Knee pain, swelling after surgery

[Nannie39]

Almost four months after surgery, I am still experiencing massive swelling and excruiating pain with inflammation. I was having a great recovery for the first ten days, then BAM!  My leg, knee and ankle swelled to gigantic proportions.   My doctor has said only that I have arthritis in my knee and I have to be patient.  On at least three occasions, I have been in tears in his office and asking what to do about it.  He still tells me be patient.  This is surely not normal.  I went to another doctor last week who sent in his PA to tell me that they "don't like to tread on another doctor's territory" and won't see me again, but the PA prescribed Prednisone 6 day dosage that seemed to give me some comfort while I was taking it.  The day after I completed the dosage, the pain and swelling was back in full force.  No one will see me without a referral because this certain doctor operated on me.  What am I to do?  I am so frustrated after four months of extreme pain, all I do is cry.  I've turned into a big crybaby and that is not me!  Help, somebody!  

[Stacysue]

I recently had knee surgery as well, and have more pain now than before. My doctor tells me to just take IB profen where I would like to cut the knee off Im in so much pain every time I take a step it kills me and Im starting to walk funny. He did a right knee arthoscopic medial and lateal meniscus debridement, rightknee artho plica excision, right knee medial femorial and condyle chondroplasty.  They wouldnt operate till I tore everything in my knee. Im very upset trying to work and everytime I get up which is all day Im in pain.  What do I do?

[Stacysue]

I recently had knee surgery as well, and have more pain now than before. My doctor tells me to just take IB profen where I would like to cut the knee off Im in so much pain every time I take a step it kills me and Im starting to walk funny. He did a right knee arthoscopic medial and lateal meniscus debridement, rightknee artho plica excision, right knee medial femorial and condyle chondroplasty.  They wouldnt operate till I tore everything in my knee. Im very upset trying to work and everytime I get up which is all day Im in pain.  What do I do?

[Magistram]

I am so sorry for your pain.  I, too, have sharp pain ever since my surgery.  I had TKR in November, 2013.  I had lived with a torn ACL for over 40 years and had little trouble.  Then  the arthritis got so bad I decided to have the panacea.  It has not been so for me.  My PT was great - so good in fact that my surgeon stopped my prescription after 6 weeks (Medicare only gives so many hours, don't  you know).  It was better for a while, but now it is constant pain.
Rising and sitting are so difficult.  Getting into and out of any car that is low to the ground is almost impossible.  I have started trying to ride my stationary bike for exercise since I have gained weight since the surgery.  It just seems to make my pain worse.  
I will not go back to surgeon because he seems to be more interested in the surgery than the patient.  I do not want to have another surgery.  I take a rollator with me most places.  I know I can sit comfortably and get up easily from it.  I would NEVER have had this surgery if I had known about this result.
My question:  How are infections diagnosed?  Wouldn't my GP be able to do so by a blood test or are MRI's necessary?

[zhubajie11]

Hi I would buy a inversion table and lay on it upside down as long as  you can stand it everyday. this will help your back and relieve pressure on your knee some too. it also allows healing to the back and joints.. cant hurt to try it.. Tim

[Sam2U]

I had knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus & clean out the arthritis.  It has been four months and for the last three weeks it has been swollen and now is also painful & warm to the touch not just in the surgical site but also the back of the knee.  I am assuming it is infected inside but since today is Christmas 2013 I will have to wait for a doctors' opinion.  In the past I have used compression stockings (and still do when the knee swells) with considerable success.  Now however there is definitely something more going on.  Also, acupuncture has been a great help in the healing stages right after the surgery but I failed to keep it up.  Probably that is why this has happened...should have listened to my gut rather than worrying about the expense of $67.00 per treatment.  Remember to post your experiences with each of those doctors who turned you away and especially with the one who is "blowing you off" on the internet to forewarn unwary patients.  You have the legal right to request all medical records, x-rays, diagnostic tests and opinions be sent directly to you so that you can take them anywhere you want.  No medical person or facility can deny you that right.  Many attorneys also can help without charging, especially if they see a possible lawsuit they can win and you may need the money to get better treatment..  There's no reason for arrogant or incompetent doctors to continue to treat patients without expecting a backlash.  Good luck!

[Zhubajie1]

hi years ago I had torn meniscus in my right knee it stayed swollen for a long time I was so upset and it. then I met a boy that came to fix my well. he told me that it would take a year before my knee would be like before. I did not want to believe him. but to the day it was a year before the swelling stopped and my knee was normal. The Chinese doctors say every injury takes a complete year to heal maybe there is something to that. Don't fret just be patient it did do well later. I just had surgery on my left knee now just a week ago my toes are turning black on that foot scared me but I called the nurse she said I went back to work too soon to keep it elevated and keep ice on it so I am trying to learn. wish you good luck Tim  oh p.s, maybe also it depends on how much damage was with your knee he took out all my meniscus and put in scar tissue to give me a cushion.