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Arthroscopy work, regressing results

Posted , 3 users are following.

andybtsn
andybtsn

Hi all,

I'm 32 and I shattered my knee cap when I was 17. 4 years ago I had some arthroscopy work, microfracture and synvisc. I was signed off work for 4 weeks although the recovery time was quite quick and I could feel the knee getting better each day and was walking unaided after a 2 or so weeks.

Last Saturday (17th) I had more arthroscopy work after further issues with my knee, the surgeon told me I had as much arthritus in the knee as an 80 year old! I had arthroscopy and chondroplasty of my patella.

After coming round after the general anestethic the nurses wanted me to get up and move, the swelling was huge on the knee and I could not bend it at all, I told them this. A physiotherapist came down and gave me a crutch and I could hobble around and I left that day.

Fast forward 8 days, I feel my knee is getting no better, I keep it elevated 3 times a day to reduce the swelling but it's still huge. It aches when I'm sat and if I have been sat doen and get up the knee front and back is unbelievably sore, to the point it's siezed up from being in the same position. There is a lot of bruising formed in the rear of my knee/hamstring.

Is this all normal? I was told I couldn't drive for 7-12 days, I'm not even close to walking yet!

Any guidance would be appreciated? I feel like I need to speak to the surgeon for some piece of mind.

1 like, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • MNLynne
    MNLynne andybtsn

    Posted

    I'm not completely familiar with all the arthroscopy you've had...and at such a young age. My heart goes out to you. But at age 69 I had a total knee replacement 2 weeks ago and am also having a terrible time with the swelling aspect. Just today my physical therapist was massaging and working with my leg and commented on the indentations that were left on my leg when she was done. She said she didn't even realize how much swelling I still have. Until that goes down I'm going to continue to struggle with getting a good bend in that leg. I make certain to ice throughout the day and elevate as you are doing. I also keep my leg wrapped in an ace bandage for compression. It all helps but at the same time it's going to heal on its own timeframe. I have at home exercises to do each day and because of the swelling some of them are challenging.....but at the same time, it's only going to help get it down. Haven't been able to go completely around with my leg on the bike. It's tough not to get discouraged but all I can say is keep doing what you're doing and for both of us, we should see results slowly but surely. I see my surgeon for the first time tomorrow and am eager to hear what he suggests. Good luck to you. I'm assuming you're going to PT??? As much as I hate it I feel it's imperative in moving forward. Also, my knee aches and is mildly painful as well. Part of the healing process.....there's a lot going on in there since surgery. 

  • kaboom
    kaboom andybtsn

    Posted

    Hello

    Sounds like u should get ur butt to the docs is the join hot and so big looks like ur thies u need to go to the doc might be infected might need to be taped please dont let this go

    Boom

    • MNLynne
      MNLynne kaboom

      Posted

      What is your situation at this point and have you seen your doc??? You should be at a point where the swelling is much improved....not necessarily gone. I am still having bouts with swelling at 5 weeks. But it should be much improved. The comment from kaboom is one to note. Whatever may be going on you should have gotten back to your doc at this point. 
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