knee replacement help

No ideas on the replacement front, but I want to send you my best wishes for some healing and pain management. Pain can do funny things to your brain and outlook on life. Let the doctor decide how you're doing. Your situation might take longer to resolve. Hang in there.

I am going through knee problems myself. I have had arthroscopic surgery on both knees in the last 15-20 years. The last surgery on my right knee was because I had a torn Meniscus and arthrtitis. I had very little problem with that surgery, but the surgery on my left knee was bad. I was still on crutches 3 months after surgery. Everyone heals differently. Talk to your surgeon. I know that 3 weeks seems like a long time, but it really isn't. My orthopedic surgeon is now trying the hyaluronic acid injections in each knee every week for 5 weeks. This is a natural substance in your body that helps lubricate joints. If this doesn't work, then I will have both knees replaced. I had my third injections yesterday, and I can't tell any difference, but he said he can feel a difference. I am 58, and I know they always want to wait as long as they can before the do the knee replacements. Please feel free to email me off group if you have any questions.

Sherry Starr

I have had EXACTLY that same surgery Pami (torn meniscus and really bad arthritis - where the surgeon 'scraped' clean and smoothed out the rough spots on those bones), approx. 5 years ago now and I too thought the surgery had failed. I was also told that I was a canditate for knee replacement (in the future), and I was 53 at the time of the surgery.

Do be patient; I have to admit the pain VERY slowly subsided.....and it took about six months!!! but it feels fine now. I find it quite strange that your doctor didn't recommend physio therapy for you immediately following the surgery. Mine did...(three times a week, for six weeks).

I don't know if it helps or not....but I take Glucosamine/Chondroitin and have for many years even before this knee problem. It is supposed to help rebuild the cartilage that wears away. For me to know if it works or not, I'd have to stop taking it...and I don't wanna do that. The knee feels good now and I want to keep it that way.

Hang in there.....and I know it's hard to be patient when you're in pain, but carry on with your pain meds and expect pain for quite some time yet. :-( Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but it will get better in time. I know...it's never soon enough! ;-)

Denise in Ontario, Canada

pain I am feeling hopeless and wonder

I had a hip replacement three years ago at age 52. The ortho docs made me walk/limp around bone on bone with fractures and cysts for 6 years eating NSAIDS and pain meds which damaged my kidneys (papillary necrosis). All because I was "too young" for a hip replacement when originally diagnosed at age 45. Phooey on that! If you need the replacement then "just do it" would be my suggestion. I'd rather face another replacement when this one wears out than waste years of my life limping around in pain.... like that six #$%@& miserable years.

Just my not so humble opinion..... ;-)))))

Best wishes and good luck with whatever you decide to do!

Hugs,

Leslie

I agree about the physical therapy. I had 6 weeks after each surgery. Try to keep your spirits up. I know how it is to be in pain. My stomach can't handle any NSAID's or pain medication. I do good to take 200MG of Ibuprofen twice a day for 2 or 3 days without stomach problems. I'm at the point where I would welcome knee replacements. Please let us know what he says tomorrow.

Sherry Starr