5 months out still having problems , what do I say to my surgeon?

Sorry to break this to you but the numbness will never go away. It will become less noticeable, because you'll get used to it, but it will never go away because they had to cut through that nerve when they opened your knee up. My surgeon said the only way the feeling will come back is to have a neurosurgeon reconnect the nerve endings. My insurance won't cover that surgery so I just learned to live with it.

I noticed that you had a lot of great information from others, but wanted to let you know that you and I are enduring the same type of recovery. I am also 5 months after bilateral knee replacement surgery, yes I was crazy enough to do both at the same time and luckily healthy enough to allow for it. I am feeling the tightness and pain in both knees, although my left knee is worse. Pain was going down the outside of my left knee, and wondering some days how I am going to make it through. I actually came to this forum last week stating that I couldn't stand the pain and the many responses that I received has helped me realize that, while this is not how I thought recovery would be, that it is normal for some patients. I also had the shocking feeling you mentioned from the nerves and was told by the nurse that is a good thing as it means that the nerves are starting to fire on their own. Every time I feel that now, it makes me feel better that it is a good thing.

Don't feel that you are bothering the doctor, we have to advocate for our own health because we are the only ones that really care that we get better. I know people told me that the surgeons job is done, but the surgeon is the specialist and they can direct us to other doctors if necessary. I am going back to my doctor next week for the third time, and I don't feel like I am bothering him and he doesn't treat me that way. He truly is trying to help me recover as comfortably as I can. Make a list of everything you want to say and ask, and get answers that are something you understand, not technical talk. If you don't understand, ask again for a simpler explanation. I usually record the conversation on my phone, with the doctors permission, because it is hard to remember everything after you leave.

Here are some of the things that I am doing and feel like I am making some progress with. I am taking Tumeric, it's a natural inflammatory, also known as curcumin. I am taking more than the recommended two per day pills. If it upsets your stomach pull back a bit. It's a spice so there are no side effects other than tummy upset. I also bought drops at the health store that helps reduce edema, as well as dandelion tea which does the same. I am using a product called LaKota, which may only be available in Canada, or perhaps online, which is for pain and inflammation. I am not taking any pain meds as I went off of them in week three and never want to see one of those pills again in my life. DId not agree with me physically or mentally. I go for massage, have suction cupping done which lifts the ligaments away from the muscles and offers relief, temporary so far but at longer stretches every time I go. You are doing exactly what I have done, walking a lot, I was between 5000 and 9000 steps per day. Realized that it was too much and have gone down to about 3000 to 5000 steps per day. I know this sounds like I am doing a lot of natural treatments, but I am taking a prescription naproxen as well but only for the last week. I am willing to try almost anything to feel better.

As far as recovery, I have full range of motion -0 to 128, can walk up and down stairs with no issue, can walk 5 km's without issue (although I am pulling back on that for awhile) xrays show everything is perfect, can squat which I haven't been able to do for years. So with all this positive you would think the tightness wouldn't exist, but it does and I don't know why, but I now know it will go away eventually, perhaps slower than I want, but based on what I have learnt on this forum, and from other people I have spoken to personally, we are not alone. Somedays my legs feel like they weigh a ton so it's hard to believe that I can have such good results with walking, etc.

I hope the doctor gives you the answers and help you want. I look forward to hearing your progress.

I can't wait for tomorrow. The tourniquet is so tight right now it is itching and burning the side of my knee. It has been getting worse the last two weeks no matter what I try to adjust. Do more, do less, just keeps getting tighter.

Thanks so much for your support and information. I called the Dr.'s office and told them I wanted the X-Ray and Alignment Chico suggested. Supposed to have happened at 6 weeks. It didn't.

They told me he would have to examine me first to see what X Rays to order.

I will tell him all my symptoms, forgot about the calf cramps , and lower back pain. Ask if it could be fluid that needs to be drained, scar tissue, bursitis , can the new knee be too large, did he save my Patella or is it a plastic piece? I will suggest something for the pain.Ask for muscle relaxers, pain pills,WHATEVER can help the swelling and tightness. There just has to be SOMETHING to help. Will let you know tomorrow evening. Thanks everyone for your support.

Hi Purplelover, I had my TKR and it was a horrible experience. 7 months out I was still hurting, swelling, and ROM was in 90's. that's how a different surgeon knew I had scar tissue. He did scope and manipulation and I finally got 121 ROM, # PT's later, Im still hurting and have low ROM, so Im going to Duke now, to their PT department/Joint Health program, where they treat the whole body. Im doing PT, just had my first pool therapy today and looking forward to a better life, even if it means I have to learn to live with the way it is... LIke my PT told me today, this was an elective surgery, and unfortunately surgeons (some) treat it like such. After surgey, adios....... I hate to think that, but it's true.

Oh.., and when I did have the scope surgery and the manipulation, it was a breeze. You are asleep

Im on medicare, so its al good..... Aactually I think if you massaged it gently yourself, it wouldn't hurt so badly. I massage mine knee every night when I put my aspercreme on...(with lidocaine).....

Over six months out and, if I am careful I can walk a few yards at a time with a Walker. No pain unless I overdo it. Numbness on right side of knee. Stick with it?