What an inspiring update. You are further ahead with your revision than I was after 6 months with one of mine in terms of pain. Your story mirrors mine in so many aspects. I was told at one year by my OS that all was well, that a nasty pain down a shin was a tendon and would settle down, that being almost unable to engage my quads through pain in one leg would settle down, and that my expectations were high!
At 15 months, sick of the pain, disability, and lack of progress, was told by the head of orthopedics at the hospital (who I later discovered was involved in the surgery) that all was well with the surgery, I needed to break the cycle of overdoing it and inflammation, that I had let my quads atrophy, to do lots of weighted leg lifts and nothing else. Also, that I had high expectations! Er, hello, I had bilateral done, so why are my quads only atrophied on one leg?
Third opinion (same area, different surgeon) at 22 months, nothing wrong with implants, do more strengthening and learn to live with it.
Like you, I have been through self-doubt, anger, misery, and frustration, tried to force my bad knee to perform like the good (better) one, and was finally inspired by you and a couple of other people on this forum to get something done about it. Now I have answers, my surgery was not good, and it’s crystal clear where all the problems are.
I face decisions soon, and after your experience, feel in a much better place to make them. Thank you.
Oh yes, the aspiration of fluid was the same color, and my knee felt much better afterward, temporarily, so many parallels it’s unbelievable. I have avoided lengthy detailed posts on my thread so as not to bore or discourage people, but I am really glad that you have. So keep them coming!