WHS
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The Big Mistake (updated from December 20, 2008)
I am 58 year old male with bilateral TKR in June. I have been an athlete all of my life and spent considerable time preparing for this event. Thus, I felt well prepared going into surgery. I selected a surgeon with an outstanding reputation for whom replacement rate was well above average. The hospital was rated number one in orthopedic surgery in Pennsylvania.
Bone was worn down on left knee along with scar tissue from previous surgeries made surgery longer than expected. Recovery was very difficult with pain and a very bad reaction to pain meds. I completed all PT as requested and continue with PT. I have 122 degrees of bend in both knees with 0 degrees extension in right knee and 0 degree extension in left knee. Pain continues particularly after being on my feet for any time. Specifically, knees begin to tighten and become stiff with decrease in range of motion. Going down steps and getting up from sitting is a real struggle.
My PT (up until January) schedule has been two hours nearly every day with an hour plus on the stationary bike then lifting and stretching. I doubt there is anyone working harder. I am also doing acupuncture and massage therapy.
At eight months things should be better. All of this was suppose to improve my quality of life. Instead I am worse off. Doctor has no answers. I had a 2nd opinion from another Doctor in the same practice who indicated it will take longer. My opinion is that this has been a disaster and I am much worse off now that I was a year ago. I regret the decision to have the knees replaced. I'm not seeing many ways out of this but can't imagine living with this the rest of my life. I am really angry about all of this!
Has anyone had trouble with Zimmer knees? Can anyone recommend a surgeon who can provide solid information on what is happening to my knees?
I am 58 year old male with bilateral TKR in June. I have been an athlete all of my life and spent considerable time preparing for this event. Thus, I felt well prepared going into surgery. I selected a surgeon with an outstanding reputation for whom replacement rate was well above average. The hospital was rated number one in orthopedic surgery in Pennsylvania.
Bone was worn down on left knee along with scar tissue from previous surgeries made surgery longer than expected. Recovery was very difficult with pain and a very bad reaction to pain meds. I completed all PT as requested and continue with PT. I have 122 degrees of bend in both knees with 0 degrees extension in right knee and 0 degree extension in left knee. Pain continues particularly after being on my feet for any time. Specifically, knees begin to tighten and become stiff with decrease in range of motion. Going down steps and getting up from sitting is a real struggle.
My PT (up until January) schedule has been two hours nearly every day with an hour plus on the stationary bike then lifting and stretching. I doubt there is anyone working harder. I am also doing acupuncture and massage therapy.
At eight months things should be better. All of this was suppose to improve my quality of life. Instead I am worse off. Doctor has no answers. I had a 2nd opinion from another Doctor in the same practice who indicated it will take longer. My opinion is that this has been a disaster and I am much worse off now that I was a year ago. I regret the decision to have the knees replaced. I'm not seeing many ways out of this but can't imagine living with this the rest of my life. I am really angry about all of this!
Has anyone had trouble with Zimmer knees? Can anyone recommend a surgeon who can provide solid information on what is happening to my knees?
United Kingdom
