Total knee replacement and acupuncture

You need to speak up. Seven months is a long time to still need pain meds, from what I've experienced. I was off my heavy meds in about four weeks and began cutting back the rest of the meds in about 12 weeks. I still needed to take some meds for a nerve problem due to the surgery. Are you doing too much PT? The pain should be going away to some degree by now.

Good luck.

i think you need to see your doctor or surgeon on this one i dont think you should be taking strong painkillers at this stage get some help asap hope all goes well .

Hi Lynne, sorry your having a hard time of it. I'm at about 2 years post op both knees done 3 months apart. At 7 months you shouldn't still be in pain, you need to talk to your doctor or get a second opinion. I was in physical therapy for a year / 3 days a week. Takes time as and I was always sore from physical therapy, but that's different from a high level of joint pain. You need to get some answers, I don't think your GP will have but maybe he/she can get you to the right doctor. Maybe there's a problem with your Physical Therapy program. I did find that if you over do it then you have to rest for a few days. Don't hesitate to ask for help you shouldn't have to live with pain, this surgery is supposed to fix that. I hope you find help.

Hi Lynne.

Go swimming!  I got depressed, was on strong meds and I went swimming ... Or rather paddling!  I went 2 or 3 times a week and just did all my exercises in the water, had a float under me and pedalled like a bike and did a little bit of swimming. 

it worked wonders for me - for the depression and also the knee.  I'm 17 months now and still swim a couple of times a week - I can feel it in the knee if I miss it.

Hi Lynne, I've had both knees done/about 2 years ago. Back here now RTHR at 9 weeks. All good. I really feel for you still in pain after 7 months. My knee surgeries were 3 months apart and the pain was gone after a few months of physical therapy. What does your doctor say ? It does take time but not with pain, what are you taking for the pain.? How much physical therapy are you doing? You should maybe change something, therapy or your doctor.

hi, I'm also 7 months post TKR and find that if I'm on my feet too long it makes the leg ache considerably so that I have to sit down for a rest. The knee is not painful just aches after walking which I find is still very slow and I am still unable to fully bend the knee. If it gets too uncomfortable I take ibuprufen which is an anti inflammatory and works well, though I avoid doing this if at all possible. I was wondering if anyone had tried acupuncture, I'd like to know whether this would help with getting my knee bending fully thus allowing me to walk more normally without so much effort. Fortunately the majority of the swelling has gone and also fortunately I no longer have pain mine is more the discomfort of walking which I try to do several times a day to try and get the knee movement

I have done some research online into acupuncture for TKR and according to the studies undertaken acupuncture, classical type, has proved effective in treatment of TKR patients, those suffering pain and also mobility problems. If you are able to locate one it's certainly appears worth giving it a try.

I suggest that you go and talk with your doctor he is there to help you and will certainly understand how you must be feeling having so much pain. He will no doubt be able to point you in the right direction for an acupuncturist too, please go and speak with him don't suffer on your own.

I'm on my way now to see if acupuncture can help with my knee pain. My tkr was Nov. 13, 2017 and I still have a lot of pain and swelling. I'll keep you updated. Hang in there. Better days are coming..... so everyone says.