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Intense attacks of knee pain 7 weeks after scope

Posted , 8 users are following.

Elizabeth2269
Elizabeth2269

Hello!  I feel I really need help!  I had arthroscopic surgery 7 weeks ago to repair a lateral meniscus tear and clean up some arthritis.  The recovery has been unexpectedly slow and painful.  I am in PT and I just had another MRI that showed my knee is as it should be after surgery.  I do have grade 3 chondromalacia, but my doctor has not really addressed that as a cause of pain.  Since surgery I have been getting periodic severe attacks of pain.  They usually last around 15-20 minutes.  I’m not talking about the regular stiff, achiness that is present all the time.  This pain is intense, hard to breathe type of intensity!  My doctor suggested I may have reflex sympathetic dystrophy.  I have read about it, and it sounds horrible. I am trying to stay positive that in time I will feel better, but I don’t understand these attacks, why they are happening, and what I can do to help prevent them.  If anyone has any thoughts, please, please respond.  Thank you!  Elizabeth

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • ray82400
    ray82400 Elizabeth2269

    Edited

    Was the meniscus actually repaired? I had a lateral meniscus repair 8 weeks ago, and it's been super slow. I'm just now getting back to walking normal, and it's still painful at times. My surgeon said that sometime between 2 and 3 months, most people get severe stabbing pains around the repair site, and that's normal. It's the stitches in the meniscus dissolving and everything is trying to find it's "home" again. 

    • Elizabeth2269
      Elizabeth2269 ray82400

      Posted

      Thank you for the response!  It was not repaired rather trimmed so there was no longer a portion with a tear.  No internal stitches.  I was told I would be ready to resume normal daily activity in a week or less.  I am use to living with pain.  I have been a chronic migraine patient for 26 years.  However, this intense knee pain is on a whole other level.  Did you do physical therapy?  I have been, but some days I am just too sore to do much.  Any advice?  Thank you?
    • barry00026
      barry00026 ray82400

      Posted

      H Ray - hope your are still active on here! I had a meniscus repair about 7 weeks ago now and while the swelling has pretty much gone I too have these stabbing pains around the area - my physio said its everything settling down again and adjusting to how it should be etc. How are you doing now?
  • vanessa080863
    vanessa080863 Elizabeth2269

    Posted

    Hi Elizabeth, feel for you. I had mine coming up to 7 weeks ago, meniscus tear and told no cartilage on one side. But still swollen, intense shooting pains, that make me yelp! Feels like gives way, still using a crutch, cant put much weight on it, cant straighten or bend fully, stiff too. Have emailed surgeon to see him soon. I wish I could offer something more then I understanding where you are. Not were we both thought we would be after 7 weeks..
    • Elizabeth2269
      Elizabeth2269 vanessa080863

      Posted

      Vanessa,  no, this is not what I expected at all.  I am looking for a second opinion and I have an appointment with a pain clinic soon.  I am fearful that my initial pain was not from a meniscus tear but from grade III chondral degeneration.  I am back on crutches to see if not bearing weight can calm things down.  Currently, I am leaving the house very little.  Maybe twice a week for a quick appointment or errand.  I’m curious how you are doing.  Has the doctor offered any insight on what is going on?  Best wishes!
  • eral25786
    eral25786 Elizabeth2269

    Posted

    Now 74, I had a similar knee arthroscopy performed 17 years ago. It was followed with physiotherapy in combination with a TENS machine. I believe the TENS therapy controlled pain, stimulated joint recovery and was the main reason for the continuing successful outcome?, in my case. It is also important to maintain low impact exercise - I continue with walking and also the periodic use of an elliptical trainer in the gym.

    ?Apart from the very occasional twinge, I am so thankful that the orthopaedic surgeon chose to go with arthroscopy, rather than total knee replacement that had been proposed as the only option, by two of his peers.

  • cathy16495
    cathy16495 Elizabeth2269

    Posted

    I had the same type of surgery 3/2. I had tricompartmental osteoarthritis,tearing of the posterior horn and body of the medial meniscus with medial extrusion of the medial meniscal body and a grade 1 sprain. I am having pain radiating in my leg on the right side of the surgery area. The pain is an achy feeling but hurts for about 10-15 minutes. I am not in physical therapy, but I have to stop and exercise it when this starts to hurt. Waiting to hear back from the doctor. How are you feeling?
    • eral25786
      eral25786 cathy16495

      Posted

      I am still in a very stable condition with only occasional, very brief pain.

      ​However, my wife who had similar knee deterioration, had an arthroscopy performed in March - after some weeks and at my insistence she requested physio, but she is in constant discomfort and after a couple of hours on her feet, her knee swells badly and the pain is (obviously) intense.

      ​I personally believe that a successful outcome may lie in the ability and connection between the orthopaedic surgeon and the physio. Unfortunately, both my surgeon and the physio had retired before my wife decided to act.

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