Ahhhh.... try over 2 years for me and still not right! I had the first surgery (meniscectomy) in April Of 2018. The 2nd meniscectomy was in Sept. of 2019 after a second injury. PT was doing great, almost pain free after the first surgery. PT did not go good at all after the second surgery, to the point that they would not allow any exercises due to swelling / pain. Within 6 months, the knee was bone on bone. I was then scheduled for a full replacement.
Three days before the surgery, it was cancelled due to Covid restrictions. I had to wait almost a year. It was finally done Jan of 2021. It was initially fantastic! Very little pain, walking the first day with a walker. Third day, walking with a cane. Thought it was great!
Started PT a week later. They kept pushing --- harder, faster, etc... By week 2 of PT, the pain started, swelling was worse than right after surgery! They sent me to a vascular specialist because they thought there was a clot! Nope! Then they tried acupuncture. Made it feel pretty good for about 2 hours. By the third treatment, the Dr. suddenly pulled the pins, saying he could visibly see it swelling before his eyes! PT and acupuncture were immediately stopped.
I have been dealing with constant pain, and the swelling starts within a couple hours of waking up, the knee will randomly "give out" causing stumbles, and I have to use a cane for walking. Can't squat, kneel, or use that leg for much of anything! Getting dressed is a pain, putting on a shoe is a task in itself! Then there are the sudden jolts of pain like getting jabbed with a screwdriver! That is also random.
I have been back to the ortho surgeon 6 times since, the last exam resulting in the surgeon requesting a second opinion as to why it is still painful and swelling. Range of motion is 120+ degrees, all hardware is 'tight' and in proper alignment. He is dumbfounded as to why this is still happening.
I haven't had the second opinion yet.... still trying to get it scheduled. I am really frustrated with the whole situation......