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Fibromyalgia and partial knee replacement

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pam1313
pam1313

I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 1996 and since that time I've managed to keep it under control with a combination of prescription drugs (amitriptyline), nurofen, reflexology, rest......and numerous hot water bottles!  However nearly 9 weeks ago I had a patellafemoral athroplasty (knee cap and trochlea) replacement after waiting 11 years for this, I am only 56 now so was considered too young before. Everything going ok, scar healing nicely, and I've been massaging scar and surrounding area with vitamin E oil and bio oil. Doing exercises, particularly on static exercise bike which really 'loosens' up any stiffness! However, as day wears on my knee goes really stiff and I can barely bend it.  I don't trust myself to walk on it, and I am currently using a stick to enable me to hobble about! It is very frustrating as I'm reading that this type of surgery has a quicker recovery time than TKR. Is all this normal or, as I'm presuming, my fibromyalgia is exacerbating this as it considers surgery as "trauma"? I have been posting on this forum under  "knee problems" but have now decided to also post under the "fibromyalgia syndrome" in the hope that someone out there has also had knee surgery and can offer any advice. It's been a long haul so far but I'm hopeful that things will improve soon!  

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • caroline271
    caroline271 pam1313

    Posted

    Hi Pam, my advice is to see your GP as he may advise extra physio sessions or refer you back to your ortho. You should be seeing your surgeon in clinic soon for a follow up appointment. There should be details on your discharge letter.
  • christine26761
    christine26761 pam1313

    Posted

    Pam I had a knee scrape...torn ligaments ( bone on bone) due to Osteo arthritis..the doc says...I used a wheel chair for while...walking stick  etc...this was 4 years ago now...I actually fell flat on my face during my recovery..lol..I'm fine on it now..even though it feels very very strange numb like, about  2 inches below and above..but it was not from Fibro..and I was soo aware of not getting stressed over it as it would increase Fibro issues..

    the best thing I ever did was buy some Knee a Support with Velcro  Fasteners..they are and were a real help...:-) xxx  

  • Loyll
    Loyll pam1313

    Posted

    I also have fibromyalgia and now 8 weeks post-op from my 2nd TKR. I find both my knees still stiffen up after sitting more than an hour. The first one is 6 maths post-op. Riding the stationary bike and walking helps loosen it up. As my ortho says, "It takes time and you are doing fabulous." I just am glad I can walk without a cane. I am 57 and have waited a long time for this TKR. Just be patient and keep doing what you are doing. Water therapy in a therapy pool really helps with both types of pain.

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