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TKR. My worst life decision

Posted , 14 users are following.

Jeannenp
Jeannenp

I need to vent tonight. I hate for my family and friends to constantly have to hear this. In February of 2014 I had a left TKR for one on bone osteoarthritis. After 3 months of unimaginable pain and telling my surgeon it was infected, he finally tapped it, it was infected ( from pseudomonas in the OR) and was removed. 3 months with no joint and IV antibiotics at home, I got a new knee. End of story, right. No, I have neuropathy that is ongoing and lateral joint pain even at rest. I'm not sure why this is mine to bear, but sometimes I even get sick of the story.As I lay in bed tonight, I wonder if I will ever be the same. When I hear that knee replacement works, I just can't even imagine. By the way, I put on a happy face and do the best I can.

2 likes, 40 replies

40 Replies

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  • cheryl90571
    cheryl90571 Jeannenp

    Posted

    So sorry to hear that you have had such a difficult time of it with your TKR! Infections anywhere are scary; an infection following a TKR is WAAAAAY past scary!

    You have had a number of issues to bear besides replacement of your knee! Remember that each one of them is a major thing to recover from IN ADDITION TO having your knee replaced! No wonder it has seemed so difficult!

    I guess you just have to deal with what comes which MUST feel like you are trying to keep multiple plates spinning at the same time! Not easy to do!

    There are many on this site who have had complications. I don't know why some people seem to get multiple complications.

    I am sending prayers of strength, courage, patience and hope to you tonight. I pray that you will meet each challenge and overcome each difficulty.

  • Oldfatguy1
    Oldfatguy1 Jeannenp

    Posted

    I can have the utmost empathy for you having gone through the same thing last year. I know exactly the pain and aggravation that you are experiencing. I finally went to a pain management specialist last Friday and he put me on a high dose (300 mg 3x's a day) of gabepentin. First dose was like a miracle....90% of the nerve pain disappeared and after 2 days I am almost free of that pain. Of course the knee pain is still there but a little more defined instead of being mixed with the other. Tomorror I am getting a spinal injection and hopefully the pain in my hip and back will go away. Using that walker and doing all of that twisting and turning while waiting for the new knee had thrown everything out of joint and into pain. I hope you can get to the proper Dr. to get some help. I have found primary care docs are better than surgeons for pain control but a good surgeon will get you to the pain clinic quicker. Good luck and stay in touch. If you ever want a private conversation just use my email.....several do
  • philip45419
    philip45419 Jeannenp

    Posted

    Dear Jeanne,

    I am sorry to hear about sisituation and your pain. Yes,there is light at the end of the tunnel. I also had an infected knee replacement. By the time we realized what was wrong, I was almost Ceptic and there was talk of amputation. I'm only 55 with a very active life, and I wasn't ready for that. They also removed my implant and no joint for over 4 months because they couldn't identify nor control the infection. I was up to 6 injections and 2 IV bags a day which made me so I'll. Finially in December I was cleared of all infection and received my new knee. I am walking, climbing stairs, even light running after my grandkids. A little soreness and swelling that a massage and ice can control. You are right, be positive and continue to do you physical therapy exercises, evening bedridden. My surgeon said my recovery after surgery was amazing and do mainly to staying limber and muscle tone. It's uncomfortable I know, but do it for the complete recovery. I'll say some prayers for you. Be careful to be moderate with ur pain meds. God bless

    • cheryl90571
      cheryl90571 philip45419

      Posted

      Hi Philip!

      Just read your response to Jeanne. Goodness! I am SO GLAD that you are doing so well after the nightmare you have had to endure following your TKR!

      Thank you for writing in and sharing your story! I am continually inspired and in awe of those here on this site! There are stories full of great difficulties but even greater courage, persistence and faith that all will once again be right again.

      Your story is certainly one of VICTORY!

      Wishing you many enjoyable times with your family and continued improvement following all that you have gone through with your TKR.

      Sending prayers of gratefulness this morning for your health and strength that has been returned to you.

      Thank you for sharing your experience with us all.

  • Annibgood
    Annibgood Jeannenp

    Posted

    Hi Jeanne

    My heart goes out to you. You sound like you have been living a nightmare.

    Do what OFG says and get yourself to a pain management clinic they will help you control the pain and bring it to a workabe/livable level.  Most on here are on some level of pain control to keep going and manage PT etc. I'm nearly 12 weeks post TKR and still use a lot especially in the morning when its at its stiffest and at night which is really the hardest because most of us cannot sleep.

    The beauty of this forum as you can see is that we all have rants at some stage and the responses and sympathy from others helps us.  The key word is patience and we all lose it from time to time.  Stay as strong as you can, you will get better.

    Best wishes

    Ann

    Ireland.

     

  • colin66867
    colin66867 Jeannenp

    Posted

    Iam so sorry to hear your suffering and hope there will be some light at the end of the tunnel,
  • SolarCycles
    SolarCycles Jeannenp

    Posted

    I feel for you as I too know only to well what a log and arduous journey recovery is. I underwent a TKR nearly three years ago and from the inset I knew something wasn't right as my leg was crooked with my foot pointing inwards and a pain far worse than the original arthritic pain.

    it turned out all wasn't well despite the consultant saying it was and his solution was to fuse my leg, naturally I sought a second opinion where my new consultant confirmed that the proceeding surgery hadn't been successful and it would need revising due to the prosthesis not really doing anything, this was confirmed at the time of the revision when the consultant removed the old prosthesis with his bare hands. 

    Im now a year into my revision and still all is not well as I can't extend my leg straight and a straight leg raise is nigh on impossible due to the back of my leg locking. My knee gives way constantly thought this was an issue prior as I underwent a Patellectomy some 27 years ago, though now my foot feels like it's nailed to the floor when my leg gives way this doesn't always happen so it does tend to catch me by surprise.

    I think trying to remain positive is the best way forward and not let these issues get you down and try to remember there are people far worse off than us, we're still here and we've got our facilities, though being only 52 Im still relatively youngish and have seen me lose my business and receive no monies or help is galling to say the least.

    • cheryl90571
      cheryl90571 SolarCycles

      Posted

      I just read your post and wanted to thank you for sharing the incredibly difficult and continuing journey that you have been on these past three years. So much pain. So many things to endure all at the same time.

      Challenges of this magnitude certainly change us as individuals. I am truly sorry for all you have had to deal with these last three years. We go into surgery hoping for the best. We don't think of all that can go wrong in the aftermath of surgery.

      Sending prayers of continued positive outlook and appreciation of your journey to wellness.

      You have inspired me with your strength and hope.

    • patsyrose
      patsyrose SolarCycles

      Posted

      Gosh, you've had a dreadful time too.  We go through these things thinking positively and putting our trust in the surgeons, but we're all different and some not as lucky as others.  I had my first one done at 52, and that was a struggle but nothing like yours.  My second one has been so much harder.

      I am really sorry that you lost your business, that is so hard, too.

      i wish you all the best and hope that you do see some improvement over time.  As you say, at least we still have our faculties.

      Patsy

    • SolarCycles
      SolarCycles patsyrose

      Posted

      Thank you Patsy and Cheryl, it is frustrating at times but sometimes things are out of your control and why waste negative emotions  on such. I'm hoping when I see my consultant next Monday I'll get some good news if not I'll adapt and focus on the next chapter.confused
  • marilyn64827
    marilyn64827 Jeannenp

    Posted

    Hi there how awful for you to go through all that.I am very curious as to what happens when they remove the replacement.?How do you manage to move around etc, I have read of this happening to other people too.I have had 2 trapiezectomies, bunion surgery, removal of sesamoid bone and other operations in their last 7 years and have TKR on Thursday and I would just like to be aware of all aspects of recovery and the things that can go wrong.Sorry you have had to suffer like this hope things come right for you.Any info appreciated.
    • Jeannenp
      Jeannenp marilyn64827

      Posted

      Marilyn, infection happens very infrequently. I love the support here, but I don't want to terrify anyone going into this surgery. When it wasn't infected I had manageable pain and could move around fairly easily. And as others have said, USE ICE. Best wishes for an uneventful recovery.
  • Annibgood
    Annibgood Jeannenp

    Posted

    Hi All but especially Marilyn.

    Stop looking for the negatives Marilyn, focus on the positive!

    Most of us have had a TKR with no complications.

    Yes its sore, yes it will get you down from time to time, thats why we come on here and rant now and again.  But we are all getting there some quicker than others I agree, but we are all here for each other.

    Nobody told me the recovery would take so long so be prepared!

    I'm at 11 weeks now and though the pain is not as severe now, its still there and I still need painkillers to function properly, sleep is a major problem with us all,  but I KNOW I am improving.

    Biggest lesson you will learn on this forum is patience.

    You will get there eventually.

    Ann

    Ireland

    • marilyn64827
      marilyn64827 Annibgood

      Posted

      Thank you Anne for you're reply I have had osteoarthritis for 28yrs and not all my surgery has gone to plan so I'm aware things can go bit off course.I had surgery on 8th Jan to remove one of the screws in my foot (been on crutches around a year due to their screw loosening oh and also been in fitflops all that time as well). Been pretty cold not being able to wear any sort of closed shoe or slippers.I am just curious as to how people manage if they replacement has to come out for any reason how do you move around.I am not worrying about this and I'm sure all will go well for me as I do tend to recover well after surgery.Just thought I would ask on here rather than Google I like to be aware of the negative experiences as well as the positive ones.I'm prepared for a painful and long recovery but I just wondered how people cope if this happens to them.I also have many more operations to have following my recovery from knee replacement.I have already watched it being done on you tube so fully aware of the trauma to you're body.Hope you're recovery continues to improve and thanks again for you're reply..
    • Annibgood
      Annibgood marilyn64827

      Posted

      Hi Marilyn

      Again I can sympathise my younger sister was hit by a car 2 years ago and broke every bone in her body apart from her right arm. She should really have died but thank god she was a fighter and survived she has had more operations than I care to mention here, and is absolutely full of metal (I disown her in the airport she sets the machines mad!).  But , like you she as more opertions to come and each time she has one she has to start all over again learning to walk.  Like all on here she has her ups and downs, but always comes back fighting. 

      I wouldnt even dream of complaining about my TKR to hersad

      Good luck let us know how you get on

      Ann

    • marilyn64827
      marilyn64827 Annibgood

      Posted

      Hi Ann by comparison a knee replacement is nothing to what you're sister has and is still going through poor lady my heart goes out too her she must be so brave going through all she has had done and what she has ahead of her.I will certainly pop on here during my recovery as I may need a rant occasionally as well.I also live alone but I am lucky to have 2 daughters that live close by.I am my own worst enemy as I'm so independent and don't like people fussing round me.Suppose I better get used to it for a bit although hard to change as I'm 58 so pretty set in my ways . Thanks Ann much appreciated.
    • patsyrose
      patsyrose marilyn64827

      Posted

      I know what you mean about being independent - I live alone and my 87 year old Dad had to help me...only he doesn't help in the way you'd like him too.  He thought that coming and sitting and talking at me for 2 hours was what I needed, whereas all I really wanted was for someone to come and take me out for a coffee or something, or run the Hoover round.
    • Oldfatguy1
      Oldfatguy1 marilyn64827

      Posted

      Youre a child. I got kidney stones older than that. Yes, you will need some help doing certain things otherwise there is that outside chance of that little extra causing you to hurt yourself. Food preparation is probabl the Most difficult as we all are so used to handling a few pots and pans etc. Suddenly they be me difficult to get to and

      trying to move around the kitchen is difficult. Extra care to keep from burning yourself or falling is needed. They always say the kitchen is the most dangerous room in the house and that is magnified with this surgery. Independence is good and keeps you from just setting back and expecting others to do and then not progressing as you should n it with this surgery and rehab you have to use discretion. I use the definition of discrection as the difference between scratching your a** and tearing the hell out of it. Good luck on this journey. I'm a survivor of 5 complete rehabs, 3 different prosthesis, 2 serious rounds of staph a broken femur and 11 surgeries. Like One of my kids said, this didn't turn you into an old grouch, you already were one before it started.

    • cheryl90571
      cheryl90571 Annibgood

      Posted

      Hi Ann!

      Just read your post and want to tell you how sorry I am that your younger sister has had SO MUCH to endure following her horrific accident.

      Please let her know how inspiring her story has been to me. I admire fighters who, against great odds, NEVER give up! I believe that God gives us the strength we need to conquer any trial that may come. Your sister is one amazing individual, and she helps all of us place OUR pain, our suffering, our trials in perspective.

      Please tell her that I am praying for her continued courage, strength and faith to remain as she recovers. She inspires all of us.

    • Oldfatguy1
      Oldfatguy1 marilyn64827

      Posted

      If its just a true replacement, the original is full rmoved and They have instrments to do that. Then they clean up the area remeasuring and pick out the proper replacement and insert it, close up the incision ad you are back on the rehab journey. If it is a situation here staph is concerned, they take everything out, clean and flush the area surgically removing all the infection then toss in a packet is time release antibiotics and put in a platic spacer that is also filled with antibiotics. You are then closed up and put in an immobilizer from hip to foot and restricted in both bend and weight bearing then handed a walker that becomes your friend for the next 4 or 5 months. Next they insert a PICC line and start you on daily antibiotic infusion, in my case, twice daily for 8 weeks. You wait another 6 weeks to make sure the infection is completely gone then back in for another brand new shiney joint. I was immoblized for another month after that before they let me get back to full weight bearing and starting the bend. I had home health for 3 weeks and then back into outpatient therapy. Meanwhile, I was trying to take care If my wife who is in advanced stages of Parkinson's and can no longer drive and many other things. Thank God for family and friends as I was unable to drive for several weeks and really got back to it before I should have.

      The body and brain are marvelous. You do do things to You never dreamed possible and when it's over it's history.......no lingering after affects.

    • cheryl90571
      cheryl90571 Oldfatguy1

      Posted

      Oh my goodness! That is even more involved than I had ever ever imagined! Thank you so much for explaining that!

      Of course it all makes perfect sense. I think that when we hear that we finally ARE a candidate for a knee replacement, or TWO, we are so happy not to have to jump through any more insurance hoops that we go forward gangbusters to GET IT DONE! ( I was up for anything that would get rid of the horrible pain I had been living with for eight years!) At one point while watching athletes who were amputees using those amazing "Cheetah Legs", I actually said the words out loud..." Maybe AMPUTATION would help my knees stop hurting!" We move forward, have the surgery or surgeries, and think that we will just get up and become 21 again. (Human beings tend to be quite hopeful about things!)

      When things go differently than we planned or are FAR MORE complicated than we ever expected, we are shocked. I, for one, didn't do much research as to what actually was going to take place. Before I joined this forum I had NO IDEA such complications even happened! I sure learned quickly how things can be VERY different from what one imagines!

      Thank you for explaining the process so well! Thank you for ALWAYS being the voice of reason, the voice of experience. You have so much to deal with, YET you faithfully help others here to understand and cope with their trials.

      Thank you!

      😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇

    • Annibgood
      Annibgood cheryl90571

      Posted

      Thank you so much Cheryl

      She is my hero.  She is 11 years younger than me (and looks 20 years younger than me). She was hit by a car in Portugal.  They did nothing with her there for about a week as they thought she would die from the shock never mind the injuries.  I flew out and spent 3 weeks there She was in intensive care all the time that I was there.  Eventually she was air ambulanced home. 

      Then her journey really began.  She has been through so much and always bounces back.  Another op is due in March to remove a plate in her shoulder, which is not too bad as it will not effect her walking!

      So you see Cheryl I have to come on here for a rant I definitely can't complain about my little TKR cry

       

    • cheryl90571
      cheryl90571 Annibgood

      Posted

      Oh my! Hit by a car in another country and left without treatment! I can't even imagine what that first week must have been like for her! I am so glad you flew to be with her! An air ambulance...wow! Such an incredible experience after so much had already happened!

      She is a VERY strong person to have suffered so much yet managing through it all to keep fighting!

      I will continue to pray for her. Sending prayers of strength, prayers of determination, prayers for continued courage -- God has never left her side.

      Sending prayers to YOU, too. It has got to be very hard watching her have to deal with so much.

      We all have the right to rant, to complain, to VENT! This is an excellent place to do it because we all have experienced pain, frustration, and confusion as we recover. I am grateful every day for this AWESOME site!

      Take care! Please keep in touch so we hear of your progress and that of your sister, too.

    • Annibgood
      Annibgood cheryl90571

      Posted

      She also developed severe osteoporosis because she was flat on her back with no movement for nearly 6 months (fractured scull, broken neck, broken back).  Her bones just break for no reason they are so brittle.  She has broken her foot twice and her wrist once in the last 6 months.  She is now on a trial program where she injects herself everyday and it will hopefully reverse the osteoporosis.

      I will keep you posted Cheryl and thank you for your prayers and kind thoughts.

      Appreciated.

      Ann X

    • cheryl90571
      cheryl90571 Annibgood

      Posted

      Oh my! She has endured so much!

      I am glad to hear that the injections could help her osteoporosis. She has been through so much!

      I will pray that the injections will help to turn things around for her and that she will see that she is gaining ground in her fight.

      Be sure to tell her that she is an inspiration to all of us who are fighting our own battles to regain pain-free and productive lives.

    • Oldfatguy1
      Oldfatguy1 Annibgood

      Posted

      Ranting is permitted and in your case, advanced ranting is applicable. Such a tragic case. You would think a civilized country would have provided more and quicker care. Lets hope things start comin around he way in the near future.
    • Annibgood
      Annibgood Oldfatguy1

      Posted

      In fairness to Portugal, nobody expected her to live.  They made her very comfortable and put her legs in traction.  When they did put her back together again they did a great job and always had an English speaking nurse with her.  All the docs here (Ireland) when she came home said she should never have pulled through.

      She just wasnt ready to go, it wasnt her time, she still had things to do.biggrin

    • marilyn64827
      marilyn64827 Oldfatguy1

      Posted

      Hello Oldfatguy Thank you so much for you're honest and factual reply you really have been through their mill.!!Thanks for sharing you're experience it's always better to hear from people who have gone through this operation rather than reading from books/Internet.

      Had all their pre op and physio input so ready for admission tomorrow.I am leaning towards having it done under a spinal anesthetic rather than being knocked out.I already have problems in kitchen and have kettle tipper (my best friend)and many more things to help make my life a bit easier..hope all goes to plan for you in the next few months and you have a uneventful recovery.I will certainly be on here whilst recovering for any tips and help I may need.Love this website it's so informative and then forums give an insight from others who have had experience .Invaluable.

      Marilyn

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