I have had 2 knee replacements at age 51 worn from working construction,the problem is that they still hurt.?

Question

They hurt all the time.I am on pain meds.but cant go the rest of my life this way.I had my first replacement 3/13/02 the next 4/1/03 are there anyone out there with my problem.I have a doctor app 11/10/06,dont know what to ask him,dont want to get cut on anymore but cant or want to live like this.I can walk good .I work all the time, dont set, not over weight dont know what is next.

Answer 1

The problem with knee replacements is that they tend to develop complications such as loosening or infection earlier than total hip replacements. Do you have pain even at rest? If you do chances are, your knees are infected. If they hurt only when you move, then probably they are loose(bone, implant, and bone cement failed to bond securely). In case you have one or both problems, you may need surgery again if all other treatments fail. Good luck!

Answer 2

Unfortunately, because you did have knee replacements (most likely for OA?) you WILL have to go the rest of your life this way. However, you should not be in constant pain and the medications should help. If you feel it has gotten worse or you have pain regardless of movement you could have complications in your knees. The doctor will take xrays and if there is wear or loosening or fracture of the implant they will have to go in and do a revision. Because you had them done at such a young age (oh yeah, 51 is young, make you feel good?) you will have to replace them again before you die...if you were not told this then that was a serious mistake for your doctor. Most implants last between 5-15 years although I have seen some that only lasted months and others that have lasted for 18-20 years. The more active you are, the more stress and strain you put on your implants and the more likely they will develop wear problems (this is when the polyethylene will rub against the metal and will flake off, causing infection in the body). I advise telling your physician how you have felt at various times (working, around the house, sleeping, on your feet, sitting down, etc...) he will do a knee score on you and that, along with your xrays, will help determine what's best for you.
Good luck with it.