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Hips replaced, now dealing with knees—discouraged

Posted , 6 users are following.

susan99930
susan99930

Hello, 

53 years old, replaced left hip June 2016, and right hip Jan 2018.  Left hip great, right hip recovering well, just a bit sore yet and still a little fatigue   The new hips are so much better than old hips, and range of motion is unbelievable.   

Now I have to deal with the knee pain.  I actually had my choice of doing the right hip or right knee in January, but choose hip since recovery is quick.  Right knee is bone on bone medially and even a bit out of allighnment, left knee showing some loss of cartilage. Had a PRP injection in right knee in Sept 2017, which did help with the pain, having another injection in 2 weeks and having custom brace made for support when active.  

Dr said right knee needs to be a total, and wants a custom implant for me as I broke both femurs in college.  He said left knee would be candidate for partial.  I would like to get at least a year and a half before going thru another surgery.  

Need encouragement—just tired of pain all the time.  I am only 53, have always been very active and in fact I am almost underweight.  I still play a bit of doubles tennis, but have had to decrease play and playing at a lower level.  Depressed but forcing myself to keep going and stay active.  Ride stationary bike and do weights, no squats, and yoga. 

Anybody going thru same thing?   What works best for knee pain, tramadol, ibuprofen, Tylenol?   I shouldn’t have to give up on life at 53.  

1 like, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • Laura3333
    Laura3333 susan99930

    Posted

    I’m the other way round. Both knees been replaced, now both hips need doing.

    Back been a problem for over thirty years, had spine fused, didn’t work.

    My life has just been a waste of time or so it seems

    The only thing pain wise I could take were anti inflammatory drugs, and then I got gastric ulcers, so no pain relief at all now. Life isn’t fair. Just have to get on with it really.

  • MAT2018
    MAT2018 susan99930

    Posted

    Check out this guy's posting.   https://patient.info/forums/profiles/chico-marx-949675

    Chico Marx has been there and done it.  He has great advice and reading his post help me get over my depression with Total Knee replacement recovery.   

    I would work with a good physical therapist or trainer to do everything you can to do strengthen the muscles around your knees if you haven't already.   

    You might want to see another doctor.  Not sure where you live but if you have access to a teaching hospital, they are normally more up to date on the latest medical advice and methods.  

  • CHICO_MARX
    CHICO_MARX susan99930

    Posted

    Almost exactly.  Diagnosed with 30% necrotic right hip and had it replaced in 2009.  After getting out of the hospital, I started at the gym and therapy pool 5 hours a day, six days a week.  Total rehab in six weeks.  Pushed the hell out of the hip and it paid off...big time.

    At the same time, I was dealing with knees that had two scopes each (four total) for meniscus tears and ripped off femoral condyles plus arthritis.  Used Synvisc with GREAT success for many years.  Moved from New Jersey to Texas in 2010; the warmer climate took ALL knee pain away.  After 5 years here, needed the TKR.

    So...  You can try the Synvisc injections; Voltaren Gel (RX in the US) is a GREAT topical anti-inflammatory, especially at bedtime.  Any long-term use of ibuprofen or acetaminophen will likely impact your stomach.  Best to treat the knees directly.

    Exercising is great to keep yourself as strong as possible pre-TKR but remember that stressing the knee will only make it worse and cause more swelling and pain.  The knee is the complete opposite of the hip...it CANNOT be pushed.  You may be making it worse the more you exercise it.

    Here are some thoughts for your decision...

    https://patient.info/forums/discuss/tkr-pre-op-expectations-622045

    Depression is not an option.  Focus...stay strong.

    • susan99930
      susan99930 CHICO_MARX

      Posted

      I wondered about the synvisc inections, insurance covers those but not the PRP.  Great advise, thank you.  I took up hot yoga 6 months ago and water aerobics once a week as these are activities I can do pain free.  Truthfully doubles tennis is a bit painful, but the sad part is I have made so many friends playing it, which it why I moved down to beginner league--compromise.  

       

  • martha08360
    martha08360 susan99930

    Posted

    sorry you're having these problems.  I had TKR 5 weeks ago today and will never go through this again with my riht knee.  not doing well at all..... i took oxy at first, didn't help with pain, now on tramadol and tylenol.  minimum relief at best.  very swollen, although i do ice constantly.  going to see doc tomorrow........ surgery as last resort dear.

    • CHICO_MARX
      CHICO_MARX martha08360

      Posted

      Never say "never".  Sooooo many people say they'l never do #2 right at the beginning of the recovery from #1 because they're looking at it from the perspective of their current pain.  After a year, virtually everyone changes their tune.  You have to get past the #1 recovery to make any further decision.  Yes, there are people who have a very bad time for a long time are are very reluctant to do the second one.  In many cases, though, the other knee gets so bad that they have no choice.

      Another thing to consider is that very infrequently do people have the same experience twice.  Those with bad #1 recoveries have a much better time with the second and vice versa.  Each op is  a stand-alone occurrence and you cannot predetermine the outcome...just get through it.

      So...deep breath.  Plan your one-year anniversary party and plan to dance!!!!  These other decisions come waaaaay later.  When I look back on my #1 two years ago, I think that yes, the first 2-3 months were horrible.  Then I concentrated on the rehab and was climbing stairs two at a time at 14 months.  The final outcome, regardless of the early pain, ended up being fantastic and certainly worth the short-term discomfort.

      Recommendation:  Be FULLY recovered from #1 before doing #2.  Some people do them a few months apart.  Personally, I think that's insane.  You're still not fully recovered and have not regained the op-side leg strength.  I would never do #2 until I was strong enough again to handle it.  However, sometimes people must do them back to back because of the severe pain in #2.  It's all individual and no one judges the decisions of others.  It's always your call. 

    • Laura3333
      Laura3333 martha08360

      Posted

      Five weeks is still very early Martha, don’t give up on it yet. As long as you do the exercises to the best of your ability, and ice in between, you’re  doing ok. It is painful yes, but it will get easier. A few months from now you’ll see the benefits.
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