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4+ years post OP

Posted , 6 users are following.

lynne39526
lynne39526

I had my total knee replaced in November 2012 and was doing fine until acouple of weeks ago when I started to suffer with severe pain and my bend was at 30 degrees I went to my GP who didnt know what was going on who faxed over a letter requesting an urgent appointment I got an appointment for the day after the consultant said it was an inflamed joint he took xrays but I did notice the gap between top and bottom had narrowed I was sent home to rest which I did and told to come back in Aug 2018 the pain seemed to ease but last night the pain is back but worse this time and I'm struggling to drive especially pressing the clutch I personally think the joint is failing. 

0 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • chris00938
    chris00938 lynne39526

    Posted

    Lynne, I think you need to ask for a second opinion on this, especially if you think the joint is failing.   This sounds worrying, but not something I've got a clue about! 

    • lynne39526
      lynne39526 chris00938

      Posted

      Thanks for your reply I've wrote to my local hospital for all my X-rays. The pain I'm in now is far worse than what I had before the replacement knee feels like a dead weight.

    • chris00938
      chris00938 lynne39526

      Posted

      You really need to speak to a different specialist, I reckon.  I'm wondering if there would even be someone in a Casualty department (A & E).  I'm not sure what the actual implication is if the joint is failing where it's attached to the leg, but it almost sounds on a par with a broken leg?  I wonder if it's worth phoning your local A & E to ask if there is someone there who could guide you?  Otherwise there is the phone number 911 where you might be able to get through to a health professional who could guide you, or will be able to ask someone who could guide you?  I know the lady in the next bed to me when I had my TKR done had her first TKR replaced after 4 years because it failed, so I know these things can happen.

  • jenny80029
    jenny80029 lynne39526

    Posted

    Follow your instincts! I would get another opinion. Are you in UK? The whole process of going through the system can take some time.
    • lynne39526
      lynne39526 jenny80029

      Posted

      Yes I'm in the UK going to ring my GP in morning luckily they open on a Saturday morning...

  • rhys84577
    rhys84577 lynne39526

    Posted

    Hi, unfortunately I don't know too much about this but if it's to do with inflammation at the joints like what I have at the moment including ligaments. I ice my knees everyday about 4-6 times a day if I can and do exercises my Physio has given me to repair them. I'm almost there I've had this pain for about 6 months and I'm finally reducing the pain and swelling. Good luck!!

  • marilyn10235
    marilyn10235 lynne39526

    Posted

    Lynne, you really need to see an Orthopaedic specialist ASAP! This does not sound good & you really need a 2nd opinion like yesterday!

    Maybe as Chris suggested, go to A&E? Knowing how long it was to get anywhere in the NHS BEFORE the latest crisis, I honestly think you need some way of expediting an appt!!

    Let us know how you get on.

    Marilyn

    XX

  • cynthia89958
    cynthia89958 lynne39526

    Posted

    If you are uin UK personally, I would phone the hospital and ask to speak to the consultant's secretary, as you have already been seen, you are in the system. Ask for an urgent appointment rather than waiting until next year in the circumstances that have changed. Or, see the GP again and insist they re-refer you, but as you have already been seen, I'd try direct contact.

    ?If no joy, contact the PALS dept at your hospital and ask them to help you.

    ?It does sound as if there may be a problem starting with the implant but only the experts can decide if that is the case. Sorry you are having trouble after only 4 years, that must be very disappointing. I am only 11 weeks post op and having some struggles, these knees are not plain sailing for everyone.

  • lynne39526
    lynne39526

    Posted

    Finally got an appointment with my GP and he has agreed to send me for a second opinion at a different hospital seeing someone totally new. He looked puzzled when I told him what the consultant had said "It's inflammation of your joint" seeing it's an artificial joint. He has said that the consultant is also putting the pain in my knee down to my back....🤔🤔🤔. He has given me a unfit for work note for 7 days.

    • marilyn10235
      marilyn10235 lynne39526

      Posted

      Glad you have the GP on your side!!

      I hope your appt comes along really quickly.

      Good luck with it & keep us updated.

      Marilyn

      XX

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