Wellness

[Magenta]

Hi everyone,

I am usually at viewpoint, so not new to the boards.

Almost 3 months ago, I had this knee replacement and I recuped extremely fast and well. However, since it has been so incredibly cold, I have continued to experience heavy pain. I saw the surgeon abt. 3 weeks ago, and he explained that everything is in great shape, but it is the cold, ice, snow, etc. that is doing this to my system. So over the past weeks, I have barely been out, although also inside the pain has been horrific. Yesterday at 50 deg. I finally saw a movie, and although stiff, enjoyed it. I do all the p.t. and walk inside my apt. building 20-30 mins. a day in the hall way, which the doctor applauded.

Sometimes I have used Arnica on the muscles, as they are so stiff (buy the cheapest at Whole Foods - 365 - cheaper and more in it - gel.) That does help, but I am curious how others deal with this. Also, my other knee is also acting up, and wouldn't be surprised if in the near future that knee needs to be done too, and dread it.

However, I give in DC city tours, i.e., 3-4 miles in 4-5 hours, so I have to be at my best.

Is there anyone who has some new tips for me. The surgeon wanted me to come back on the 12th this months, and I have no better news. BTW, my scar is nearly invisible, as the knee was put toghether with glue. Ever heard of? Right the first few weeks, I came through very well, and pain was really not bad, as the weather was very mild.

Thank you in advance.

Magenta

[gazelle77]

HI! I had double knee replacement last June. The BEST website for asking questions and talking to knowledgeable people is BONESMART.ORG. I think if you post your question there you will get great answers! I still go there and share and talk to fellow knee replacement buddies I made through the process. I also have a recovery thread. Good luck to you and that wonderful knee of yours!

[RedTop]

I am sorry for your continued pain, and certainly hope you find the answer and/or solution. My knee replacement was 2 years ago, and I have not had any pain issues since the surgery and recovery. I just had my yearly visit with my orthopedic surgeon, and the xray shows my joint is in place and everything is well. I do know people who experienced continued pain, and it was traced to the new joint being the wrong size, and I know of one person who complained of horrible pain and they found that her new joint had cracked from a fall. Wishing you better days ahead.

[Magenta]

Oh ladies, as always you come through here on the board. Thanks so very much. The good news is that initially I had little pain, but only when the weather became so severed, did I start this horrific pain. My surgeon does 300 replacements per year, has an outstanding reputation, and if I would have a second one done, I'd return in a jiffy to him again, as I trust him that much. Luckily no, I didn't fall. Prevented everything with the help of my sister (RN) that this would not happen, so didn't go out at night, just last night for the first time. So there is hope.

Gazelle, I can't imagine what that was like, having two knees at once. My surgeon is very opposed to that, and I myself couldn't imagine undergoing that. My congratulations to you and so too what courage you had. I am indeed going to that Bonesmart.org. now. Thank you again so very much and wish you continued success.

Oh yes, I do put ice on it, and if really bad, take 2 Advils. The ice does help some.

Again, thanks mucho and

hugs,

Magenta

[sydsgma1]

Magenta, I had a tkr two years ago and have developed rather aggravating pain,me specially in the cold. I also checked with my surgeon and for me, because I also have ra, it is not unexpected. I find arnica and a heating pad help . It is not daily or constant but can be annoying. I use a pain pill on the few and far between nights that it keeps me awake. You have made an amazing recovery.

[Kachina624]

I had mine in May 2011. I never had a lot of pain considering the trauma poor knee went through. I can't do much walking due to a chronic back problem so my exercise was "iffy" at best. The only pain I've had is the feeling that the skin is stretched too tight, and that's just a nuisance. A friend developed scar tissue in her knee and had to have another surgery which also was not completely successful. She just had her other knee done and no problem at all.

[sfnative]

Magenta,

Re the "glue," it's possible it was "Dermabond," something akin to "skin superglue."

Since my TKA is upcoming, am not able to help you with other answers, but hope you're successful on the website/forum provided.

[ivey]

I searched this thread because I remembered it from earlier.

I have had knee pain for the past couple of weeks and thought I had torn the meniscus (because I've had orthoscopic surgery before). Well, finally my doctor sent me for an MRI yesterday--today got the results. "Severe bone on bone osteoarthritis." And he's sending me to a specialist.

Please help me with questions I can ask in order to get the information I need. What would you consider good credentials of the doctor? I don't have friends who have gone through this yet. Getting to the age where it will be a consideration. (65)

Also, how long is the recuperation period for a knee replacement? Thanks in advance.

[RedTop]

ivey,

I suffered with osteoarthritis for 13 years before finally giving in and having the knee replacement; I pushed myself nearly 4 years after reaching the bone on bone stage, and let myself get to the point I could clearly see I would not be able to walk within another year without surgery. I let myself suffer far longer than I should have, and while parts of the recovery is indeed very painful, it was a breeze compared to the pain I had already been through. At 57, I wanted my life back, and having the surgery gave that to me. I had my surgery on the 4th of January, and returned to my office job at the end of March two years ago. My surgery was done in the hospital where I worked, and was done by a very reputable orthopedic surgeon in this town. I had no problems whatsoever, and was walking on a cane by the second week.

Prior to making the final decision to have knee replacement surgery, I did try Synvisc injections. Before then, I had tried several medications for relief, even an arthritis medication which only irritated my stomach lining, but did no more for me than ibuprofen or Aleve. The Synvisc did not work at all for me, due to the severity of my bone on bone situation. I am sure the specialist you are going to see will give you all of your available options, based on where you are right now. Please do not be fearful of the surgery to where you put off the one option that will make the most difference in your life. If surgery is mentioned, please educate yourself on what the surgery entails, then prepare yourself fully to deal with it, know what you have to do to make the surgery successful, and then just do it! Because of the deterioration of my knee joint, my left foot turned out slightly. With the surgery, my new knee keeps my foot straight, and I required all new shoes after surgery due to the way my shoes had been broken in by the bad knee. No one prepared me for this; I learned the hard way when I returned to work and tried to wear my dress shoes, which put stress on my new knee and caused pain I had not experienced since the surgery. Two years later I continue to be pain free, and am thankful for the decision I made to help myself. Wishing you the very best with whatever decision you have to make!

[ivey]

Red Top--thanks so much for the information. This bad pain came up so suddenly that I'm shocked about the bone-on-bone diagnosis. I just stepped 6 in. from my utility room into the garage and felt something like a snap or sharp pain. I immediately started icing because it felt like long ago when I tore the meniscus. Your advice is spot on--I don't want to baby a painful knee and not be able to do anything.