See All
Preferences
My Communities
My Discussions
My Email Digests

It's me again. I imagine you would like to hear from someone else, but having gone thru it 7 1/2 months ago (and going thru it again in 2 months) - - I still can relate. I'll begin by stating something that my doctor & nurse have said repeatedly: EVERYONE is different, and goes thru it at different paces. Also, it will take an entire YEAR before you start to feel normal again. Are you actually having intense pain in your "new" knee, or is it a great amount of stiffness & sweeling that's causing the pain? The reason I ask is because I had SUCH intense pain in both knees before the first surgery, that now I tell people that there is a big difference between the intense pain in the "old" knee and the swelling & stiffness (pain) in my "new" knee. 5 weeks is still rather "new" for a surgery such as ours. I wasn't sleeping well at night then, either. I found that I couldn't take pain pills too late in the day and sleep at night. I think that I had written before that I took a sleeping pill at night (provided after surgery by my surgeon), used a "knee pillow", and eventually I didn't need either. I started out immediately after surgery going to the rehab center, and will do the same in May. The last few weeks of my rehab I asked to have water therapy, and continue this form of exercise now. The warm water is WONDERFUL! As always, I hope any of my advice/experience will help some. Keep exercising, moving, and above all: ICING. : )View Thread

Just so you won't feel alone, the first couple times that I went back to my doctor, I was asked if I needed my pain meds refilled. I didn't need my pain meds refilled, but I still needed help with my sleep meds. I, too, had a rough time sleeping. Hopefully, you'll be similar to me and eventually your leg will settle down. I bought a couple of "knee pillows" that you can attach around your knee (using velcro) and that REALLY helped. I couldn't lie on my side with my knees touching for a long time. One day at a time. ; )View Thread

A CPM machine - Continuous Passive Motion - was used by myself and other TKR patients immediately after surgery and for the next 3 weeks to not only prevent blood clots but to help (along with physical therapy 3 times a week) with range of motion. It has an attachment that you control by starting off with it actually moving your knee "continuously" for 6 hours per/day. I think I started off with an angle of 60 degrees, and then increased it daily by 5 degrees. Once you hit 100 degees -for me - it really got uncomfortable. BUT. . .and I can't emphasize enough . . you stick with the increments until about 125 degrees (if I remember correctly). Your doctor/therapist will help you along and will give you your own individual directions. I can't imagine myself having the revovery that I have had WITHOUT using the CPM machine. Hope that I could help with my experiences. Good Luck! : )View Thread

I had a TKR on my right knee on August 7th, 2012, and will have the other TKR (left knee) on May 28th, 2013. I used a CPM (Continuous Passive Motion) machine . . .and will again. It was one of the HARDEST part of my after surgery/recovery - - -but what helped me to regain the range of motion in my knee quicker. Believe me, 6 hours EVERY day for 21 CONTINUOUS days immediately after surgery was "rough" to say the least. . . but, for me, it's a must. Hope my experience and suggestions help. : ) Good luck with your recovery. [P.S. Let "patience" and "ice packs" be your friends!> ; DView Thread

I am a 56 year old retired teacher. I had a TKR on my right knee last August 7th, 2012. I'm scheduled to have the left TKR on May 28th of this year, 2013. Both of my knees were also so bad that my surgeon let me decide which to have replaced first. There was no discussion on having both done at once. I can see the benefit of having them both done at once. Even though it's been almost 5 months, I'm having to do all of my exercises in the rehabilitation pool. I can't do anymore "land exercises" because my "bad" knee can't take the pain involved. The water takes alot of the weight off of it. Also, there's a treadmill in the water that I can use, where I could NEVER use one on the land. Even though my "new" knee is still a little stiff and sore, there is a HUGE difference between having a stiff & sore knee that is getting better, and the constant pain in the "bad" knee that is only continually getting worse. At least now I know what to expect in May. Good luck to all!View Thread

I had a total TKR on my right knee almost 2 months ago. I have a TKR scheduled for May 28th, 2013 on my left knee. As janetsg commented in her post, I also put my surgery off for over a decade. I, like you, and most everyone else with severe OA, started out with: (1)cortisone shots; (2) scopes of both knees(the rt. one twice); eventually (3)supartz shots (similar to synvisc);none of the above worked, which finally led to TKR. Both knees were SO bad, that my surgeon let me decide which one to have surgery on first.
To build up my body (and my mental state), I joined a Healthy Steps/Silver Sneakers at my local rehab center. I mostly swim, since I haven't been able to walk, sit, drive, etc. in any kind of normal fashion in YEARS.
Regarding my surgery, I am progressing very well. The main word to keep in mind: patience. You must, must, MUST go religiously to your therapy, and work as hard as you can both there and at home on your own. I'm a retired school teacher, so I don't have to worry about going back to work. There would be a whole new scenario if I thought I had only a small amount of time to recup. My physical therapist told me last week that a TKR attends 3 months of pt 3 times/week. I have land pt twice/week and water therapy once/week.
I think/know that the main reason I feel positive about my entire situation is the fact that I trust and respect ALL of the medical team that is taking care of me. From my much respected, acclaimed, and just a great Christian surgeon(someone that I really wanted in the OR with me); to his staff; to the surgical hospital & staff; all the way to all of the staff at the rehab.
As was also mentioned in a previous post, you start out with a walker, progress to a cane,and then eventually . . .you're walking . . .slowly . . .on your on. Every little advancement is a HUGE milestone (believe me, I felt how a little child feels when I was finally able to pack away my portable potty and use my own bathroom facilities - - -including the shower!) ; D
There is A LOT to take into consideration, and everyone has to choose and make their own decision. I hope that I helped in some way, and if there is anything that I can help with (just from my own experience), let me know.
Good luck and I'll keep you in my prayers.
Paula (also known as pgt1956)View Thread


I have OA throughout my body: knees; hands; bone spurs on both heels, etc. I, like you, tried all types of OTC meds for arthritis and none worked for me. I currently take Meloxicam, but it really doesn't seem to help, either. I had total knee replacement almost 6 weeks ago and my doctor had me on Celebrex during my hospital stay. I think it's been stated previously in posts, but it seems that everyone is different and reacts differently to different medications. Good luck to you! : )View Thread


Your post brought tears to my eyes, mainly because I ABSOLUTELY feel your pain. In fact, your post could almost be my situation word-for-word. I also went through the scopes (2-rt. knee; 1-left knee); cortisone shots, gel injections, joint meds, etc., and NOTHING helped as the years went by and I just got progressively worse. I'm 56 years old and having a total knee replacement on my right knee in 3 1/2 days. My left knee is just as bad, so I'm hoping that it won't give me too much trouble as I rehab the other one. I'm sure I'll also have it replaced. I think you just get to a point - especially when you are at the point that we are - where you just know. . . IT'S TIME. That's what my orthopedic surgeon told me from the very beginning of my journey. That's another thing that is VERY important: you have to have a doctor/surgeon that you TRUST; will actually LISTEN to you; and will keep YOU first and foremost. Also, I have a family that is behind me on this and will be there before - during - and after to help me through it all. Hope this helped. Good luck to you!View Thread
See Related Women's Health Communities
Women's Health Newsletter
Find out what women really need.
Other Osteoarthritis Information
More Related Communities
The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.
Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
©2005-2013 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.



