Chronic Pain Support Group

Physicians and professionalsdefine pain as chronic if it lasts longer than three to six months and is persistent. It's distinct from acute pain that is a direct result of injury or trauma. This support group is dedicated to those suffering from chronic pain. Discuss treatments that have worked for you, find advice for your specific experience, and find support. You're not...

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donttread
donttread

Hello, I am new to this group but not to Daily Strength. I have had bad knees since I was a teen with old fashioned scars to show for it.


About 9 years ago I had a n acute injusy and again last year. Each time by the time ortho granted me an audiance they just blamed the arthritiis


Finally my regular doc had an MRI done and found a total mess he considered "almost emergent". But ortho said that the three torm ligaments, massive bakers cyst and such were just somehow byproducts of the arthritis, even though I know he hadn't even looked at the MRI before my appointment.


Can you drain the fluid. No it would just come right back


Can you fix the ligament damage with minimally invasive surgery. No


The only otion is to total knee replacements but I have to lose weight on these knees first.



Has anyone experienced this thing where they told you "do what you want, you' can't hurt those knees" But you did and they can't do shit about it ? 

billwfriend
billwfriend
I have had knee replacements in both knees.....first 3yrs before second and now second is probably two years done.....or more....I do not remember....but it takes six months to know that you did the absolutely best thing you could with these...they hurt for quite a while until six months then no more....go head lose weight....how much you weigh? I was near 275 I guess when I had both mine done....
urbangardener
urbangardener
Not been in your exact situation but as a woman, I've had doctors blow me off when I have had serious health impairments or injuries because of my gender. It sounds like perhaps you are not going to a KIND orthopedist that you feel trust in. Your cartilage damage may be so great that you are now only a candidate for knee replacement and yes, it is very true that losing weight will be the ticket to your success afterwards. You are not the first heavy guy who has told me that a total knee replacement is needed but the surgeon won't do it until weight loss is achieved. I've heard it is because recovery is too hard when too heavy and because surgery or anesthesia is statistically problematic when too heavy.

It is very possibly true your knee will continue to make more fluid even if they drain it because it is part of the inflammatory or disease process. Not a doctor, though, just a fellow knee issue person. But you feel unheard and possibly stuck in the cycle of pain and futility of being told to lose weight and it probably feels impossible. I get depressed when I have the impossible or when I have had a major injury like tearing three shoulder tendons a year ago and having surgery last winter. I've had many surgeries due to injuries or failing body parts and it isn't pleasant being in major pain like you are.

I also have knee issues and had a bad knee orthopedist who was dismissive. I am not as bad as you so you have my sincerest sympathy. At one point, I had this stiff knee brace but I got HA shots and that seemed to help a lot so now I am brace free unless I do a lot of walking. And then I am in major pain, like an 8 level. I am not a candidate for knee replacement at this time nor do I have the emotional energy.

I have worked in a intensive rehab facility -- aftercare hospital -- with joint replacement patients. So I am familiar with the after surgery pain and the rehabilitation it takes to live a full and pain free life afterwards. It is doable, I've heard of real success stories. But kind of scary to think about what they do surgically and the physical rehab needed for that success.

If you feel dismissed and like your knee doctor doesn't care, get a second opinion. It may be that you are feeling depression and hopelessness on top of the pain and frustration and lack of medical help. I was feeling this way just three weeks ago for another health condition I have. A friend encouraged me to try a few things at home and I hope to offer you hope and support and to know others do care about you. Nothing worse than feeling like your doctor is blowing you off.

How is your weight loss going? Does being told this seem like another impossible hurdle?

The losing weight thing can also be difficult because many of us use food as a comfort measure or have such ingrained habits. Add in not being able to exercise from the knee pain and its even harder. My husband has to limit his food intake to cereal for breakfast and one meal per day (his meals are large). He had major abdominal reconstruction and was very very sick and he can't continue to pack on the belly fat any longer. But he also can't emotionally handle cutting his portions down to normal so he has struggled and been angry about it. A talking scale has finally gotten his attention and weighing every 2-3 days. Same for me, it gets my attention also when I hear that woman saying out loud what I weigh.

If you are not finding success, consider researching a product called "Golo" for weight loss. Or the SOTA weight loss programs if available in your area.

Please come back in a while and let us know how you are doing. Sounds like life is not being kind to you right now. I am sorry you are in such distress.

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