femur had twisted and was sitting on top of the tibia...but if I had to do it over again, I might seriously consider a fusion vs the TKR. Good luck to everyone in the same situation.

Posted by: Carol on March 6, 2009 9:56AM EST I had LTKR in Sept/2008 and it is nearly 6 mos since then. My pain is mostly at the left side of the kneecap and I think it's probably due to scar tissue. I try and massage the area every day in the hope of breaking the stuff down a little and I think it helps some. I also get on my stationary bike for 10 or 15 mts each day. I've noticed that each couple of weeks the leg feels a bit better and hopefully in time it'll get a lot better. There's no swelling unless I'm on it for a long time. I still have to get the right knee done and although I have more mobility in the right one that's not been done I think the left one is definitely more stable. The right one has been "giving out" lately and I'm more afraid of that happening as it can be painful. Good luck to everyone getting the operation, hopefully things will improve.

Posted by: C.J. Michael on March 16, 2009 3:12PM EST I have grade 4 osteoarthritis in both knees! I have been told I need TKR in both knees. I found this website and am very disheartened to read of all the pain and suffering so many of you are still in long afterwards! Could anyone offer advice based on what you have learned or what you wish you had known, etc. for someone who is planning to have this done? Thanks!!

Posted by: Janet Leigh on March 17, 2009 10:35AM EST I had a TKR in January 2008. A year and more has passed and I am far from happy about it. The only time I am not in pain is when I am sat in a chair. Even on getting up, I have the stiffness, find it difficult to walk up and down stairs in a normal manner, it twinges painfully getting in and out of the car. After I have walked around a couple of shops or supermarket, I feel extremely uncomfortable and head home. I have always been an extremely active person so this has changed my life considerably. Going for a proper walk is out of the question and I am still taking pain killers if I am going out. I also find alot of pain in bed at night and have very restless nights, often getting up to make tea. What the problem is, I have no idea but there is alot of tenderness on the left side of the kneecap and it has a burning feeling, not dis-similiar to the pain before. My Dr doesn't have a solution but thankfully still lets me have the painkillers. I am going for my first year check-up next week and will have an X-Ray and speak with the Surgeon, hopefully he will be able to give me hope for a more painfree existence. After reading all these posts, I am amazed that there are so many people suffering - no-one tells you about all this before you opt for the operation!

Posted by: Cheryl on March 23, 2009 2:37PM EST I am interested in the number of folks who have taken medication for blood clot/ blood thinners? My husband had TKR right knee in 2003 and TKE left knee Dec 2008. The leg pain is very severe; and this time he had a possible blood clot so they put him on blood thinners. He took these Dec, Jan and stopped in early Feb after reading about leg pain being a common condition with blood thinners. He does the best he can but the pain is still there. uses vicodin and now just got a RX for Pirioxcam????

Posted by: Serena on March 26, 2009 2:17PM EST I had a TKR in Sep 2008, worked very hard with the physiotherapist for a month. At my 6 week visit with the surgeon I complained that I have extreme pain more than before the surgery, he informed me that I was in the top 3% of patients healing fast. He also informed me that he performed cement less fixation and that will take longer to heal as the bone has to grow around the prosthesis and is more painful but better lasting. I am 53 and very young to have had this procedure done, 30 years ago they removed the entire cartilage and this resulted in the TKR. I went back to work after 3 weeks (much too quickly) some days I was hopping around on one leg as I could not put any weight on the operated one, went back to crutches on and off. Over the Christmas period I went on leave to rest my leg and went back to work in January. Upon my return to work I met with so much stress and accusations that I landed in the ER with chest pains. Since then I have been booked off work by my GP and is receiving unemployment insurance as I have used my sick leave. My GP has prescribed various pain medications that have no affect. I am now at 6 months still with extreme pain and feel like a cripple, can't do much as I pay the consequence at night. To look for another less demanding job is out of the question as I am still in too much pain and I am positive that I will loose my current position after 8 years. What do you do if you can not go back to work a very depressing thought for me? It certainly has encouraged me to have read that I am not alone in suffering with pain.

Posted by: Mabel on March 31, 2009 12:05AM EST Ginger, I totally understand the pain your husband is in. I had TKR in Sept. 2008, my OS started therapy the next day, I cannot begin to tell you the pain that I was in but I am sure you already know. In November of 2008, I was still in alot of pain and the knee was not bending properly (straightening was ok) considering all the pain I was in. My OS suggested that I have a manipulation for the bending, so they put me under and bent to over 90 degrees. They also put in a pain blocker in the femeral nerve. The blocker has caused additional pain to my thigh, it caused the leg not to be able to straighten properly due to excruciating pain in the thigh area. I told my OS and he suggested I see a neurologist, I was tested for nerve and muscle damage and have been told there is no damage but I can tell you that my thigh has not been the same since that blocker was put in. It has been 4 months since that and my knee still hurts and so does my thigh. Wish I could tell you that it will be better soon but I can tell you for myself that it has been a long haul. I am glad to know that I am not crazy. there are others out there that are suffering with the same problems. Hope his recovery is much shorter than mine.

Posted by: Toni on April 3, 2009 5:30AM EST I had my TKR in Dec. of 2007. I have had nothing but constant misery since. From day one I tried to tell them something wasn't right. The pain behind my knee in the back of the leg where it bends felt like something was getting trapped all the time making it very difficult to bend the knee in rehab. Since then I have lost alot of range of motion. I am in constant pain 24/7, 365 and pain pills don't work for me. My whole leg hurts something terrible, especially in the shin and down by the ankle and still in the back. I have lost so much ability to be able to do anything anymore I basically just sit on my days off. I can't sleep but for a few minutes at a time due to the discomfort. The doc's keep telling me the implant looks good. Well I wasn't in this bad of shape before I had it done. I am a registered nurse and my soul support. It has made it extremely difficult for me to work my shifts. I told my doctor I would have to be six foot under before I would let him touch my other knee. I have since got a second opinion to no avail. I never dreamed I would end up in this kind of shape. If I had my other knee done I would probably not be able to work. I am 54. Boy do I miss tub baths!!

Posted by: Toni on April 3, 2009 6:57AM EST I forgot to add with my last post that I too had the manipulation done. It didn't help. Lots of pain on the left side of my knee and thigh also like alot of you have. Basically the whole leg is a mess and screaming in pain all the time. My doc. was wondering if I hadn't developed the condition called Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy. Look it up and read about it. No cure for it if that is what I have and it sounds miserable but it can occur after trauma and surgery. We sure all need answers. It's very easy to be the one saying "I am so sorry this didn't work out for you," when you aren't the one in agony.

Posted by: Pat on April 3, 2009 8:28PM EST I had my TKR in Dec. of 08 and can relate to almost everyone. I know it hasn't been very long, but I am very disappointed in the results. After 5 weeks of PT, I still couldn't bend my knee. I had a manipulation done and it has helped somewhat but I still have difficulty bending and straightening my knee. I have pain down the middle of my leg and at the ankle. The pain wakes me up at night. I use to shop often, now it's all I can do to get grocery before the pain sets in. I'm constantly taking over the counter medication which doesn't help much. I was told it would take at least 6 -8 months before I see any real results. I have good days and really bad days. I return to my OS in June and I hope I am doing much better because I don't want to go through the remainder of my life limping.

Posted by: bob on April 5, 2009 4:06PM EST My surgery is 6 weeks old a right tka and during the night my leg twittes and cause me sleepless nights pain meds like tylenol does not work any comments

Posted by: Fran on April 5, 2009 4:20PM EST I had RTKR 10/2004--full recovery in about 3 months. Had LTKR 1/2005--and it never felt "right"--I complained to doc immediately after surgery. I did OK--just could never be as active as before. Need both hips replaced and, altho right one is worse, the left leg hurt more--so we did that leftn hip first and did the new anterior hip replacement method -- which is wonderful. All the pain in left leg went away after left hip replacement EXCEPT for pain in left knee. Come to find out my DePuy left knee implant failed. So...January 2009 had that removed and a different implant placed in the left knee. 2 1/2 months later, I still have pain in left knee--sometime aches across knee and always feels like I have shin splints. I successfully completed PT for knee, but still have pain. New doc who did hip and left knee revision says a revision is harder surgery and takes longer to heal. Now right hip is killing me, cortisone intraocular hip injections no longer work, and I am beginning to limp which throws everything out of place. I am scheduled for anterior right hip replacement 5/7/09, and am not concerned as my other hip did fine and I was pain free and able to do anything with hip within 4 weeks. My main concern remains with my left knee and the constant shin splints. I did learn: if your doctor does not work with you--change. My original doc kept saying my problems were bursitis and to ice hips and bicycle. When he finally took x-rays, they showed my hips were boith bine on bone. Yet he continued to say to ice. I also learned: if you need hip replacement, do the new anterior method--no posture limitations, you are walking the same day as surgery, you recover in 4 weeks. I also learned" knee revision is terrible--I forgot how hard knee replacement surgery is and how long it takes to heal and be pain free--the revision is worse as doc has to chisel out the old and then put in a new one that has longer stems that go into femur and tibia. If your family and friends do not have horrible arthritis, they simply do not understand the pain and continued difficulty in mobility. At least this site lets me know that the pain isn't in my head and others experience similar issues.

Posted by: Jane on April 7, 2009 3:09PM EST I had left tkr Dec 08, I still can't straighten completely and bend like I did before the surgery. I get lmuscle spasms I guess on the outside of the knee that wake me up with pain. It hurts and is stiff all the time. When I wake up it is like I am starting all over again. I will be 53 next week. I have to take pain pills to sleep. I am so ready for this to get better.

Posted by: Claudia Myles on April 10, 2009 12:29PM EST I have had two total knee replacements, 7 years ago, since a few months ago I was feeling great, now I have pain in my left leg & knee, went to my doctor, every 3 months taking x-rays to see how the metal is doing, he said the metal has moved but he's watching & comparing the x-rays, now it's April & I'm in alot of pain, I take tylenol & pain killers. I walk upstairs good with my right leg but not my left leg. I also have trouble with my back & sciatic nerve. I have had shots in my back.

Posted by: NeCosha on April 18, 2009 7:41PM EST Hat's off, to all of you, for sharing your comments I had my knee surgery in Jan. still cannot fuly straighten my leg, knee will not go flat, I'm soo disgusted, sometime I wonder, but I was in so much pain, I'm still having pain, but must go back to work, they are going to say, I thought you had surgery, pray for me

Posted by: Deb Gibbs on April 20, 2009 1:40PM EST I have had four knee surgeries in the past three years. First was R knee - arthroscopy for meniscus tear, then R tkr, the L tkr, then arthroscopy in R knee again for scar tissure removal. I had so much scar tissue that the surgeon couldn't believe I was walking. Now my left knee is in a lot of pain - always has been since tkr but much concentration of treatment was on R knee. Now I'm looking at a possible lateral release on my left knee. Are there people who never, never heal?

Posted by: Patricia S on April 20, 2009 4:51PM EST You may be in pain but it can always be worse. I am 38 years old, and as a result of being hit by a car when I was 11, I have had to date a total of 20 knee surgeries between both R and L knees. I have had 10 arthroscopic surgeries R&L, 3 Fulkerson procedures R&L; 1 cartilage replacement surgery Left, and 1 TKR of the left knee in 2008. And yes I still have some pain, and on occasion I need some pain meds, especially when it rains a lot. I can’t stand for extended periods of time. Or walk extremely long distances without taking a break. The pain is there but it is a different kind of pain, and most importantly for me it is a pain that I can still live with. It is definitely better than what I had prior to surgery, and I have finally accepted that I will never be pain free. I will be having my right knee replaced within the next year, and look forward to it. I have a great orthopedic surgeon and great physical therapists who I have been working with for years. Please know that in most cases it will get better in time and can even take at least 2-3 years to completely heal. For those that are still experiencing extreme pain all I can say is that I am sorry and truly understand what you are going through.

Posted by: Gerel on May 1, 2009 12:01AM EST I had TKR on March 2009. Going under, being on meds and others pain medications caused me to lose my appetite (I lost 15 pounds), have deep depression and anxiety attacks. Those are better and the pain in my right knee was minimal until last Wednesday. I have had many weeks of physical therapy and the pt said I was way ahead of schedule with my mobility and knee bending, etc. Before I got my pain again I was doing so well with walking, etc. I was still stiff upon getting up after sitting but doing well otherwise. I see my OP doctor tomorrow and will find out why I am having so much pain again after doing so well. By the way, I am 62. My heart goes out to all of you who are suffering and hope you get answers and healing. God bless you all.

Posted by: c kelly on May 4, 2009 8:58PM EST I wish I kept my own knee after seeing so many people with so much pain including myself. It doesn't even feel like my own. I had it done in March of 2008. I miss myself gardening and shopping. I was told I need my right knee done. I really don't know. My prayers go out to all of you. I am in Virginia if anyone wants to wirte to my e-mail.

Posted by: sherwood kneebone on May 4, 2009 10:22PM EST i had a tkr on april 6 2009 some days when walking with a cane it pains but i can manage it but every time i have pt my leg aches and pains as if it were the first day after surgery al i ever heard was people saying how great it was having the tkr but i'm beginning to doubt people with stories because mine still hurts like h

Posted by: Rick on May 7, 2009 11:32AM EST I am 3 months out, I healed and rehabbed very quickly 125 degree bend........my knee however continues to be very stiff and sore, especially on stairs, so much so I started to search out others TKR results...... Having done so, I am less than impressed with the chances of success with this surgery, given all that I have read from others....... I have come to regret ever having had this surgery as from what I have read from others results it has not been very encouaging!!!All that this operation has achieved for me is that I have exchanged one set of circumstances and pain for another, and not fo the better!!! If you are considering this operation, I strongly suggest you know what you are getting into and what to expect when it has been done, I didn't or I never would have had it and am regretting my decision every day!!! dealing with the arthritis was bad enough, but at least you did have a good day every month, with this operation there are no good days and nothing to look forward to except more surgery and pain in the future!!! Good luck

Posted by: Fubar on May 7, 2009 12:03PM EST This is a must read for those planning on under going a TKR http://rheumatology.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/44/8/1032

Posted by: Peter Moore on May 11, 2009 5:23PM EST I am 69 of age and a club cyclist T N R Nov o8. I have the greatest sympathy for all who have suffered great pain after T N Rs but I feel I must answer Rick may 07 for in my own experience I have had 100% succesful outcome I thought Physio Therapist were not effective so I employed a sport injury therapist within a month I was walking up to 5 miles a day without aid and now at 6 months i am cycling 40 miles (low gears ) twice a week. and apart from the first 2 days when I was on a morphine pump I have not needed pain killers. I dont know if the type of replacement used has anything to do with this as the one I saw on my xray, does not resemble anything that I have seen on the internet .I an apointment withmy surgeon 21 may I will ask him what type he used and post answer later. If I were to end up with the same level of pain in my right knee that forced me to have my left knee replaced I would have no hesitation in having the operation. I hope all sufferers get relief from their pain P. M.

Posted by: Rick on May 13, 2009 7:37PM EST I am pleased to hear that you are a success story pm........I have read to many cases though that have gone the other way and would really like to know what the real numbers are......the report Fubar has posted only reinforces my belief and would appear that more medical and academics are also taking notice of how these success stories had been reported in the past by doctors and manufactures....... Where there is smoke there is fire....

Posted by: Frank on May 17, 2009 7:28AM EST I'm age 60 male - TKR no. 1 (L) was in Dec. 06. recovery went well and no complaints (except for grinding sound when it bends). TKR no 2 (R) was Dec. 08 - no full ROM after 5 months, so Dr. plans to do the forced breaking of scar tissue in 12 days- wish me luck! my pain is tolerable, but I can relate to all stories on this post - best wishes to all.

Posted by: Grace Chow on May 23, 2009 8:17PM EST I had a total knee replacement surgery on my right knee in Sep. 2008. It's been almost 9 months now since the surgery, and the knee is still stiff. I need another surgery on my left knee but I'm dreading having to do it. I have very bad knee arthritis. I hobble around with 2 canes now. Grace

Posted by: Trix on May 24, 2009 8:30PM EST I had LTKR Dec/05 - i adhered to the plan and took all the pain meds including morphine and oxycontin -i am a firm believer in taking those very good medications for PAIN - if used for pain as recommended u will NOT become addicted to them - sadly they receive a lot of bad press. I wanted to have total range of motion as my friend who had TKR as well, did not take the narcotic meds and did not get total range of motion even after having the knee 're-manipulated' under anesthetic. There is no way u can move the knee and exercise it with tylenol 3 or advil - i have total range of motion BUT had ongoing pain on the kneecap and as usual - since the surgery is probably the most painful of any replacement surgeries - your doc - or my doc - i dont think was listening to what i was really saying when i said i had pain in the knee cap - like it was not tracking properly. He kept saying it takes time - but i know my body very well and i knew after a year that is was definitly something that needed attention - regardless of how much i could bend the knee. So, after saying 'Yes' to more surgery if need be, a MRI or cat was done and sure enough i needed TKR revision. Thank the goddess he referred me to a saint. Again, i took the heavy duty meds - thats what they are for - and again i have to say- when taken for pain u will not become addicted - dont believe that stuff. They may make u feel nauseous and u may throw up - but if u want to bend the knee - take it - change brands - percocet is noted for causing nausea - just use oxucontin or morphine - combined with tylenol and maybe some other arthritis meds u have taken before such as 'froben'. The only downside to the TKR revision was the physio therapy hospital - who i swear had a 'Doctor drop out' for the head doc - who not only did not want to continue with the medication i was prescibed, when he did finally decide to 'let me' take oxycontin and morhine is necessary he would not allow the tylenol and froben that i had been taking before for the other arthritis - so i just had my son bring me the meds. He obviously had an oxycontin/morphine mental block. How he expected the patients to adhere to the physio regime on just tylenol 3 or advil i have no idea and nothing irks me more than a doctor not having a clear understanding of how pain meds work. Anyone who has done any work in addictions and harm reduction will gladly explain what ive been saying about pain meds and addictons. Now that ive had the LTKR revision - i have no pain in the knee cap area - but my arthritis has worsened and i do have considerable pain in my shin. Both feet feel cold all the time. I am often wakened during the nite because of the feeling of cold feet. I must also say that could be due to back surgery i have had - that i think needs redoing also. I also suffer from fibromyalgia- which aggravates it all when i have a flare up. It takes a bit of work to know if its fibro or arthitis that is making things ache- but ultimately i am still in ongoing pain daily. I would say a category 8 - 10 always. If i take muscle relaxants or nerve meds i get a little relief but i am then too fuzzy to appreciate it. Over time i have learned to do things to take my mind off the pain as i sincerely doubt ts not going to go away ever. it prevents me from exercising which in turn prevents me from making or keeping the musculature i have now - which isnt much. And being a couch or chair or bed potato doesnt help with the weight either. God bless u all for the pain and anxiety that u share. All i can say is keep hoping for a brighter future and dont think the docs are gods - challenge them and ask for more MRI's or cat scans or bone scans to confirm your pain. Keep doing as much as u can to try to lessen it, keeping in mind that it just may never get much better and then adapt.

Posted by: Maureen on May 25, 2009 6:08AM EST I am writing this at 5 am because after having my tkr on my left leg 6 ,months ago Im wondering why it still hurts. Im 48 and had my right knee done 2 yrs ago and its fine. It just feels different this time. I got off pain meds after 3 months .I take otc, tylenol and such.I notice alot of people saying they cant sleep well because of the discomfort. Mine doesnt seem to be as bad as some of you so good luck to you all.

Posted by: Mary on May 25, 2009 8:37PM EST My mother-in-law (74) just had a TKR. She had about 10 days of good therapy, then developed severe swelling and cellulitis. She said that since the surgery her ankle and foot have hurt so bad and now it is unbearable. She cannot flex her foot and cannot put weight on the leg b/c of her foot/ankle (not the knee). The surgeon just told her to stop her PT and keep her leg elevated for a few weeks. Anyone have these issues?

Posted by: Elaine Hubbard on June 1, 2009 6:59PM EST I am not alone!!! I am 52, in August 2006 I had a rkr,with complications afterwards, 3 months done the line I had to have a maluplation, without success, except more pain. I had X-rays, checked for infections, intense physio therapy, to no avail. I went back to see my surgeon, who then sent me for a second opion, they decided in March 2008 to do another replacement having found the knee had become loose. (yes) they finally heard me. Hoping and praying that this would be worth while. Oh No!! still the pain was there, I was put on Fentanyl patches to control the pain, which I must say did work for a while, but I was out of it, sleeping mood swings, this was not the answer, so I came of these morphine patches and tried to cope with the pain myself. as time as gone by the pain has become excrutiating, unable to walk far, do shopping. generaly taking every day tasks away. 2 months ago I had an X-Ray and guess what, all was okay, I then went to see my surgeon about 4 weeks ago, and my first words were please chop this knee of I can't bear the pain - I was begging for help. But was told that I had to go to Pain Management, which is on the 30th June Yes!!! I have to wait this long. I am so frustrated with it all, and while I wait so the pain gets worse. Where do i go from here! apart from maybe scream and stamp my feet (so to speak)..My sympathy really goes out to you all. Something has to be done. The pain is worse than before the trk. Why put ourselves through all this. I ask myself., I would never entertain having a replacement again. I really thought it was all in my head, till I found this site. good luck to you all, any comments welcome.

Posted by: Jo on June 9, 2009 4:43AM EST I had a TKR in 1999, every pain and owie mentioned I have, but no one mentioned the knee swelling after sitting or doing grocery shopping. By the time I finish shopping, both my knees are swollen and the pain is extreme. I take Hydromorphine and still in extreme pain, from my hips to my/ and including feet, it even make my back hurt, and am bent over the basket by the time I leave the market. Even traveling only 300 miles, stopping every 45 minutes to walk a little, my knees are so swollen an in excruciating pain. Several of my friends have had the same surgery with little or no pain. I am so glad I found this column, I was starting to feel like I was a hypochonriac, or mentally deranged

Posted by: irene hudson on June 9, 2009 3:29PM EST i had tkr in both knees in 2003, my rt.knee is hurting, what is the problem

Posted by: Anonymous on June 15, 2009 12:22PM EST What would cause extreme pain getting up?

Posted by: Jim on June 16, 2009 9:25AM EST I Had a total knee replacement on Feb 2 2009 i regained over 130 in movement and was don with therapy in 5 visits. was told all i had to do now is heal now knee has pain 100% of the time. when i stand after sitting it is all i can do to put weight on the leg at night my knee aches all night long my doctor took x-rays and said everything is good just needs to heal. seems to be getting worse not better. i have lots of questions but i have or can find any answers.

Posted by: Moe on June 26, 2009 8:26AM EST I had a RTKR on Jan. 27th of this year and I feel mixed about the results. I am 43 and had torn my ACL as a teenager and was bone on bone and knee was very unstable popping out and locking at any given moment. I just finished 4 months of PT and my knee feels stable and can walk without a limp now and straighten it but I am disappointed with how little it bends. I am over 90 degrees and when it's pushed (with a lot of pain) will hit 105. My Dr. thinks I could get another 10 degrees out of it still over the rest of the year recovery period. It seemed right after surgery with home PT I was getting it to 115 degrees. It still gets very stiff at times which they say is normal. I wish I had researched more before having the surgery about the good and the bad. I wish everyone relief from their pain.

Posted by: Jeff on June 30, 2009 12:58PM EST Hello all, I'm a 44 yr. old male & had LTKR on 03/17/09 happy St. Patty's day to me haha.I have done all my rehab faithfully 3 days a week at facility & at home.Early on I could not get above 90 degrees on the flex & 16-20 on the extension. I went in for a manipulation on 06/01/09...not a horrible procedure as I was awake & watched it. It only took 6 minutes & has helped some. My best flex was 107 with pain & extension is still not correct 12-14. Anyone else having issues with the extension as I continue to limp & it is giving me all kinds of pains in other parts of my body. In addition, I have major pain (hinders rehab) where the meniscus used to be. My doc says time, time, time. Time my ass I need to know whats up with this extension & that pain in the meniscus area. I see him tomorrow 07/01/09 lets see what he says. Ill keep you posted..good luck everyone..

Posted by: kathy on July 5, 2009 11:08PM EST Had TKR on right knee Sept. 2008. Had left knee done March 2009. Had two different surgeons as to one of them being injured and could not perform the left TKR. The left knee is doing really good after only 4 months but the right knee has a lot of pain when I get up after sitting for a awhile. After a few steps it gets easier to walk. No pain at night, and I dont have to take any pain killers, but I wonder why the right knee is so stiff when I get up from a standing position. Also after I mow and weedeat the yard it takes a day or so to recover because the knees get really sore. Even with these problems I still beleive that a TKR is totally worth it.. It just takes time and one has to remember that a artifical knee is not going to be as good as the real thing. Good luck to all of you who are having a lot of problems.

Posted by: Patricia on July 6, 2009 6:55PM EST Hello My husband had a full knee done in Febuary and he has had skin problems and one side of his knee he cannot feel also his knee sometimes gives way. He his other knee done in 2004 which was only half a knee and it was fine he wise he just had half a replaced this time. Like some else that look on here I was seeing if it would tell that it well get better in time I was wrong. The last knee op was 2009

Posted by: Linda on July 7, 2009 12:07PM EST Here's a positive report: I had a TKR in October. I had no pain post-operatively, and the pain at home was manageable with the drugs the doctor prescribed. I had 90 degrees of flexion before I left the hospital. Knee is strong as steel and I can walk for miles (though I notice my feet give out first now.) The new knee doesn't feel natural and gets stiff if I sit for a period of time, but it doesn't hurt at all. The other knee, which is also arthritic, is faring much better, apparently no longer taking the brunt on behalf of my "bad" knee.

Posted by: Joanne on July 9, 2009 1:58AM EST Everyone might think I'm nuts but if it helps someone here, that's why I'm posting. Lyme disease is at epidemic proportions in every state, every spec of the globe. It mimics 350 different diseases, with arthritis of the knee, joint pain, inflammation of that area unbearable. So very many people I know who have had hip and/or knee replacement surgeries who did not heal properly were never tested or questioned about lyme to begin with. It gets into connective tissue, into the bone, know people who have had holes in their femurs leaving docs scratching their heads, but all due to lyme, degenerating discs, same thing, bugs get in there and chew away. check with the internation lyme disease association, or national lyme disease association and see if the symptoms fit any of you. Just maybe lyme is an underlying issue not allowing you to heal properly? Just thought for all. I'm one who went undiagnosed for 35 years, gave birth to two sons with chronic, late stage lyme in the brains and both have dealt with knee, leg pains that have been unbearable. Good luck to all.

Posted by: Cindy on July 9, 2009 5:37PM EST I am experiencing pain in the left side of my knee. Had TKR in Jan.2009. Have felt good until just the other day when I could hardly stand on my knee. I am just thinking that it is going to take time for the whole knee thing to heal. I was told to wait up to a year for things to heal the way they are supposed too. Am I right in thinking this?

Posted by: Moe on July 10, 2009 8:43AM EST I had my knee replaced in January too and I was told it does take a whole year to fully heal. Mine feels strong but still gets stiff and I keep trying to get it to bend more!

Posted by: Laura on July 14, 2009 10:03AM EST I am so thrilled to find this blog as I have no one to ask questions that has been through this same process of total knee replacement. I am 50 years old and 5 weeks out of surgery. Things went great and I was up on crutches the first day. I had PT at home for 4 weeks and now go to a PT center associated with my ortho. I can only bend my knee 88 degrees and can't get around on the bike yet. The PT is down right mean and never gives me any positive feedback. I do the exercises diligently at home and have now added swimming with a kick board (which the PT thinks is a waste of time). I can almost completely straighten my knee. My concern is that she said I am way behind in my recovery due to my lack of bend. She said that they may have to go in and scrape out the scar tissue. I think reading this blog people have mentioned something like that. I am freaking out!!!!!!I don't want to do that, yet I can't live the rest of my life with this little bend. I am so depressed about the whole thing and really scared. I too have pain at night but I can usually get about 2 hours at a time before I wake and have to move. Any ideas?

Posted by: Anonymous on July 14, 2009 5:48PM EST This blog has been very helpful. I thought I must be the biggest hypochondriac ever because it's been three years since my rtkr. My doctor has finally admitted that recovery should not take this long but has not offered any suggestions and I don't think he wants to hear anything negative or any complaints.

Posted by: Moe on July 15, 2009 1:13PM EST Laura, Give yourself some time since it has only been 5 weeks. I am close to six months out since TKR and it takes a lot of time. During these early weeks, take your pain meds. especially before PT. My knee is feeling good except it doesn't bend as much as I'd like it to. I don't think I get much more than 95 degrees with out pain but PT could push it to 105 so I wasn't eligible for manipulation which I am not sure was good or bad. You will get around on the stationary bike soon. Keep the seat real high and work your way down. Good Luck!

Posted by: Laura on July 15, 2009 9:14PM EST Moe, Thanks so much for your encouragement. I got around on the bike last night, finally! I had the seat high (as you suggested) and I groaned every time my knee had to make that bend. But..today was much better and at therapy I was able to go one lower and not have severe pain. I was actually quiet! I feel like that is a huge accomplishment and I am feeling so much more positive. Thanks for the supprt!

Posted by: dr g kumar on July 16, 2009 6:14AM EST three suggestions for a succesful recovery post TKR: adequate pain relief: find the drug or the combination that keeps u most painless mix rest n exercise in a proportion that doesn hurt lik hell n gives u better strength n motion gradually keep ur spirits high..if u feel low ur knee cant be very happy. and above all dont give up on ur goals too soon. all the best

Posted by: kathie on July 18, 2009 7:36PM EST My husband had his first TKR May 2008. Except for some back problems, the surgery was a success. This May(9weeks ago) he had his other knee done. He has been in so much pain. Sharp pains and they come whenever(awake or sleeping). It seems to be getting worse. He had xrays and they showed everything in place. The only thing the PA could see was the knee cap was tilted slightly. He suggested more physical therapy. It's very hard for me to see my husband in such pain. He does have 105 flexibility. Does it get any better/. What is causing this awful pain if it isn't this "tilted" kneecape? One day last week, his leg almost gave out.

Posted by: nancy on July 18, 2009 11:29PM EST I am 46 and 7 weeks out from LTNR and right orthoscopic at the same time. I didn't think i was doing so great until I read what you all have been through! My worst problem is the ache in my LTNR and not sleeping well. I know that is minor compared to what most of you are going through but when does the ache go away? God bless you and keep trying.

Posted by: Linda on July 21, 2009 4:43AM EST THANK GOODNESS, I'M NOT CRAZY!! I was beginning to think it's all in my mind. I'm 59 and I had severe ostero arthritis in both knees. The pain was dibilitating. I had to have total knee replacements in both. The first in Dec 07 and the second Mar 08. The Dr said I should not wait too long for the second surgery because of the severity of the disease and pain. I still have a lot of pain, stiffness in both knees,and swelling around the knees, sometimes the pain goes from the knee to my foot. I have trouble standing after sitting for a long time, and pain when I do sit for a long time. Sometimes it feels like my new joints lock up. It is difficult and painful to walk up and down stairs and I can't walk for long periods of time without pain and swelling aroung the knees. I have to use a cane for support. Even the air conditioner aggravates the pain. I don't regret having the surgeries, at least I can get out of bed in the morning. But any activity after that puts me right back in the bed. I too feel like a cripple. I was told it would only take eight months to recover and I should be pain free. That's just not the case. When i complained about the pain my doctor just shrugged it off and told me everything was fine and I could go back to work. I'm relieved to know that there are others who are experiencing the same problems. I getting a second opinion.

Posted by: Laura on July 21, 2009 8:00PM EST Has anyone had their knee manipulated after surgery? I am pretty sure that I read that some have done this. I am 6 weeks out and have only been able to bend to 90 degrees for the last two weeks. What can I expect? He said that I will be asleep but I am curious about pain, post procedure because he said that I will go to PT that same day. I am super discouraged because I have worked really hard in rehab. Doing the exercises, walking, swimming, biking. And PT three days a week. I am not sure why this happened?

Posted by: MOE on July 23, 2009 6:45PM EST Laura,I was told at 3 month check up that because PT could bend it to 105 (with lots of pain) I wasn't eligible for manipulation. Dr. said I probably could get another 10 degrees during the year recovery period. I am almost six months out now and even with all that I do it still doesn't seem to bend that much more if at all. I have been wondering if I missed out on some extra help with bending with a manipulation or if it is too late. It is still early in your recovery so don't get too discouraged. Check out bonesmart.org and they have a great blog with feedback from an ortho nurse. Continued improvement!

Posted by: Melissa on July 24, 2009 2:20PM EST Laura, I had my rt knee manipulated at 10 weeks out. I was hoping for great strides but I can't seem to maintain. I could not get past 90 degrees and than suddenly went to 100 degrees 3 weeks after manipulation. I was so happy, my P.T. was congratulating me. However, today my knee is swollen, painful, and I can't seem to bend it past 80 degrees. I don't know if it was worth it. I wish I could tell you go for it, but I honestly can't say that.

Posted by: moe on July 24, 2009 2:31PM EST Melissa, When did you have your knee replacement? How do you do on the stairs?

Posted by: Laura on July 24, 2009 5:07PM EST Melissa- Did you have PT the day of the manipulation and then every day that week? My PT seemed to think that would help me to maintain whatever progress I made. I feel like I don't have much of a choice but I never thought of going backwards after the procedure! I feel like I have to take the chance in that I don't know that I can live with only 90 degrees. But....to go back to 80 is really depressing. Thanks for the feedback because I am going to talk to my doctor very pointedly about this.

Posted by: Patricia on July 29, 2009 9:46PM EST My husband had a ACL revision surgery done in March 09, and he is only able to bend his knee at 90 degress. His doctor is saying it will get better and his PT is saying they think he needs another surgery. We went for a second opinion and nobody know's what is wrong with his knee. His knee just locks at the same angle. Not sure what i should do, if anybody has any advice please let me know.

Posted by: FLO on August 4, 2009 1:38PM EST HI,I LIVE IN THE UK AND HAD A TKR IN MARCH 2009.I SEEM TO GET A PAIN ACROSS THE KNEE CAP WHEN THE WEATHER IS COLD OR DAMP!!!BUT I AM HAVING A LOT OF SPASMS WHICH START IN THE KNEE AND GO UP THE OUTSIDE OF MY LEG IT IS VERY PAINFULL AS IT'S LIKE A BAD CRAMP.I WILL BE SEEING MY SURGEON FOR MY 6 MONTH CHECK UP,I'M HOPING BY THEN THAT ALL THIS WOULD HAVE CALMED DOWN.MY GP TELLS ME THAT IT'S DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE NERVES WERE CUT DURING THE OP,AND ARE STILL RE-ROUTING THEMSELVES,PLUS THE PAIN ON THE IN SIDE OF THE KNEE IS DUE TO THE LIGERMENTS BEING CUT AND ARE VERY SLOW TO HEAL. ON THE WHOLE,I THINK I'M DOING OK WHEN I READ WHAT SOME OF YOU ARE GOING THROUGH,KEEP UP THE PHYSIO AND I'M HOPING THAT WE ALL MAKE A FULL RECOVERY. WOULD ANY OF YOU KNOW WHAT IS BEST TO AID WITH THESE CRAMPS/SPASMS?

Posted by: dr.rameshdesai on August 4, 2009 10:22PM EST achelestendon leg(ankle thighcalf tibia after tkr on14th july2009verybadpain almostcrying takinglots ofadvilandtylenol pleaseletusknowwhatcouldbrdone

Posted by: Sherry Olmstead on August 5, 2009 1:09AM EST Hi, had TRK April 1, 2008, physical therapy went well, but took 4 months to get over 115 degrees. I can walk on it fine, but still get a burning sensation on inside of knee, but was told that it takes 18 + months to completely heal. Am getting shots in left knee to stave off another surgery, forget what they are called, but just had 2nd of 3, and it will take time to judge the result. Have the same burning in side the left knee. Yes, the right knee with tkr gets a little stiff sometimes, can sleep without pain med, only use it when grandchildren come over and we are cooking, or on bad weather days. Use to run an 8 minute mile, miss that alot, am 66. Still hurts to go up and down stairs, but oh well.

Posted by: Laura on August 11, 2009 4:44PM EST I had a closed knee manipulation yesterday. I had 95 degrees at 8 weeks out of surgery. Although they referred to it as a surgery, it was really more of a procedure. I was under a general anesthetic while the doctor bent my knee to break up the scar tissue. It took about 10 minutes and he was able to bend it to 130 degrees. I went for PT the same day and was able to bend it to 113 degrees by myself. Today I am much more swollen and sore, but it is far better than it was before. When the PT bends it back it is painful, but nothing as painful as before when I would spontaneously burst into tears. I was at 111 degrees today which I thought was pretty good for as stiff and sore as I am. I am going for PT every day this week. But the newest thing is that I am taking narcotics. I wasn't in much pain before so I only used Tylenol. But...I wasn't sleeping at night and lived in a state of exhaustion all the time. With the narcotics, I am able to sleep much better. I also took it before PT but I made sure that I had a ride because I was buzzing like I did in college! I am a teacher and have to be back at school in two weeks so I need to make big progress now. I think that every person on this blog has had a different experience, but what I have found is that this isn't a competition. We all heal and rehab at our own rate. I have felt so down on myself as I sit at PT with people who are 25 years older than me but doing far better. I am not going to beat myself up anymore. We all do the best we can, but we have to find what works for us. There is not one road for those of us with total knee replacements to travel.

Posted by: Meredith on August 14, 2009 4:13PM EST I had a TKR in May 2009. It's been a real headache ever since. My extension has been negative 18 degrees since I started PT 12 weeks ago. I finally had a MUA and the doctor told me he was unable to fully extend my knee. I limp and hurt and of course my TKR leg is shorter then the other because of the extension problems. I also have pain in my ankle after walking. Ditto the knee. I thought this surgery would help take the pressure off the opposite knee since that one has avascular necrosis due to another injury. That hasn't been the case and now both knees feel like crud. It's been depressing. I just wanted to share that because I needed to share my frustration.

Posted by: Sherry Olmstead on August 16, 2009 7:15PM EST Finished the 3 shot series last Monday on left knee and by golly it is working. Can't believe it.

Posted by: Laura on August 17, 2009 6:00PM EST Sherry- That is awesome that it works! I had those and they didn't do anything, but followed it up with the a cortisone shot that did work and bought me a good three months. I think this whole thing has taught me that everyone is different and if something doesn't work there may be something else out there that will. I am thrilled for you! Enjoy the movement and lack of pain. Laura

Posted by: kathy on August 21, 2009 11:46AM EST I have to have a total knee replacement and after everything I've read, it scares me , Its been 3 years since I had a bad fall and I was told to have arthroscopic, which I did and it only weakened the knee and now I'm looking at TKR. Also the other knee is shot due to over compensation . Dr. says we can try synvex on right knee, but says its where the left one was a year ago and will also need TKR . Are there any positive TKR?s out there?

Posted by: beverly on August 22, 2009 9:58AM EST URL: http://community.arthritis.org/post/ask/pain_months_after_total_knee_replacement.html I am 50 years old and weight 297 with RA. I do not take the RA medicines because I believe in natural healing and I don't like the side effects of medication. I am however a great fan of Aleve when necessary, usually once a week when I'm feeling really low. I had TKR on my right knee done in april 2007 and it was perfect I weighed 256. no problems so I had TKR on my left knee done in may 2008. I had some tears repaired on the left knee years ago thus began my problem with the left knee. SCAR TISSUE!!! It will not straighten. I did the CPM machine and I did the DynaSplint Still no help. I walk around with a cane and a bent knee. I had the manipulation done six week after the may surgery to no avail. I went to the Ortho dr and he said everything looks good. I went to another doctor to ask if the replacement was too large. He read the surgical report and It's actually smaller than my right knee. (I was reading along with him so he was not lying.) He said the revision surgery doesn't always work for everyone so let's wait and see. If nothing's wrong with the replacement, why do i need to consider the revision. I'm not. Who needs more surgery and more scar tissue. I started going to my chiropractor in June and he used electrical stimulation on the muscles, etc. This has been the greatest help of all. I still can't straighten my knee out but i'm getting there. Had i stuck with the chiropractor, I believe I would be much better now but I teach and had to go back to work so I got out of the routine. I've been told by my chiropractor that I should be better in three months. Coaches and other "experts" said the tendons healed too tightly and it will take about a year to get better considering I'm 50. All I know is that it will get better whether in three months or a year so I will start going back in two weeks to my chiropractor. Also I am working towards reducing my weight by half (water aerobics and raw vegan diet). In the mean time, Ortho dr says to lie on the bed face down with the knee supported and hang a weight on the lower part of the leg to force the knee down and also while sitting, put your ankle on a table with nothing under the knee and put a 5 lb bag of sugar on top of the knee to force it down. I hope these tips help someone else out there. I can't tell you the pain in the right side of your knee will be gone but I'm praying for mine. Pray about your knee because whether you believe it or not pray changes things. I hope to be able to dance at my son's wedding in November so keep a positive attitude and do the best you can every day. Don't give up; someone is thinking about you and your situation.

Posted by: Lea on August 24, 2009 5:13PM EST Wow, I came to this site to find out why I'm still having some minor pain on standing from the floor, and minor front knee pain upon straightening my leg. When I saw all the problems encountered, I feel very fortunate. I had my surgery on May 4, 2009, saw my ortho surgeon six weeks later and do not have to see him for another year. Also had PT at home for the first two weeks then two weeks at their office. I can say the first couple of weeks were hell, but I was very dedicated to my exercises. Before the surgery my ortho doc advised me to get a recumbent bike which I did, and started using it, as well as continuing my walking on the treadmill every day before surgery. After completion of my PT exercises, I have been using the recumbent bike every day (20 minutes twice a day), and now I plan to restart my treadmill. After 3 1/2 months I was thinking I should be pain free, but guess not!! Take care everyone, and BEVERLY good luck with your weight loss program.

Posted by: terry on August 27, 2009 12:16AM EST I had L-tkr 3/16/09, and have more pain than I had before surgery, I have full range. Dr. wants to do pain mgmt but I am tired of drugs. I just want to have a few hours a day pain free. I also have what my OS said was stitches that you can actually count (6 of them) poking inside the left side of my knee cap, they are poking out, not coming thru the skin just poking out. Tired of the whole thing, would not do it again.

Posted by: Kathy on August 31, 2009 11:27PM EST I too am disappointed at the progress I have made since my TKR on August 3, 2009. For me, it has only been 4 weeks, but when I left the hospital, I had flexion of 90 degrees, and now there are days I seem to be going backward. On my best days, I have 95 degrees (with help from my PT). On my worst days I am lucky to get 90. Not only is my knee refusing to bend, but the stiffness and tightness along with terrible pain in my ankle and up my shin make me want to cry and keep me from making progress on bending the knee. Although I have not talked to my surgeon since I had my staples removed 10 days after surgery, my PT keeps telling me not to be discouraged, that we will make some progress and if we don't, the surgeon can always do the MUA. I read Laura's post, and your experience seems very similar to mine. After having MUA on August 10, and with three weeks passing since then, are you happy with the outcome? I can see where scar tissue might make bending difficult and how MUA might help. I might have a much more positive attitude if I could see a possible resolution in my future. Other than icing the ankle and shin to alleviate my pain, does anyone have experience with anything that helps with this type of pain? I am a teacher and lucky that I don't have to return to work for another 4 weeks, but if I don't start making progress, even that will be a problem. I researched TKR before having it done, but apparently was naive in assuming that I would be one of the 90% with a good outcome. I wouldn't want to dissuade anyone from having TKR because I have heard many positive stories, but everyone should be aware that there are people out there who are not so lucky.

Posted by: Rick on August 31, 2009 11:49PM EST Had TKR in October '08 and haven't felt the same since. I never had a problem with flex before (it was the pain), but now I can't bend past 105 and it's driving me crazy. From reading other posts, it doesn't sound like a manipulation would help much. I'm losing hope and I know that's not good!! I can tell you this....unless you've had a TKR it's very hard to understand the PAIN that's involved. God bless all of you and thanks for giving me someone to talk to.

Posted by: Laura on September 3, 2009 10:39PM EST Kathy- Don't get too discouraged yet. You are really at the beginning. I had a similar experience in that I did go backwards and got less bend and then was less straight! But..I had the manipulation and it has changed everything completely. It took about 10 days after the manipulation but now at 3 weeks out I am bending 120 degrees on my own and am completely straight! I have been really diligent about PT, the exercises at home and walking everyday for 45 minutes. I am stiff and sometimes sore, but I am pain free and that is something I haven't been in YEARS. The PT thinks that I may still get a few more degrees so I am continuing on, but this whole thing is slow. For the first time in 3 months I can say that I am glad that I did it. I am far better off than I was before the surgery and hopefully in 3 more months I'll be even better.

Posted by: Marion on September 4, 2009 9:52AM EST Wrote in Dec and it is now Sept, close to a year later. Knee is actually worse--still doctor tells me that everything is in place and works find. Looks good. Well yes that may be but it hurts like heck and sometimes the pain makes it unusable. Doesn't sound like it's all ok to me.

Posted by: E P on September 6, 2009 6:02PM EST I am 62 and had a right TKR last September and I am going for my year check-up and xray next week. Mine was due to an injury and was damaged on the outside edge, which I believe is more uncommon and I had limped painfully for a few years I can now walk properly again, had to retrain myself though, through the years of limping. There are so many sad stories here, and I am so sorry for those who are still in pain. Mine is still swollen and twinges on the sciatic nerve depending how I am sitting, so I shall see what the consultant says next week. I can walk at speed again and it is fantastic. I have a friend of 84 who had hers done 5 weeks ago and she has been gardening and was back to 'normal' within about 3 weeks. Everyone certainly seems to vary.

Posted by: MARY on September 9, 2009 10:35AM EST Wished I would have read all this info before I had my knee replacement in February - probably wouldn't have had it done - no I had to listen to my doctor (who they tell me is the best in my area) who said I guarantee you will have no pain in 3 months - I can help you - now he just says the usual - everyone heals different - it's just taking time - give it more time - Would not have my other one done unless I couldn't walk on it at all

Posted by: Kathy on September 22, 2009 4:30PM EST Laura, So glad to hear you're getting better. I had a manipulation yesterday and like you said, it wasn't really that bad. I had my TKR seven weeks ago and just wasn't getting any bend. For the last week (before the manipulation), my extension seemed to be going backward too. I am going to a different physical therapy group now. The ones I had been using before seemed to be emphasizing strength exercises more than range of motion and extension exercises, and they weren't really very hands on--they never manipulated my knee cap or massaged the scar. My current PT says both of those are essential. Today the first day after my manipulation, I got 100 degrees of flex when the most I could get before was 94. I'm still not ready to say that the manipulation has done the trick and I'm glad I had the TKR, but at least I can see some hope. I'm trying to follow your lead and be really diligent about PT and home exercises. I'm not confident that I could walk for nearly as long as 45 minutes since my other knee is up for TKR in the future, but I am trying to use the bicycle and walk to the extent that I can. What exercises does your PT emphasize as most important? You have been a source of encouragement for me. Best of luck in continuing your improvement and gaining more ROM.

Posted by: Laura on September 23, 2009 9:10PM EST Kathy- Congratulations on your 100 degrees flexion! That is awesome. I am sure that you will get more as your swelling goes down. My PT still manipulates my knee with intense bending and manipulating the knee cap. She used to massage the scar (ouch!) but now I can do it at home. The home exercises that are most important for me have been the bending ones. They are painful and I have to close the bedroom door when I do them because I can't be quiet! I use a belt attached to a dog leash and while lying on my stomach, attach it to my ankle and pull and hold it over my back for 10 seconds. I try to bend it a little more each time. I try to do 20 of these and they still hurt. (I just looked up what it is called and it is the "prone knee flexion with strap). I first started doing these in PT. My PT also bends it back the same way and puts her weight into it. I also do a lot of calf stretches against a wall that are not painful but really help. I think it is called a gastroc stretch. I also do A LOT of stairs. They force me to bend that knee. I do a squats over a chair trying to just touch the chair. I have used different height chairs. Right now I am using a children's chair because I can get down pretty low. That has taken a long time to get there but I teach kindergarten so I am up and down out of those low chairs all day! My PT also gave me some bands that I attach to a table that helped me with my straightening (extension). Oh one more thing I do is to stand at the bottom of the stairs and put my foot on the step. Then I bend forward as far as possible. I can really feel the stretch and then I try to do some with my foot on the second step. I hope that this helps you out. Ask your PT for exercises with pictures. I have a big stack but it is great to see the progress because most of them I have mastered. I have learned that this whole thing has to be measured by "baby steps". I also try to tune out all those around me who are in rehab. There are 75 year old women who can bend far better than me, but it is okay because I am doing all I can. At PT today I could only bend to 124 but you know what? I don't limp, I am not in a ton of pain and I can do most things that I want to. It hurts to kneel but I'll see what it is like next summer. They say it really takes a year and I am giving myself that time. I have two more PT sessions left and I told my PT that I want to leave with a serious at home/health club plan for my rehab. I am not giving up! Good luck to you-you can do it, just take it slow and do the work. I hope this PT can give you the help you need. Laura

Posted by: Rose on September 24, 2009 12:58PM EST So, I'm not crazy...and not alone in this. Had LTKR in March, 2009 and am going crazy with the seclusion. Pain, 24/7, but finding out that tv at 2am, 3am, etc is a lot of repeats and paid advertising! We finally bought an electric lift chair that helps me elevate the knee and get me up to a standing position to get out. I have the hardest times on stairs (Have to go down, bad leg first and then bring down the good leg) and getting in and out of chairs or the toilet. A commode, with the arms, has been a big help. I can't go visiting friends cuz I can't sit in just any chair. They have to come to me. My hubby and I have different bedrooms now cuz I can't sleep at night and it's not fair to him. I, too, miss baths. Used to take one every night and read before bed before my injury 2 1/2 years ago at work. I miss life. I miss my friends, I miss walking. My doc is befuddled and says that we have to wait another year or so for a bonescan because if we do it right now, the bone will be 'hot' and they won't know if it's because of the surgery or something else. sigh. If it's all right with you guys, I'd like to pray for us all right now: Dear Lord, first of all, thank you for this column and for all the folks sharing and helping each other. I pray that you will give the wisdom and discernment to our doctors so that they will be able to find out the reason behind all of this pain. I pray for our family members who are watching us in pain, being so good and supportive, that we can get back to being us and the depression will be a thing of the past. I ask this in Jesus's name. Amen God bless all

Posted by: susan nunez on September 25, 2009 8:04PM EST I feel much better after reading some of the posts here. I am 4 weeks now from RTKR. The pain in the hospital was excruciating. But, my OS, stressed to me on discharge that is was all up to me now to make this work. I was doing 90 degree bends my 2nd day after surgery. I have just started out patient PT this week and now am bending 120, everyone from my OS to PT said I am way ahead of anyone they have seen. I hope it continues. I want to get back to work soon. I will be 61 yrs old in Novemeber.Good Luck,all.

Posted by: Deb on September 30, 2009 3:03PM EST I had a TKR in Jan 2007. Since that time I have constant pain and swelling and its seems to be getting worse everyday. I went through mri's, cat scans, bone scans, xrays. They think I am allergic to the metal in my knee. I can replace it with ceramic but was told it was no guarantee the pain would stop.

Posted by: Rita on October 2, 2009 5:06PM EST My mum had TKR on both knees 8 weeks ago. She has good bending and made great progress, but has constant pain along the length of one her legs. She has a lot of pain on her heel (ankle is swolen) and she feels like the blood doesnt flow well.. is this normal? Does the pain get any less?

Posted by: nancy on October 6, 2009 10:07PM EST TLKR june 2nd and orthoscopic at same time on right knee. My whole body aches EVERY day since surgery does anyone else have this problem?

Posted by: moira cretney on October 13, 2009 7:02AM EST I feel much more confident after reading all your comments. I had aTKR in April 2008 then a revision Replace ment in June 2009 because the first was too big and was unsteady. I still have tremendous pain and wake with pain in the night. I think the pain affects me mentally and makes me feel very low at times. I would give anything to be my old self again but I have been told a revision takes longer. At least I know Iam not alone. Good luck everyone I am thinking of you.

Posted by: Joy Lynette on October 14, 2009 12:09PM EST I got on this blog to find answers -- and I have for the most part. I had my left knee replacement in March 2009 and my right knee done in July. The one done in July has finally quit hurting, but not the left one (done 7 months ago) has started to hurt very very badly, when I stand from a sitting position. It is odd because it didn't hurt at all after the first 2 months or so and now all of a sudden out of the blue, it hurts really bad -- even at night. After reading what you all have said, I suppose the doctor will just tell me this is the healing process -- but my goodness, it is so odd, having the pain come back all of a sudden like that.

Posted by: Barry Noble on October 16, 2009 7:50PM EST Wow - ask a crazy question (ANYONE ELSE HAVE CONSTANT PAIN FROM A TKR?) and I didn't expect to see so many people in pain from the TKR, like me. Some (expletive) doctor cut out all of my meniscus around my R knee in 2007, when he was supposed to just repair a miniscule tear. His records indicated he mixed me up with another patient. Result, a necessary resultant TKR in early 2008 (by another surgeon) - it didn't heal properly and was surgically "cleaned up" in the middle of 2008, but I heve been on pain meds (either Vicodin or Tramadol) since - and ithey doesn't help much, plus the femoral nerve block during the TKR went wrong and nerve damage has me feeling like a nest of ants crawling from my thigh down to the ankle and back up again, plus an annoying Restless Knee symptom - and along with the pain - it's driving me nuts. My internist doctor says I am one of 3% who just isn't helped with a TKR, so get over it, and live with it. ARRRGH! I heard there was a "pain in the butt" society - We should have a "pain in the knee" group - shairing our stories. I just wonder what it will be like in ten years for me? My doctor, when I asked him that, said, "...and how old are you?" 66 I said. "Why are you worrying about ten years from now. You probably won't be here." What does he know that I don't?

Posted by: nancy on October 17, 2009 9:35PM EST Oh my gosh Barry your Dr. should be shot for telling you that. 66 is NOT that old! I also have restless leg syndrome since surgery and my whole body aches TRKR june 2nd I am on tramadol also which does help for the aches I just wonder how long I will hurt

Posted by: Gloria J. Silva on October 19, 2009 10:00AM EST I had my right knee replaced September 16, 2009 and making great strides in recovery. I'm still walking with a walker as I still tend to favor the "new" knee. I am so sorry for all of you out there that are still in pain. My P. T. has suggested I get myself some "good" shoes. Does anyone out there have any recommendations? Thanks and Best of Luck, hang in there. Gloria

Posted by: charlie on October 20, 2009 3:59AM EST i had my left replaced 28 sept 2009 i am know getting severe pain in my hip joint has anyone else had this as i have not had more than 3 hours sleep during the night since the operation.

Posted by: Meredith on October 22, 2009 10:34AM EST I had TKR in May. I had some complications,but the biggest complication I am having is I am at negative 18 degrees extension. My flexion is good, but I limp and feel frustrated that my knee will not straighten. I am not anxious to have another surgery, but I do not want to have this issue forever either. Has anyone else (or know anyone) who has lost their extension to this degree?

Posted by: Diane on October 25, 2009 8:20PM EST I had both knees replaced 3 weeks apart, Sept 08. It's been a little over 1 year and I still hurt something terrible. Some days I will use a cane. My ortho MD put a hinged brace on one knee. It helps for a few hours. I'm a nurse, so I'm walking up and down the halls alot. Trouble is, I'm afraid I may lose my job because of the terrible way I walk, bobbing back and forth. I still need pain medication but really don't get good relief. My X-rays look good. My MD says I need to strengthen my leg muscles. Seems to me they get enough of a work out. I am very disappointed with the surgery. I wish I had not done it. The pain I had prior to the surgery was not as bad as this, and I thought it was bad. Can't sleep good, can't concentrate. Is there any relief?

Posted by: Karen Ellis on November 3, 2009 5:25PM EST Wow, It is so nice to hear what others have to say about TKR. I had a replacement on my right knee Jan. 31 2009 I too was in alot of pain. I had to go straight to rehab since I live in a rural community we could not get anyone to come to my home. I am an avid horse person. So in April I got on my horse with the aid of a step and rode around before I sent him to the trainer by June I was back to riding, it is an adjustment to find the balance that I need. And I am not the speed demon I use to be but hope to be there next year. I too suffer from pain, especially after sitting and remarkable riding seems to help. But going down stairs is a pain going up seems fine. I am 10 months out and hope and pray that next year only gets easier. I have yet to meet anyone that is 100% pain free.