Problems with knee replacement

[tony21236]

It has been 12 months since I had a total knee replacement.I had 6 months of rehab.and a manuel manipulation.At this time I still can only bend my knee 70 degrees, my leg is always bent at 15 degrees the doctor told me it will never be stright.And I am always in pain.The pain is mostly on the left side of my right knee.But I also have pain in the top of my knee and the back of my knee to.I can not go up and down stairs ,putting on shoes and socks is a real job getting them off to.At the end of the day and I am still only working 4 hour days at a desk to.That sucks as I am a construction superintendent.My leg and foot swell up to 2 times the size of a normal one.I still take pain meds but they really don't do much for me anymore.I now have pain in my hips back and neck.I am seeing a doctor to see if pain managment would help.The doctor that did the knee surgery said part of my problem is I heal to fast and that caused scar tissue to form.And thats why I cant strighten or bend my leg.But he don't think any more surgey would help.I am 63 years old and most of the time I am in so much pain i think of ending my life.But I don't because of my wife of 45 years and my grandchildren.If anyone out their knows anything I could do please let me know.I take Percotte 6 times a day and it helps but I know the doctor won't keep refilling them forever.I hope and pray someone out their knows what to do or who to talk to.So please contact me. Thanks Tony  ***@****

[jme3510]

I'm so sorry you're going through this. I had mine done 4 months ago. Still at only 90 degree bend, but much pain and am now thinking infection set in.
We as patients know that Drs. won't take on another Dr's. work. But you should maybe try, anyway. Nothing to lose, right? If nothing else- I watch the Drs. on CBS- maybe they can help you???  Anything is better than living the way you are. You have to fight for what you want and never take
no for an answer when it comes to Drs. They are NOT Gods and they do NOT have your body. Maybe your body doesn't like your replacement or you're allergic to it??? It happens. Whatever- it's not your fault. Well wishes for a happier future. Suicide Is NOT the answer. Write down things you enjoy and keep it close to you. You can't enjoy them, if you are gone. Yes- even your pain. I have Fibromyalgia. Bless the good days.  

[Dr Vinod]

Hello!

Charcot marie tooth disease affects your peripheral nerves. Peripheral nerves carry movement and sensation signals between the brain and spinal cord and the rest of the body. So the knee symptoms completely cannot be due to your CMT.

I would suggest you to go for latest scans on the present day. It is late for physiotherapy for gaining the required strength but still you can try if all parameters are normal with accordance to your knee.

Apply ice packs and take NSAIDs.

Take care!

[bev5985]

I am the same I had a Total left knee replacement in April 2008 12 months on I am still in a lot of pain taking both celebrex and tramadol for the pain but this pain now not only affects my knee but my back hip and ankle.  Unfortunately I also have a muscle wasting disease called Charcot Marie Tooth disease and that in itself can be very debilitating but no doubt when i go back to see knee surgeon he will blame it on the disease rather than the surgery - i have had various knee operations over the last 35 years and honestly every time they touch it it does get worse.  Also now experiencing a lot of stiffness in the knee i am only 54 and can now only walk with the aid of crutches  so you are not alone

[rose63]

My massage therapist worked on my new knee for several months months and she has greatly reduced my scar tissue.  

[Cindee56]

Hi tony, I'm so sorry this happened to you.  I have knee problems and will most likely need a knee replacement on my right knee eventually.  Also, I have heard the excuse about *scar tissue.*  I had carpal tunnel surgery on my right wrist in Oct. 2007, and it still bothers me and the doctor blamed it on scar tissue.  I don't know.

I'll be honest, I don't really know what to tell you.   I have a lot of joint and muscle pain and other problems with blood pressure, cholesterol, etc.  I have not gotten the help I thought I would get and I never feel good.  I know how depressing it is.

Can you try another doctor, just for a second opinion on what you can do?  How about PT or pain management?  And yes, you can be on pain meds for a long time if you have chronic pain.  A lot of people are, check the pain board.