CRPS after a Total Knee Replacement

I had a total knee replacement in 2014. During physical therapy, the therapist said- you are not improving with your range of motion. I believe this problem is in your head.

I went to my knee doctor- he gave me a brochure about CRPS & sent me home. I read it and I had all the symptoms:

• skin in that area was pink
• the nerves were sensitive to the softest fabric of my pjs.
• after I shaved my legs- the hair grew faster in that area around the knee.
• my range of motion was limited because when I exercised and/or had therapy - the knee felt stiff & swollen on the inside (no swelling on the outside).

  After surgery, my brain continued to send messages to my knee- "to heal". It sent additional blood & chemicals, which caused the inflammation. Inflammation is part of healing.

  My knee doctor prescribed Gabapentin in a tablet form. The medication did help. He said it may just subside. I quit taking the medication and it has been over 5 years & I still have this.

  Right after surgery, I was able to straighten my leg 100%. This is not the usual, but the opposite of most patients. I appear normal in all activities, except getting up from sitting on the floor. It is awkward looking

  when I get up. The CRPS happens to 1% of the world population that has an injury or surgery to their limbs (arms/legs). There is not a lot known by most doctors. Unknown what causes it and/or what can cure it.

  My left knee is now in pain with Osteoarthritis. I will not be having surgery. I am going to try Stem Cell therapy.

  Many years previous to the knee replacement- I developed a golf ball size tumor in my breast in less than 30 days. I had surgery to remove it. The doctor went through my armpit- to avoid a nasty scar on my breast. I went home and stayed in bed for 3-4 days on a narcotic pain medication.

  My family didn't notice that I had my arm bent at my elbow- holding it close to my ribcage during this time. 10 days later when I should be able to drive a car. My arm was frozen in that position.

  The nerves began to heal- thinking that was all they were supposed to do! A BFF took me to a friend, who was an excellent massage therapist. I went every day. He put very warm towels on my arm & massaged it. He then begun to stretch it out a little more each time he worked on me.

  I also did exercises at home, after a warm shower. One month later, I was much better & I did fully recuperate from that!

  My point for sharing that- the nerves start healing right away. My opinion is that you need to start PT as soon as possible, to help you get back to 100%. I think PT needs to be changed when a patient has a limb injury/surgery. Something is missing in the healing process, but this gives us a lot to think about... CRPS- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

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