17 months post surgery, still aching and squeaking!!!

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ladyjedi

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My name is Terry, and I had pattellar kneecap replacement(partial). I am 43 years old now, but knee pain started in my mid-20's. I swear I have been to over 10 Orthopaedic *specialists*, I have had 4 arthroscopic procedures each done on both knees. I finally found a doctor who did a knnecap replacement on my right knee, with the left knee to be done the following year. I have 9 year old twin girls, and I did not want to have them done at the same time. I get the right knee done, and my sister was concerned after the operation because the doctor said the knee was really small, and he could not fit the plate that goes along with the patella into my leg. So he just replaced the knee cap. During my recovery my knee developed a loud creaking sound, and my doctor said that will go away in time. I have went through rehab, did everything they told me to do, and now instead of the hot searing pain under my knee, I have a bad stiff achy feeling in my knee that never goes away. The squeaking and creaking my knee makes is very embarrasing. People look at me like, is that normal. My doctor says it is. The aching is so bad, I can't sleep for long, I can't stand for long, I can't sit for long. Getting up out of a chair is complete misery. Walking up or down stairs is a feat in itself. I feel like all I do is complain about how bad I feel, and I am becoming depressed. My doctor said we can go back in and replace the plate, when we do the 2nd knee. I don't want to do another surgery right now, and I don't think I want him to be the one who does it when and if I decide to have it done. I really believe he thinks I am not in as much agony as I really am. I really don't know what to do, and I would like to see if anyone else has had a similar experience. I hate seeing my daughters see me depressed or crying, and I want them to see Mommy the way she used to be. Anybody have any suggestions, I would love to hear them. Thank you.
 
LadyJedi---- I am so sorry to hear your story and to have you be in such pain. I don't have any experience with kneecap replacement, but am 7 months past a partial knee replacement and your story sure doesn't sound normal to me. I had both my kneecaps successfully re-aligned 25 years ago because they didn't track properly and they are still hanging in there with just mild OA.

Have you seen a different OS since your surgery? If not--- you need to. I also think a trip to your primary care physician would be a good idea. You need to do something about your pain and depression. My experience was that I became so trapped in the pain and couldn't make sound decisions. It was all I could do to just survive day to day. That is no way to live and not good for your children either. You have to be pro-active and get some help.

Please make those phone calls and let us know you did... we care about you but you have to take care of yourself. Start now--- for your sake and for your children. God bless.
 
Thank you beachcomber, yes I have seen my primary care doctor about the depression, and I have seen a second doctor, but I feel he didn't understand my pain, and he kept talking about what a great surgeon my previous doctor was that I don't think he really wanted to help. I just recently moved and I am looking for a new PCP and an OS. I had my surgery at St. Joseph's Hospital in Balto MD, and now I live in Shrewsbury, PA, close to York, PA. I get really frustrated because thedoctors think I should take an Aleve and I'll feel better. If anyone knows of a good OS in the York, PA area I would be grateful. My PCP wasn't any better, she said I needed to walk more and have a "better attitude". I feel like they think I am not in as much discomfort as I really am. But I can tell you this, my daughters brighten my day, and they keep me going as well as my wonderful husband who wishes he could "take the pain for me". Thank you again.
 
You didn't say how long it is since this op.

However, my recommendation is that you keep a journal. Everyday, or even several times a day, record your pain level using a scale of 0-10 - 0 being no pain at all and 10 being the worst pain you could possibly imagine. Make other commentary as you feel moved, such as "couldn't do ... (whatever)" of other observations to express how you are feeling. But keep it short and concise, just a few words. Take this along with you and show it to your OS, doctor or whoever. If that doesn't convince them nothing will!
 
Jo--- it was 17 months ago (see thread title....)
 
Jo and others gave you good advice. Based on my experience, it might be good to try to talk to a Doc who specializes in joint replacements. My OS does all sorts of ... well... OS, not just TKA/THA so he didn't understand my problem when it happened since he'd never seen anything like it before.

When I got to a Doc who had done countless joint replacements in his 36 years, he knew right away what was wrong.

Even with the trouble I had post-tka, my only regret is that I waited so long. All that **** about "too young" was dumb, IMHO. We were all worrying about what may happen if I live to be old, as a result I was way too old way before my time. Being crippled at 40 when it was possible to fix it was, IMHO, dumb, dumb, dumb.

My OS used to tell me "one day you'll walk in and tell me 'Doc, I understand why you want me to wait but I'm tired of living like this.' At that point, we'll do what we need to do!"

I wish I'd listened 5-6 years ago -- I could have saved myself a lot of pain and misery, and enjoyed the prime of my life. Ah well, c'est la vie. I'm there now, soon as I get this fixed I'll be GREAT!!

Anyhow, hang in there. The journal idea is a very good one IMHO. If it were me, I'd do that then keep trying until I found a Doc who I thought understood me and for whom I had faith and trust. (s)He's out there, you've just got to find H(im/er).

Lastly, if the antidepressants aren't working so well, talk to your Doc about a higher dose or different med. I've been through that, horribly so, and know how it is. Again -- no point suffering when there's a fix. For me, lack of sleep was a bigger problem than anything else, Ambien CR was my savior -- even when I didn't take it, knowing it was in the drawer if I needed it let me relax and sleep instead of worrying that I'd be unable to sleep, which stressed me out so I couldn't sleep... vicious cycle...

Hope this helps!!

DD
 
Thank you, I have started a pain journal, and my Aunt in Pittsburgh is getting in touch with a OS who specializes in knees. I think I might look into something like Ambien, because if I can sleep, then I think I can handle almost anything. Thank you for your reply. I'll let everyone know how my OS appt goes once its set and done.
 
I don't think your pain is normal after 17 months. I know how frustrated you must feel though. I think there are some doctors, not all but some, who when a patient doesn't respond as quickly or as thoroughly or God forbid if they have complications they seem to blame the patient. They can be that way, also, when you have a chronic problem or one that you appear too young to have. Bottom line is you have two children who need their mom and deserve you to be healthy in that this is problem that can be fixed. I hope you follow the advice of keepinng a journal and that you find a doctor who listens to you. I cannot imagine how dissapointed I would be if 17 months after my BTKR I was still in pain and having problems and no one was listening. I will keep you in my prayers and hope you find an answer soon. Rowdy
 
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