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Knee pain,(continuing) after Total Knee Replacement

I had total knee replacement surgery 10 weeks ago and am still experiencing significant knee pain, consisting of stiffness and alot of pain in the knee.  The pain wakes me up at night.  I am going to Physical Therapy 3 times a week and I still do alot of therapy myself at home.  I walk, and try to go about my daily routine, but the pain is still there,, some days worse than others.  I also had a three disc fusion done in January,, 2007.  It is now classified as Failed Back Syndrome, so I have that pain also to deal with.  What do I do?  My surgeon took x-rays when I was at my 8 week check up and the x-rays showed everything looked good.  Why am I still have such significant pain?  I just dont understand.

Thanks
Cookie60


This discussion is related to On-going Pain after Knee replacement surgery.
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Avatar universal
I have terrible pain also after 2 knee replacements. One doctor told me there is no test that is going to show you what the problem is, you just have to go back in and find the problem, this was a surgeon and wanted me to see another surgeon. I am on pain killers all the time, he suspected it was the kind of implant that was used, his hospital won't even use what I have. I am going to make an appointment in Memphis, TN and get this resolved, I can't spend the rest of my life like this. Your whole problem might be the kind of implant used.
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2 Comments
doctors such
Hi how are you now?  I had myn done November 3 2016 in NY, and I'm so crippled. Do you know what parts they used?  I'm desperate and cant find anyone to help me,
547368 tn?1440541785
Hello and Welcome,

Sorry I am tardy to your post. We often miss new posts that are tacked on to old threads. Your comments and concerns are important to us.

Are you still monitoring this site?

Indeed what has happened to our medical delivery system? I think our youth - the twenties and early thirties group - don't remember those good patient, doctor relationships when you felt like they cared about you and your medical health. It seems to be big business now. It's truly sad what has happened to our medical delivery system - and the caregivers from aides to physicians that truly cared and went the extra mile.

Sadly surgeons won't usually touch another surgeons "work". I've seen as well as heard horror stories. I'm glad you are determined and encourage you to keep searching for an answer.

I am sorry you are having so much trouble with your TKR. Please let us know how you are doing - and how this is resolved.

My Best,
~Tuck
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Avatar universal
Hi guys,
I too have had tkr in april. My leg is beyond swollen, constant shooting pain, limited walking, red rashes lethargy and pain pills dont work. Been through seven doctors.no one can tell me what iswrong. I think iam allergic to theappliance. I have a third party nurse that my pcp gotfor me through my insurance thatwill cover all my costs.i will be goingto many drs till i find one who can help. I am having a gallium test right now. I must say the attitudes of the doctorswere rude and treated me like i am making this up. Even a highly orth dr told me he could do nothing for me. He told me togo a pain center as a banaid. What has happened to our medical system? My ortho surgeon who did the surg in april, just now asked me if i am allergic to metal. Now he asks me? Whyis this not a common procedure in this?!?!! I will find out and i will walk again. Someone will fix this.
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Avatar universal
I like your attitude.  Do you think I should cut exercise to once a day or continue twice a day and just wait for my body to heal.
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Avatar universal
I am 10 weeks post surgery and have stiffness that wakes me at night.  Better during the day as I move around.  I have found two solutions.  First, I sleep on my back with my leg straight out.  Second, when I wake up I ride the stationary bike for seven minutes; (arbitrary time I rode in physical therapy); and it allows me to go back to sleep immeidately thereafter.  Ibuprofen helps eliminate pain completely but I try to stay off it.  I also cut my exercise program to once a day.  I will call doctor to see if that is necessary.
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Avatar universal
Get of the pain meds.. use NSAIDS... wean yourself... cut it off in half over a week and then in half the next week then none....ICE< ICE<<ICE<>>ICE>>ICE>>ICE>>ICE>>ICE  , walk , meditate. and then get to a  hot tub and soak ...... you get a lot of movement then...  and then shower and go to bed.  with ICE>>>>machine if you have one.  that will help with the numbing of the knee for the pain...

Get it in your mind not to use any medication... Tylenol, ibuprofen, Naprosyn. ICE....

Its mind over matter... and it really does matter....it works..DISTRACTION. keep busy.... don't mope around.  do things to get your mind off yourself..

Good luck
You can do it.
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Avatar universal
I had my TKR Oct. 15, 2014  I am still in severe pain not able to sleep at night when I tell the surgeon I am in severe pain he looks at me like I'm making it up (I think often how I wish pain could be bottled like perfume and I could slash it on him, one thing is being the surgeon and operating and another is being the patient experiencing the pain that is so excruciating that you can't explain it to others). I was told by a co-worker that the pain medication prescribed after awhile will work against you and actually cause more pain, that is how many become addicted because they have to double the dose to feel a little relieve.  I have resorted to take natural medication for the pain, why should I keep poisoning my body with medication for pain and sleeping pills and I still feel pain and can't sleep.  I pray one day soon we get relief it is said that it does take a full year before you will feel better.
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Avatar universal
I had a total knee replacement on Dec 9,2014. My doctor had told me that during the surgery, my knee would be manipulated, so I was not to say I can't bend it or straighten it. The only thing holding me back would be the fear of pain. Since we had had discussions about managing my pain, I was determined to follow directions and exercise. As is probably typical, the pain was quite intense, but I was given several medications while in the hospital to manage this. I did well, and was released after two days. Once home, I continued my PT regimen with a visiting nurse and therapist. After 18 days I can straighten my leg to -7degrees, and my flexion is 125 degrees. Unfortunately, the pain has not decreased AT ALL. my doctor did an excellent job on my knee, but I can see that he is disturbed by my asking for refills. The doctors office has now said that they won't prescribe any more pain meds, since my knee looks so good, and works so well. (After two weeks.)  Well, that's because I've pushed through the pain to get strong.  Every single day, I'm crying and rocking from the pain.  I still have three days worth of meds.  I've tried stretching them out, skipping doses, but I'm up all night screaming in pain. I'm now back to using my walker, and my visiting PT has suggested that I completely stop the exercises and see if that helps with the pain.  I DONT WANT TO GO BACKWARDS!   My pain level is constant between a 7 and peaks to a 10.  What am I doing wrong?  Can someone please help me?  I know it's early days, but my PT said that I'm basically done with therapy except for strengthening my leg and I can do that in a month or three!  Before surgery, I had torn my ACL 20years ago, tore my meniscus 2 years ago, and was walking on bone-on-bone.  I'd had to give up a lot, and felt I was finally ready to have the replacement.  By the way, I was also a belly dance instructor (the only dance that is completely non-impact) but even that caused pain, and I would have to ice afterwards.  But while I was dancing, I wasn't thinking about the pain.  My number one goal in having this surgery is to go back to dancing - it's my passion, my way of expressing my spirituality.  I was told that 8 weeks post op I could probably ease back.  It's why I've worked so hard on my PT.  It breaks my heart to be told to stop.  Does anyone have any suggestions?  Is pain management an option?
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Avatar universal
I had TKR on NOV. 4, 2014.  Was told I am ahead of what is normally expected at this point with flexion at 130.  I have out-patient OR once a week and do exercises daily at home.  Mobility also good and walking unassisted (no walker or cane.)  Also driving with no problems.  I feel blessed at my progress except for the pain.  I ice several times a day and take 6-8 Percocet a day (NOT when I know I have to drive within 4 hours) .

I have fibromyalgia and wonder if this continuous pain is related to the fibro more than to the surgery.  Anyone else with fibro who has had prolonged intense pain following TKR?
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Avatar universal
I had TKR on NOV. 4, 2014.  Was told I am ahead of what is normally expected at this point with flexion at 130.  I have out-patient OR once a week and do exercises daily at home.  Mobility also good and walking unassisted (no walker or cane.)  Also driving with no problems.  I feel blessed at my progress except for the pain.  I ice several times a day and take 6-8 Percocet a day (NOT when I know I have to drive within 4 hours) .

I have fibromyalgia and wonder if this continuous pain is related to the fibro more than to the surgery.  Anyone else with fibro who has had prolonged intense pain following TKR?
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Avatar universal
I too had TKR 6 weeks ago today. I don't understand why no one warned about the intense level of pain.  I talked to so many people who had the surgery and while everyone said there will be pain immediately after the surgery no one spoke about how intense. Every morning and every evening I feel like someone has just broken my bones around my knee.  I had pain when I bent my knee before the surgery but nothing compared to this. I am not a whiner when it comes to pain but this is very very difficult and had I known it would feel like this I probably would not have done this and definitely  not doing the holiday season. Reading these post both help and scare me .  Everyone says the exercises and pt are critical for success so I try to work thru the pain and bend and flex but then I am told I am doing too much so I slow done and the pain and stiffness gets worse.  Something doesn't seem right that so many people need this surgery every year ( over 500k) but I am hoping if that many people are getting thru it so will we so when I am rocking and crying in pain I think of all the people who are suffering with constant pain and no means to see a doctor and I tell myself I am stronger than my pain and I will get thru this and while I am still having level 5-8 pain it does feel a little better than wee three when I just wanted to cut my leg off.  Things that have helped me
1.Doing stretch exercises before the more intense Pt helps -do some exercise everyday
2. Ice pack- be careful not to leave on too long can get frostbite and never put ice on foot swelling as ice would be too close to bone
3. Eat even when pain pills make you nauseous - not eating weakens your mental resolve as well as your muscles
4. Take a pain pill 1/2 hour before getting in bed for the night.Sleep on your back with head raised on pillows and a king or body pillow from your buttocks to the end of your foot and put both legs on pillow. If no body pillow use two standard bent to each other lengthwise.  I use to sleep in fetal or on side before surgery so it was an adjustment but once I felt the relief of using the pillow under both legs I was able to get sleep.  The gravity of the leg weight without the pillow is what causes more pain but the pillow has to be the whole length of the leg  and not just under the knee or you will wake up in more pain from having that bend at the knee only all night. My prayers to everyone going thru this. Stay strong


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1 Comments
My wife has just had TKR on the 28th April 2018 and she is doing quite well other than on a night in bed when she climbs the walls in pain, she really can't cope with Tramadol so she just takes Paracetamol,  how long was your night pain and how long was it before you became pain free, i'm writing this after 6 weeks, also the only good night sleep she can get is on the sofa in an uprightish position, I would be greatful if you could help me.
Avatar universal
I had Total Knee Replacement on October 10th 2014 and I hurt so bad can barely walk and the muscle in my leg hurts really bad,  I can not sleep and when I eat I am sick to my stomach and my food goes through me fast.  This is making me really depressed and even the pain pills do not help.  I just wish the pain would ease up I would  rethink this if I knew how painful this was.  I lay in bed and wonder if it will ever get to feeling better.  By reading the blogs I guess everyone has a lot of pain and the time to heal is lengthy.  Any suggestions on what to do or deal with this pain and stomach problems.  God Bless everyone who is going through this prayers for you.  
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Avatar universal
I am 17 weeks post TKR and I am sorry I had it done. I'm still hopeful that it will get better but I seem to be stuck.   X-rays show "looks perfect" well, something isn't perfect. Still in constant pain and physical therapy 3 days a week. I am so discouraged and tired of constant pain. I now am told that the doctor can't/won't continue with the pain medication. Besides the constant pain, I now must endure therapy with no pain meds. I was told that after this length of time, I only need tylenol. Sorry that you are reading this because that means you are in the same boat. Waiting for the life preserver.
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Avatar universal
I had an open dislocation of my right knee and tore ACL & PCL in the left in March of 2005 resuting from being hit by a car. I tried every surgery  available to slow the need for a TKR. Ended up having to have the right one in 2008 and left one in 2012. PT went well, almost have total range of motion in both. Doc said at least a year before I can expect to feel a lot better. As you can see, well over a year for both. Pain is better, no doubt, but still have debilitating days and lots of those nights. Every time a go back to doc for the pain, he x-rays, says everything looks good and then makes me feel like a drug seeker. I am 44 years old and some days I don't even get out of bed. I know that I am lucky to not have suffered any vascular injury in the accident and thus lucky to stil be able to walk, so I try not to complain, but I'm really tired of feeling like this. Does ANYONE have any suggestions on what my next course of action should be? Or should I just stay in bed for the rest of my life? I am way too young to feel this broke down... THX      
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Avatar universal
Hi hyder361, I find your comment interesting but confusing. I had tkr 14 weeks ago, still in a lot and pain and my knee is seized. I've been through the whole route, physical therapy, manipulation, cpm machine, acupuncture, etc. and its still seized. Gone to two different doctors and X-Rays show the knee is lined up right and looks good. My doctor said you can not take an MRI on an artificial knee. He said it has to be a ultrasound. Did you actually have a MRI?
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Avatar universal
Hi hyder361, I find your comment interesting but confusing. I had tkr 14 weeks ago, still in a lot and pain and my knee is seized. I've been through the whole route, physical therapy, manipulation, cpm machine, acupuncture, etc. and its still seized. Gone to two different doctors and X-Rays show the knee is lined up right and looks good. My doctor said you can not take an MRI on an artificial knee. He said it has to be a ultrasound. Did you actually have a MRI?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi hyder361, I find your comment interesting but confusing. I had tkr 14 weeks ago, still in a lot and pain and my knee is seized. I've been through the whole route, physical therapy, manipulation, cpm machine, acupuncture, etc. and its still seized. Gone to two different doctors and X-Rays show the knee is lined up right and looks good. My doctor said you can take an MRI on an artificial knee. He said it has to be a ultrasound. Did you actually have a MRI?
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Avatar universal
Do you guys think women have a harder time recovering from TKRs than men? Due to smaller bones? Just a thought.
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Avatar universal
I had a tkr in 2009 and a revision 2 years later and I am still in horrible pain,  Its now 2 1/2 years after the revision and the pain is still excruciating, I really wish there was a doctor out there that could help me!
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Avatar universal
I'm approaching my 2 month point after a TKR.  The first 4 weeks I was showing progress and continued physical therapy, although started regressing by week five.  Last week my Dr did the manipulation and my mobility hasn't improved, not to mention the pain and swelling.  I'm still going for physical therapy another two weeks.   Thank you so much for your comments.  I've felt so discouraged to the point of being depressed wanting my "life" back to normal and stop taking pain pills.  I understand from your comments, I need to be patient and give myself time to heal.  Thank you so much!!!!   HBeth
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Avatar universal
You sound like me a year ago. I had TKR on my left in July 2012, was told scar tissue was stopping my bend, so October I had a manipulation done. Yes I could bend it but the leg was weaker. I had trouble rising from a chair. Then this year I had my right knee done even though the left still hurt. I worked real hard in PT at home, I can bend my knee, I can walk but the pain is terrible especially at night. I'm 11 weeks out and still in PT. Wake up at night in pain, I saw the Doctors PA who said I had a deficiency so I went to a DO who gave me high levels of vitamins. Yesterday I couldn't get up out of a chair cause it had no arms for me to use to left myself. Today, the doctors office refused pain meds cause I don't fit into their schedule of pain management, spent the day in the bathroom cause the vitamins made me sick and my whole leg hurts cause of the struggle of trying to get out of the chair.  I had to wait until someone came into the room. Who do we see after the surgeon is through with us?  Mayo Clinic? Johns Hopkins?  Where do we go from here everybody?  My dad has stayed alive with an artificial heart valve for 20 years, I can't believe someone doesn't know how to help TKR patients with pain and complete recovery.
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1193998 tn?1265117597
From what I've heard from patients who've had successful knee surgery, still having pain at 2-3 months post-op is pretty normal. They key to long term success is to keep pushing through the pain with the PT sessions. It's not fun, it's not pleasant, and sometimes you'll feel like you're sliding backwards, but a year from now you'll be glad you stuck with it. My father in law had both knees done and has done very well. He still has some aches, but nothing like it was, and he's back to ballroom dancing, biking, golf, etc. Before surgery he was using a TENS unit and ice packs every day; now he doesn't need those any more. Hang in there!
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Avatar universal
I had a knee replacement on October 1st and have been in pain since. I get a shooting pain that is like an electrical shock.  I have a constant throbbing pain where the meniscus used to be and my muscles just feels as if my knee is going to collapse. I feel that it is a struggle just to get out of bed every morning.  I sometimes still have to use the walker. I just turned 60 and feel like I am 90. I had to be put back under for a manual manipulation Nov 21. I was able to bend the knee to 120 degrees for only 2 days and then it was back to 80-85 degrees.  My doctor took X-rays and told me that it looks perfect and doesn't understand why I am so much pain. I have even tried an acupuncturist, but nothing has significantly helped.  My doctor just started me on 2 new medicines that are starting to help me: Etodolac 2xdaily and Nucynta 50mg 1 tablet every 6 hours. This medicine is quite expensive, but look on the internet with a coupon to only pay $25.00 . Today at physical therapy I was at 109 degrees, but I am hurting bad tonight.  I never even gave it a thought as to how much it was going to hurt.  I just thought that I would get better.  Guess I have to remember that my knee was amputated and then replaced.  I just hope that this knee replacement will be a success and pain free. Happy I found this sight.  I was feeling as if I was the only one feeling this way!
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1193998 tn?1265117597
I have not had knees replaced, I've had hips replaced, which IMO is a whole different experience. However I know people personally who have had knee replacement surgery, and at less than two months post-op were still having to plow through significant pain in their PT. Knees take a long, long time to heal, and diligent PT is CRITICAL for a good outcome. I knew someone who didn't do his PT because he thought it hurt too much, and and ended up worse off than before the surgery. My father in law had both knees done, stick with his PT, and no is back to dancing and golfing with his wife.

Knee replacement isn't for sissies! I hope I never have to have mine done! Leanne, it's horrifying to me that your insurance will pay for a replacement but not for PT?? What's up with that? Have you checked with your provider to see if they have an appeals process? Maybe your doctor can go to bat for you.
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