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New knee has created other medical problems

Posted , 14 users are following.

mary12001
mary12001

Hi

10 weeks post op TKR on right knee and lately have been having the most awful pain in my lower back on the right side.

This morning around 5am went in the kitchen for a walk round because I couldn't sleep due to pain and discomfort and the pain in my back was gushing. I had to sit down and rest. Today I felt weak and have flu like symptoms.

I would never go into this so lightly ever again. I never thought I would end up like this. I think they discharge you too early from these NHS Choose and book private hospitals. 3 days and you're practically thrown out. Any problems go to A&E or your own GP.

Somebody I know had hers done on the NHS and she was in for nearly a week.

Anybody else feel like this - just can't seem to get well

2 likes, 29 replies

29 Replies

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  • LadyLavender
    LadyLavender mary12001

    Posted

    I also had back pain after my tkr - it's because your body is realigning itself now that your knee has been rebuilt. Your leg is probably slightly longer now  - it will take time for your body to adjust, and things may hurt as they're shifting. Your physiotherapist or a good chiropractor can be really helpful. Good luck! 
  • mary7663
    mary7663 mary12001

    Posted

    It is so unfortunate that your doctor does not follow through. The last thing my doctor said to me when I left the hospital was if you have any problems do not go to an ER .....call us.  And I have a couple of times!

    Also, if you do not get your gait back quickly you will,  unfortunately,  have hip/back problems.  I hope you are getting out and about?

    In in the US we are encouraged to return home as quickly as possible.....cuts down on infection!  

    I am am sorry you are going through this

  • d.78163
    d.78163 mary12001

    Posted

    This is all very educating--wish I had a doctor to consult when things go wrong. We fired each other. 
    • sueisobel
      sueisobel d.78163

      Posted

      Find another doctor sooner rather than later, they need to be there for you, make sure they understand all there is to know about replacements and ALL the after effects (of which there are many!!)
    • d.78163
      d.78163 sueisobel

      Posted

      I was told that no other doctor would take on my case. That the operating physician has to see it through to the end...  Plus the other docs know I filed huge complaint against this Orthopedic Surgeon and hospital, so they don't want to get involved.  Resigned to go through my P.A. for care after falling on the 12th of April and landing on both knees.

       

    • sueisobel
      sueisobel d.78163

      Posted

      Oops, I know it's none of my business but, may I be so bold and ask why you filed a complaint.
  • tom809
    tom809 mary12001

    Posted

    I am in the USA and was discharged the next day. Had a lot of pain for several weeks but it all worked out
  • melinda11457
    melinda11457 mary12001

    Posted

    Hi, Mary. I'm at about the same place in recovery as you for my TKR. I get that awful back pain and some sciatica especially when I first get up. I think it's a combination of our body coping with the "abuse" from such major surgery, PT and just learning to walk straight again. Heating pad and or ice help. When I do get up from either sitting or bed, I take a minute to straighten up starting from knees through that nagging back then walk around, (straight up, no hunching!)a bit to get warmed up. 

    The short hospital stay is common in US - 24 hours for PKR and 48 for TKR. A big reason for the short stay ( beyond the obvious insurance issue) is minimal exposure to potential infection. And that's a really good thing.

    Good luck with that back pain and recovery but don't quit doing excercises...that don't exacerbate the back pain. I still do a lot of self talk when all I want to do is kick back and watch TV when I should be on the bike, stretching, etc. 

  • Mkhp
    Mkhp mary12001

    Posted

    Yes, I think it's part of the deal. I find I need to be more aware of my posture n sitting positions. We r learning a whole new way to walk so I think other parts of our body r being affected as well. I find stretching helps a lot n heat
  • cathy74673
    cathy74673 mary12001

    Posted

    I also had horrible sciatica. My physical therapist put heel risers in the shoe of my other leg to even out the change in length. Things have been better since then. 
    • cathy74673
      cathy74673 mary7663

      Posted

      My PT told me that after years of OA that your legs may become a little crooked..taking away from the length. They align, fit and straighten your new knee possibly making it longer than the other leg. Doesn't happen to everyone. 
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