by Janet H.
Member since:
August 10, 2006

Bad news at the doctor yesterday!

September 04, 2009 02:39 PM EDT
views: 116 | comments: 29

I have been having a problem with constant pain in my knee to the point where I can barely stand or walk.  It even hurts when I just sit or lay down.  I went to the doctor yesterday to see what was wrong and how to fix it.  The doctor had x-rays taken and he said that my knee bones are grinding bone on bone with no cushioning or fluid between them.  The space on the one side is totally gone.  He told me that only a total knee replacement would help my knee and relieve the pain.  Not what I wanted to hear!  Meanwhile, the doctor is doing a series of 5 weekly shots into my knee of a fluid that may help the pain for a few months (and maybe not) but the shots have to be repeated every 6 months and they are kind of painful too.  The doctor said that with my health problems and being overweight that the surgeon my refuse to operate until I lose weight.  And I can't afford to spend 4 days in the hospital and 2 months of physical therapy before I can walk reasonably well again.  I'm not pleased about any of this.  And after the shot in my knee yesterday, I can barely move my knee today and can't get around without extreme pain.  If you have or have had this problem, please tell me your experiences--what you did and how well it worked and how painful it was or how long the recovery was.  Thanks!

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Comments: 29

☀ Aunt Shanny Sep 4, 2009, 2:42pm EDT
Sorry to hear that, Janet. I wish I knew what could help, but I can't even figure out what to do for myself.
Janet H. Sep 4, 2009, 2:48pm EDT
Thanks. It helps to know that people care. Dog obedience class today was agony with my knee even with my walker, but Dakota walked past many dogs and did not show aggression towards any of them or leave my side. That's improvement!
☀ Aunt Shanny Sep 4, 2009, 2:50pm EDT
Dakota sounds like Mia. They just want other dogs to leave them alone :)
Janet H. Sep 4, 2009, 9:21pm EDT
Actually Dakota wants to dominate all the dogs in the world--ha!
J. McDole - Gather's Anti-Beck Sep 4, 2009, 2:45pm EDT
Find another surgeon. If your doctor won't help you find one, find another doctor. I had hip surgery close to the time a friend of mine did. She is very heavy, and the surgeon took her with no problem. Since her hip was fixed she has been losing weight because she can now walk. I know how much pain you must be in, and I'm sorry that you're presently in this fix.
Janet H. Sep 4, 2009, 2:49pm EDT
Thanks for the encouragement.
Karen F. Sep 4, 2009, 2:51pm EDT
I agree with J.McDole...get a second opinion. The doctor that my mom see wants her to have it but she is just set in her ways enough that she isn't going to have the surgery. She is in a great deal of pain all of the time and doesn't want to add to it, even if it would make her better in a few months. Hope it all goes good for you. Please let us know.
Janet H. Sep 4, 2009, 9:27pm EDT
Besides being in the process of training my 3 large dogs, my husband and I go back to work 3 days a week in October. Its our 4th year on this same volunteer job where we cook for about 40 people per evening and do some other jobs. Also, I have 15 pets at home to care for. I am wondering how and when I can manage surgery with all this to do--and how I can be in the hospital for 4 days and laid up for 2 months. On the other hand, I am wondering how I will be able to work when I can't walk. We have stairs we have to go up and down at work and I have to do a certain amount of walking and standing. Also, my husband doesn't like to take care of my pets for me when I am not able to do it. My daughter helps but can only do so much. And right now we are in the middle of having our entire house remodeled. A lot of stress and frustration when I can't get around.
J W. Sep 4, 2009, 2:53pm EDT
do they have you on any type of pain pills like Vicodin or Percocet to take at home. if not, then they should. I would ask the dr about it if I were you. I know knee pain can be horrible to deal with, especially going up and down stairs. God Bless You
Janet H. Sep 4, 2009, 9:20pm EDT
Yes, I have the strongest strength of Vicodin and it has no effect on the pain at all.
Larry H. Sep 4, 2009, 2:59pm EDT
hope you knee gets better..
Sonia M. Sep 4, 2009, 3:56pm EDT
Janet, I don't know if its too late to start reparing it yourself, but have you ever tried Glucosamine with Condroitin ?(spelling might be wrong)
I was having problems with knee joints and it was recommended I start taking it several years ago...most of my pain is gone, although I still have some from time to time, but not as bad as I used to.
Janet H. Sep 4, 2009, 9:18pm EDT
Yes, I've tried just about everything that anyone has recommended to me but with no luck. The doctor told me that not even Motrin will help because the problem isn't inflammation but bone grinding on bone. Even the strongest Vicodin has no effect on the pain.
Sonia M. Sep 4, 2009, 10:56pm EDT
The Glucosamine with Condroitin is not for pain. It helps rebuid the cartilage.
kimberly g. Sep 4, 2009, 4:18pm EDT
my mom in law had both knees replaced and she is a little heavy. I think you should get another opinion. You might even be able to just have them put some type of cushion to replace the cartilage. Those cortisone shots hurt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had one in my wrist, it will be numb and painful but give it a few days, it may help.
Janet H. Sep 4, 2009, 9:16pm EDT
The shots I get aren't cortisone but are like an oily water that is supposed to make a fluid in the knee joint that lets the bones slide instead of grind against each other dry. The help, if any, only lasts a few months.
kimberly g. Sep 5, 2009, 10:18am EDT
oh.
well I hope you get a second opinion soon, don't want to wait too long!
keep me informed how things are going.
take care!
brittany c. Sep 4, 2009, 5:02pm EDT
I'm sorry! My grandma has been needing hers replaced, but she's so scared, because she has diabetes. She's overweight also and her doctor didn't say anything about needing to lose weight for her to get the surgery.. so that might not be a problem! Other than that, she has heard good things about the aftermath of knee surgery. One of her good friends had to get it done and she said she's never felt better in years! They are both almost 70 years old [my grandma and her friend] and both overweight.
Janet H. Sep 4, 2009, 9:12pm EDT
I have diabetes too and also asthma, lung disease, throat problems and more medical issues besides the weight. Doctors get nervous about operating on me. Not as nervous as I get though!
brittany c. Sep 5, 2009, 1:54pm EDT
oh wow =[ i can understand the concern, then!
Kat W. Sep 4, 2009, 6:39pm EDT
My mother had total replacements in both knees several years ago. She was overweight then and still is but she is no longer in pain.
Janet H. Sep 4, 2009, 9:14pm EDT
That's good that her pain is gone.
J F. Sep 4, 2009, 8:21pm EDT
Hope you find an answer. I hope the shots work. I have known many people with knee replacements that have been successful. I must say that they were mobile and forced themselves to do small exercises before surgery that seemed help with recovery.

I sympathize with the pain. I am in pain everyday with my conditions and it is tough to deal with. My best to you.
Janet H. Sep 4, 2009, 9:13pm EDT
Thanks. Pain is stressful, isn't it? Especially when pain meds no longer work.
J F. Sep 5, 2009, 9:41am EDT
Yes, you got that right.
Janet "Jax" B. Sep 4, 2009, 10:38pm EDT
My grandmother had hers replaced and boy does she go....besides walking miles a day, she goes out dancing. Grandma is now 90.

I know what you mean about pain. I have to type one handed...cast up to shoulder and boy does other hand hurt.
Janet H. Sep 5, 2009, 9:26pm EDT
What happened to you that you needed a cast? I hope you will heal quickly.
Elizabeth S. Sep 13, 2009, 4:59pm EDT
It's hard to lose weight when you can't exercise (take it from someone obese with back, knee and ankle problems). However, we all know that less weight would help ease the stress on our joints. I'd look for a second opinion if the surgeon he suggested won't do it, but losing even a little weight will help your recovery be faster.
I don't know how you can do all that in your kind of pain. The people I know who have had the surgery have done well, but had plenty of help.
Lady of Lake Merritt =P Sep 21, 2009, 9:41pm EDT
I hope everything works out for you!

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