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Anyone else have a lateral release with TKR?

Posted , 5 users are following.

suzy97219
suzy97219

Had my TKR two months ago tomorrow. He also had to do a lateral retinacular release. That caused so much swelling and brusing. I am in The U.S. My doctor said mine was was the toughest TKR he has done. Still swollen and am only at 94 degrees flexion. Pain is non stop. Doctor told me to wean myself off pain meds but I still need them at night. Saw my physical therapist a few days ago and she commented that it was strange that she can not feel my patella. Anyone else have a lateral release? Very frustrated with all of this. Am only 50 and have to work full time as I am a widow and the only breadwinner.

 

0 likes, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • Oldfatguy1
    Oldfatguy1 suzy97219

    Posted

    Not at all familiar with the procedure. I'd tell the ortho you'll get off when you can stand the recovery process without them. I'm also in the US and my surgeon, a teaching Dr at a university medical center. I just used my PCP as the med subscriber. She used a lot more common sense when it came to pain.  At best it's difficult and only a rare few get through it at the optimum recovery rate. Good luck, hope you find some answers but in the meantime don't ignore the protocol of pain meds, excercise and ice

     Be kind to yourself

  • SonnysGirl
    SonnysGirl suzy97219

    Posted

    I had a lateral release. Ans my petala removed. Painful. I also has realignment. Thease doc aren't in our legs. That's what kill me. Pt said today. U should be lift leg off floor and bed. And I tdy till made me sick. I said I can't do it gez.  She had my leg bend and it brought tears to me.  Best luck.
  • Tucks
    Tucks suzy97219

    Posted

    Poor you Suzy, its so difficult when you are on your own. This is such a difficult op to come back from. The pain is relentless and its all so lowering psychologically . You have obviously got other things going on with your knee that will take careful monitoring. I am 17 weeks post op and am still getting bad pain some days, I am walking well without aids but am nowhere near back to my old self. I have really struggled to do a little Xmas shopping, can't take the crowds and my legs feel like jelly. I hope you get these problems sorted soon. I didn't have any problems with my bends ect but this op has really pulled me down. Take care and hope you can enjoy the forthcoming festivities, tucks
    • SonnysGirl
      SonnysGirl Tucks

      Posted

      Bless your heart tucks. And you to Suzy. I tried to go shopping to tucks. And like killed me. Pep is so rude. I have use crutches. Kinda scares me.  It's hard not having no one. Yeh I am married. Ans have 2 kids. But hub works. And kids go school. So I'm here all day from 7-5 and its hard.  The pain kills me. Need shoulder cry on.  But I've founf prayer or talk to God keep me sane. Listen to christian music.  Bless your heart. We all need exchange nunbers lol so when we have alone moments we can talk. I know I get so scared a lot. Ans no one I know has time to talk or listen to me cause there thoughts says. I have not been through it. 
  • joansgarden
    joansgarden suzy97219

    Posted

    What is involved with a lateral release and why does it need to be done? I can only say that it is hard enough without one, and I'm not surprised if you are still in pain if you've had extra things done in there.  Are you doing lots of icing for the swelling, and putting it up - I mean really up, not just at a recliner level. I know it's got to be hard to find the time to do that if you have to work full time, but perhaps they would give you a couple extra breaks where you could elevate and ice it.

     

  • suzy97219
    suzy97219

    Posted

    Thanks for all the kind comments. All I know about the lateral release is that it was done because my new patella would not lay flat without him doing it. I did have more done than just a TKR. I now have a metal rod in my femur and multiple other repairs from an old surgery. I am trying hard not to become depressed over all of this, but it is a struggle. It was Christmas time 3 years ago that my husband was diagnosed with brain cancer so it is an emotional time anyway.
    • Oldfatguy1
      Oldfatguy1 suzy97219

      Posted

      Every time I start feeling sorry for myself all I have to do is look around and there is a Suzy that makes be embarrassed that I ever had such feelings. Depression is one of the easiest things to slip into and the most difficult to escape. Before my wife was offically diagnosed wwiths parkinsons dissease shet went into a deep depression and high anxiety. We were blessed that we were referred to a very kind, considerate psychiatrist who was able to pull her back and finally get to a neurologist for proper diagnosis. Do you have a professional like thay available to you so you can get help before it gets more serious. Evan a respected clergy could be of some help. Please don,t be afraid to reach out for help, The mental side can slow down the physical side immensly. Will be keeping uou in thoughts and prayers especially during the Christmas season. BTW, where are you located. I'm in the midwest of the US
  • suzy97219
    suzy97219

    Posted

    I am seeing my surgeon next week and talk to him about everything. I live in Oregon. Thankully my faith is very strong, which I rely on to help me through tough days.
    • Oldfatguy1
      Oldfatguy1 suzy97219

      Posted

      You absolutely need that. Sometimes I think a compassionate primary care doc is better than a specialist when it comes to the emotional side. Many times the orthos are so busy cutting and whacking they for get the brain

    • joansgarden
      joansgarden suzy97219

      Posted

      Suzy I am also in Oregon - about 30 miles north of Klamath Falls.
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