Do You Regret Having a Knee Replacement?

Do You Regret Having a Knee Replacement?
Physical Therapist Luke gives some helpful tips and advice if you are someone who answers yes to this question.
Knee to Know
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[@bevy814]

I DO NOT regret knee replacement surgery. As a matter of fact, on Oct 10th 2023 I had knee replacement surgery done the left. ( The right knee was done May 2023). I am already Rehabbing better than the first surgery. By the end of this year, I plan to be back in high heels dancing at Somebody's New Year's party. My tip is; Listen to the PT and OT specialists and follow their instructions. Stay hydrated, stay iced up and give yourself a little push to do more each session.

[@KneeReplacementTherapists]

This is great to hear! Thank you for sharing your advice and best of luck with your continued rehab and recovery!

[@theajayieffect]

Yes!!!!

[@ZmanKC]

I'm so sorry to hear that some people have had such a poor outcome that they regret having the surgery. I've been extremely fortunate that both of my TKR's have been successful. One is 24 years old and the other is 10 months old.

[@KneeReplacementTherapists]

Happy to hear you've had good outcomes! It is an unfortunate part of working with knee replacement patients is there are some who don't have good outcomes from surgery.

[@barbara5495]

I'm one of those....still have fluid buildup (including a Baker's cyst which docs will do nothing about) around knee - 4 years out. I have full range of motion and can walk/jog (which is all good) because I won't let this get me down and refuse to give up. I was very compliant with my PT, icing, moving, etc...did everything I was asked to do for one full year....I've been a gym rat my whole life, WAS a marathon runner for 40 years...extremely physically active my whole life. However, the fluid buildup causing tightness and discomfort and the numbness in the lower leg/foot are not what I expected and hard to live with some days (but not all). I've come to accept my knee as my own along with getting different types of massages including myofascial release (game changer), reflexology, and Reiki. I will continue to find ways to relieve the discomfort so I may live a somewhat 'normal' life but will NEVER go through TKR surgery again.

[@KneeReplacementTherapists]

Thank you for sharing your personal story after surgery. Sorry to hear it didn't turn out quite how you wished but you are finding strategies to manage it... this information will be very helpful for others struggling after surgery.

[@bhrantibhavsar3011]

I am 52 yrs old woman from India. I had my TKR on bith knees 8 months before, initially 3 for starting months the pain was unbearable but gradually it decreased with daily 3 times physio and application of ice packs. Being a prediabetic and overweight I had to follow strict food habits. I have little numbness on my legs but rest I am doing great . Exercise and walking is a must for myself that is what I realised to get back to normal life.

[@KneeReplacementTherapists]

Thank you for sharing your experience following surgery. I am very glad you are doing well, and agree with your advice regular and consistent exercise and activity such as walking gives you the best chance of a successful recovery after surgery.

[@johnlauenstein9622]

Had knee replacement at 57 years old, In alright shape,work fit,plumber. I was becoming a cripple body getting all out of shape, but I wasn’t in pain. Had to annoy surgeon twice to do job, said I was to young and not in pain. After surgery he said I needed it. I could not be happier with the outcome I can do anything. But I work on it all the time, love going to heated therapy pool before work.

[@KneeReplacementTherapists]

That’s great to hear you are doing so well!

[@coringtonbaldwin7629]

I do not regret my Total Knee Replacement...Before my surgery I was at a pain level of 10 and struggled to take 5 steps with the assistance of a cane..A year after surgery I was pain free and walking normal and 18 months after surgery I am about 95% with just a few things I can't do before my knee injury.. In addition, I tested myself thru Therapy ( inpatient, outpatient and on my own) and overcame adversity which is the best

[@KneeReplacementTherapists]

This is awesome! You really came through the adversity stronger and better. You are an inspiration to others.

[@angelakeel410]

I absolutely regret 100% having a knee replacement. I am 100x worse than I was. 😢

[@kevinholland4156]

Me too!

[@sangeetashah539]

Me too😢

[@joeking4389]

Me as well, wish I hadn't had it but I had no choice. 🤨

[@lvlv1225]

Maybe it’s a nickel allergy. You can call orthopedic analysis out of Chicago and they will send you a test kit for all the components in a knee. Sometimes it’s either the nickel or the cement… serious.

[@KneeReplacementTherapists]

I'm sorry to hear this, hopefully there are steps that can be taken to address the issues you are experiencing.

[@rayclark474]

I had my initial TKA March of 2016, initially life was great after recovery. Unfortunately I started to have fluid buildup about 12 months post-op. Fluid was drawn and sent to the lab, no infection, just fluid. Over the next few years I had to have fluid drained multiple times. Eventually, I lost ROM, couldn't flex to even put a sock on. In June 2020 at the recommendation of my new ortho I had a revision. Again, for the first 12 months life was great. Unfortunately, I again have lost ROM, not as severe as before but now I have severe pain at the top of the knee when sitting. My pain mgr is trying to get a genicular nerve RFA approved. Yes I have had some issues, BUT I do not regret getting it done. 2 years ago, I started having left knee issues, had it scoped (#7 total, 6 on the right), and was told I need replacement, but so far, it is doing ok, but I can tell it isn't far off.

[@KneeReplacementTherapists]

Thank you very much for watching and sharing your personal journey. I'm glad to hear even through the many obstacles you've encountered you don't regret having the surgery done. Best wishes to you!

[@marysteven3004]

I had knee replacement at the end of August 2023. My knee is still pretty painful, and I have hip pain- my knee was less painful BEFORE I had it replaced. No high heels for me!

[@KneeReplacementTherapists]

Sorry to hear about your struggles. It can take 6 months and sometimes even up to a year or more to feel completely healed and recovered. Hopefully you continue to see slow and steady improvements.

[@glendaglover1399]

I had TKR December 19 2023 had a blood clot week later stayed in the hospital 3 days came home and cried 3wks everyday from pain im thankful to God Grace and Mercy that im so much better back working doing fine i hate the stiffness but ots better than pain

[@KneeReplacementTherapists]

The early days and weeks of recovery can be very challenging, especially if you have complications. I’m glad you’re doing better and hope you continue to see improvements with time.

[@tombealssr9268]

Yes

[@lvlv1225]

Check for allergies to the metal in the knees and the cements. Seriously.

[@KneeReplacementTherapists]

This is something to consider for folks, although rare, it can happen.

[@KneeReplacementTherapists]

sorry to hear this, hope this video can provide some helpful information.

[@karenrounds2843]

No regrets, just more overwhelmed with the ongoing challenges 8 months tka and 5 months mua. 53 with a labor intensive occupation so managed with conservative tx for years. So post-op dvt, aspiration pneumonia and quad shutdown, spent a week inpatient. After mua, front of knee stiffness greatly improved however have experienced a knife stabbing pain behind the knee on the lateral side during flexion beyond 100°. Continued PT for 5 months total and they weren't sure what was causing it. I'm back to taking one step at a time due to falling down the stairs while working. Back to taking ibuprofen daily for stiffness like pre-op and icing after work. Gotta work with it, just frustrated and haven't found a possible reason yet for the stabbing pain with researching reputable resources.

[@KneeReplacementTherapists]

Thank you for sharing, it definitely sounds like you have gone through much more than most people after knee replacement surgery. I wish I could give you a definitive answer for the stabbing pain in the back of the knee but it would be unwise for me to make guesses without formally assessing your knee. That being said, it can be a number of potential causes such as tendinitis, Baker's cyst inflammation, a nerve injury, or other rarer neurological or vascular injuries... If your pain persists I definitely recommend consulting with your surgeon and potentially getting follow up imaging and testing if appropriate. Best wishes to you.

[@debraparker9682]

I had 3 TKA on my right knee last within the last 3 years. January 2023 was the last one, due to pain, not able to straighten and extreme swelling I had a Quad Tendon Repair May 2023. Now I’m still with extreme swelling and ROM is 70 degrees flexing and 80 degrees extending. So YES I regret having the first TKA, the second and the third!

[@KneeReplacementTherapists]

I'm very sorry to hear about your struggles, this is certainly a lot to go through. I hope you are able to find the healing and relief of your pain and symptoms you need.

[@terrykimble7291]

I don't have full rom!

[@dywagner7998]

Almost a year n a half since the TKR , still terrible pain. 😢

[@KneeReplacementTherapists]

So sorry to hear this.

[@geraldinew1172]

I had 1 TKR in June of 2022 ,then the other in feb 2023 ,I don't have any regrets ,my concerns are the first TkR, it makes a lot of noise, like a loud cracking sound ,when I'm walking sometimes I feel like it's falling apart falling apart , I still have stiffness in both knees ,but looking on the bright side I can walk much better than pre-surgery .

[@KneeReplacementTherapists]

It is very common for the new knee to make noises like this. Usually it is more annoying than an issue. You should contact your surgeon if the noises are accompanied by increased pain, swelling or other symptoms. Usually the noises diminish slow over time but some individuals do have noises that will continue to linger.

[@rubywedderburn9487]

YES😢 YES😢 AND YES😢😢😢

[@KneeReplacementTherapists]

I'm so sorry to hear this, I hope you are able to find the help and support you need.

[@jamesfournier3458]

Had right knee replacement 1 year and 2 months ago. It was not a piece of cake getting through it. I can straighten my knee and bend it very well but recently when I go to get up, I have a pulling, tightness, slight pain on top right of knee. Had x-rays and everything was ok and I can walk on it. Had a PT come to my house for several weeks and I do the exercises. Could it be the arthiritis, being that I do have RA? It's very frustrating at times.

[@KneeReplacementTherapists]

This new pain may be due to some inflammation from your RA. Your best bet is to continue to with the exercises your PT prescribed and keep yourself moving and active. This is by far the number one way to maintain your physical status and longevity of your knee replacement.

[@shreyakanchanasairam5939]

Doctor I got my both knee replacement done in April 2023. It’s 6 months now. I am perfectly okay except that when I get up in the morning, I find it difficult to take first few steps. Especially in my left leg. But the pain is actually in the nerves on top part of feet. The nerves pull for a minute or so and then I feel better after taking a few steps. Is it anything to worry. Doctor prescribed me pregalin twice a day

[@KneeReplacementTherapists]

Thank you for your question. I don't think this is something to worry about, but rather just to be vigilant and observant about, while following your doctors advice and instructions. There are a few potential causes for this nerve pain but your personal doctor will best be able to instruct you.

[@kevinholland4156]

I regret it! It's been 4 years and it is swelling all the time and hurts like hell most of the time. Right after my surgery, the hospital retired the Dr. that did mine. I went back to his cohort and he said looking at the exray everything looked fine.

[@lvlv1225]

Maybe you have a nickel allergy. Can you wear cheap jewelry? All these knees have nickel.

[@KneeReplacementTherapists]

You are dealing with persistent pain, which is a different beast compared to the normal post-surgical pain. The goal is to slowly and progressively build up confidence and trust in your knee and body. Although you have continued pain, you can be confident this pain does not correlate to actual damage to your replacement or rest of the tissue around the knee. Your bodies alarm system, pain, is out of wack and the best way to improve this is light easy exercise / physical activity and slowly building up over many days and weeks. Patience and consistency will give you the best shot of slowly decreasing pain and symptoms and building up your activity tolerance.

[@beverlynelson599]

10/24 will be 1 year. I did everything required of me. I still walk most every day or pool exercizes or my P.T. exercizes. My knee will not go completely straight. It is close though. I have to straighten it as much as possible, place my left heel on top of my right toe & push up to fully straighten my left leg. It stops hurting when I do this otherwise it hurts most all of the time. I am seeing pain mgmt. Infection & metal allergy tests are negative. X-rays look good. MRI did not show any problems. Saw a 2nd Surgeon, he ordered the tests. If it needs another surgery he would not touch it for 6 months to a year. This surgery has changed my life dramatically and it is hard to deal with.

[@KneeReplacementTherapists]

Sorry to hear about your difficulties. It sounds like you are taking all the right steps to try to address your continued pain and symptoms. I hope you are able to find relief.

[@beverlynelson599]

Thank you so much.

[@katieperry7891]

Yes 😢 regret having my left knee replace range of motion is great it's been 1 year and a half and I'm in pain daily exercise daily😢

[@KneeReplacementTherapists]

Sorry to hear this. Hope you can get the help and support you need.

[@karengodden3820]

Does your knee feel tight?

[@irenemuench7159]

No, but only because, prior to surgery I had pain and limited ROM. After surgery for 3 months my pain was worse than pre-op. During that time I was unable to sleep and I did 2 hours of painful PT daily. At 4.5 months, I am now able to sleep thru the night and my discomfort is minimal. I still struggle with ROM and am not yet able to ride my outdoor bike. I had no idea that my rehab would be so difficult and lengthy. Knee replacement is not for the faint of heart. Know that 20% of patients are not satisfied with the results a year after surgery. I’m glad I waited until my knee arthritis was severe. Otherwise, I surely would have regretted the surgery.

[@jackiegarroutte8970]

2 hours of pt a day??? That sounds like over doing it...

[@jackiegarroutte8970]

This could set you back or hinder progress I think

[@irenemuench7159]

@@jackiegarroutte8970My knee resisted bending and straitening. I did as instructed to avoid a secondary procedure (Mua). I was instructed not to walk more than 4 blocks and to limit stationary bike to 10 minutes. The goal during the 4 months of PT was concentrated on increasing ROM

[@KneeReplacementTherapists]

I'm glad to hear you are making progress and doing better overall. It is very true that recovery after surgery is a long process and there can be a lot of obstacles along the way. Hope you continue to see progress as you rehab and recover.

[@KneeReplacementTherapists]

It could be, it depends on how those 2 hours were utilized and what activities were being performed

[@jessicam.mieles3486]

What if you had your knee forced to bend while awake and now you're traumatized so your brain stops any kind of pressure placed on the knee? How do you get your brain to cooperate?

[@KneeReplacementTherapists]

There are a lot of different ways to start to bend the knee and slowly decrease this fear and hesitation. Some things you could try include pool therapy. You can also try some pain relieving activities prior to trying to bend and move the knee such as moist heat or electrical stimulation / TENS. Start with many small motions even if it feels like the knee is hardly moving and slowly build up and increase over time.

[@BJ-lj8ub]

Yes, yes, yes. 5 surgeries later and still constant pain.

[@KneeReplacementTherapists]

So sorry to hear this.

[@lynettemarkle7085]

I am not one of the lucky ones and my knee surgery is the only regret in my life. I went from pain getting up and down and wanting to get back to actives such as kayaking. Now I’m in constant pain and can’t even walk my dog. Been in PT on and off with no relief and no one to help.

[@KneeReplacementTherapists]

I'm very sorry to hear this.

[@karengodden3820]

My knees are tight 1 done 11 months other 6 months ago

[@KneeReplacementTherapists]

This is a normal lingering symptom after surgery. Hopefully you have found some exercises and stretches that you can perform regularly. Over time this will help decrease stiffness in the knees. Best wishes!

[@terrykimble7291]

I'm 4 months out, still have swelling, pain, stiffness and tightness. My knee doesn't straighten all the way. Still having weird sensations

[@KneeReplacementTherapists]

Sorry to hear you’re dealing with these issues, continue to follow your healthcare teams (surgeon, PT) advice and instructions and be consistent. It can take up to a year or longer to feel fully recovered so patience and consistently are very important.

[@user-zz7wn8iy8k]

Hi I had my surgery four months ago now and still have the tight band feeling round my knee It stops me from walking properly and because of this I am still using one crutch to get about I am hoping in time this goes away as it’s really getting me down I’m not sure if I regret surgery probably not but just wish I was further on than I am at the moment

[@KneeReplacementTherapists]

Thank you for your comment. Understand your body is continuing to heal and recover over the coming months. Hopefully this tightness and any other symptoms will continue to improve gradually overtime.

[@user-zz7wn8iy8k]

Hi Luke thank you for your reply can I ask a question please Since last week the tightness is starting to ease at the front of the knee which is great but it is still very tight round the back Is this right or do you think something is wrong Thank you Maxine

[@PaulMcCartGuitarTracks]

I'm at 10 weeks post op and beginning to think this may be a bad outcome. I do have regrets and there's no way I'm doing the other knee.

[@KneeReplacementTherapists]

Understand you are still relatively early in the recovery and it can take many months to be fully recovered.

[@tamianderson123]

I wish i didn't get it. 3 months po. Hurts on stairs, just like before the surgery. I feel as though the pain is still bad.

[@KneeReplacementTherapists]

Sorry to hear you continue to have pain and issues. At 3 months you are still going through the healing and recovery process. As your body and knee continues to heal and you build strength hopefully stairs will go better and you will feel better, too. Best wishes to you!

[@tamianderson123]

@@KneeReplacementTherapists Thank you, that gives me hope.

[@mariewhite1224]

It’s been 18 months post op with 2 manipulations. My group knew I had a great deal of scar tissue but did not want to do arthroscopy on me because of infection concerns but that is what I wanted. Is it too late to find another surgeon to help me.

[@lvlv1225]

No it isn’t look up the Hospital for Special Surgery in NYC. Orthopedic dr their believes isn’t he allergies and does redos.

[@KneeReplacementTherapists]

It's not necessarily too late to get connected with another surgeon, but just understand another opinion may yield similar information and thinking... sometimes, surgeons and doctors provide advice and information we don't want to hear but likely have very good reasons to offer that advice even if we don't always like it.

[@mariewhite1224]

If scar tissue forms quickly in my case, why wouldn’t my group know thus after the first manipulation and insist I go into intense rehab where I would be moving my knee constantly so the scar tissue would not set in again? It doesn’t make sense that modern techniques have not found a way to eliminate this problem. CPM machines ??? There must be other techniques.