Bilateral TKR Confused on PT pushing<

[bitkr]

It’s been a while since I checked in. I’m close to 11 months and still so frustrated. My knees are still like the moderate swelling picture. It’s huge above my knees and very uncomfortable. I’m working with a personal trainer again and he is very careful and constantly consults with the PT who knows me well. In addition to the bilateral TKR, I have a bad foot that needs surgery eventually, a really bad low back and neck, and now need a left shoulder replacement. I live alone with pets and that rehab is horrible and no way I can do it. My knees are still stiff and hurt after sitting a while or doing much anything. Patience is not my Strong point and I’m so tired of pain. I’m going through lumbar, cervical, and SI joint ablations again right now do can’t get a shoulder injection yet. If my back doesn’t improve I’m about ready to be fused.
Not sure why I checked in but just need to get it out. I’m so frustrated and scared.


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[Jockette]

I’m so sorry you have so many painful areas.

@Jamie recently had a shoulder replacement.

 

[bitkr]

How do I get to her thread. I’ve never maneuvers around this site well.

 

[Jockette]

Here’s Jamie’s shoulder recovery thread:
https://bonesmart.org/forum/threads/finally-after-5-years-a-new-shoulder.52802/

 

[Jockette]

This link has all the different forums we have here on Bonesmart:
https://bonesmart.org/forum/

 

[possum65]

@btkr it is frustrating. I am only at 8 weeks post BTKR, but my husband had single TKR 4 years ago. He remembers stiffness beyond the first year, especially when sitting for long periods and moderate physical activity. By 2 years, there was no trace of any of these problems, and he has simply forgotten he has a knee replacement now. My surgeon told me that it was a 6-12 month RECOVERY period, with patients most satisfied with the result around 2 years. I think he is spot on!

 

[possum65]

Sorry you have so much pain right now, it is difficult to deal with and remain upbeat. Glad you checked in, I do think it's helpful to share with others here.

 

[bitkr]

Thanks. My low back was so bad this morning I could barely function. I had the left side of my neck ablated today and hopefully it will help. Hope to do my SI joints in 2 weeks mid that doesn’t help I’m ready to be fused. But I’ve heard that’s s bad rehab too and living alone with pets, how would I do it. It’s just all too much at once. I need foot surgery too. I can’t use crutches due to my neck and shoulder and sure can’t use a knee scooter yet. I never dreamed
My whole body would wear out at once.

 

[bitkr]

I keep waiting for the magic 12 month anniversary. I expect perfection! My good friend asked if I realized that wouldn’t happen. Yep. But I can dream. I am active and know that’s both good and bad.

 

[Irish471]

@bitkr , so sorry to hear your back and shoulder and knees are all rebelling right now. That’s too much for anyone to handle all at this same time! My husband has major problems with his lumbar spine with a bulging disk. He needs to start visiting surgeons to figure out what to do. He has had the ablation and got some relief from it, albeit temporary relief. I am 6 weeks post op with a RTKR, so I have to get well before he decides upon surgery, if it’s recommended. It’s overwhelming sometimes!

We have lots of pets, too. Definitely see if you can get help with them so you can recover from any future surgeries.

 

[bitkr]

I had to get help after the BTKR for weeks but I can’t afford to do that for long. I have a diabetic kitty who requires twice daily testing and I would be able to do that with shoulder surgery. Much less all the other work with them. Or back for that matter and the foot surgery will be non weight bearing too. I just don’t know what I’ll do but will figure it out when it gets close. Too much $$ to pay help for each of those. But I can’t handle bad pain in this many joints much longer.

 

[sistersinhim]

I'm so sorry you are going through all this. I an relate about having to do everything yourself and don't know what I could do if I were in your shoes. I will be praying for you.

 

[bitkr]

I’m not sure what to do. I’m a little over 13 months from bilateral tkr. My knees still hurt a lot especially in the morning or if I’ve been stationary for a while. Two weeks ago I stepped on a smashed grape in the grocery and went down. It scared me and hurt but I didn’t think I was injured. I’m active and in decent shape considering all my bad joints. The doctor has said if I hurt myself, don’t come for 10 days (this is of course not major injuries) to give things tone to settle. My left knee was getting worse at first but then was holding. I’ve taken it really easy this last few days and it’s so sore on the inside below my left knee. Any thoughts? I’m sick of doctors and trying to ignite the pain all over my body (knees, bad shoulder, back, neck and foot).

 

[bitkr]

I’m now 15 months out from btkr and I still have so much pain. It’s mostly on the insides below my knees. I realize a lot attaches there but this is intense. I rode my horse today and had to stop and swing my legs. The right one hurt so badly it took my breath away. Has anyone else experienced this?

Now In addition to my other issues and needing a left shoulder replacement, my right shoulder has bad arthritis and a hook. I see the doc again Tuesday and praying no surgery.


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[Jockette]

I’m sorry you are still in so much pain.

Have you considered getting a second opinion? If so I would encourage you to go a distance to a surgeon who does not know your original one, so you can get an unbiased opinion.

 

[bitkr]

I haven’t but I need to at least go get checked out. I see one if the others in the practice Tuesday and will ask his advice. Thx. My knees have hurt my entire life. I thought I would finally be pain free but trying to accept that’s not to be.

 

[sistersinhim]

I haven’t but I need to at least go get checked out. I see one if the others in the practice Tuesday and will ask his advice.

You need to go to an OS that has no affiliation with your OS at all. Not even a golf buddy. Being in the same group, they'll tend to agree with each other. Even if you have to travel to a different city to get a second opinion, but it will be worth it to have someone with totally new eyes to take a look at you.