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Right Knee TKR 6 mos post op - continuous extreme swelling

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Jeanie1125
Jeanie1125

Had my right knee replaced 10/16 - recovering normally.  In 11/16 i was doing yardwork when i experienced great pain and swelling.  I called my dr he said, ice, elevate.  I couldn't do anything to alleviate the pain.  I ended up going to the ER and was diagnosed with a bakers cyst.  For 10 weeks following that my knee would have "epidsodes"  i'd feel a pain across the top of the knee and it would be hard to bend - this happened 1,2,3,4 times a week.  Went back to dr, said just part of the healing, hang in there, etc.  After 12 weeks i went back to Dr and demanded an MRI and a bloodtest to rule out infection.  Blood work came back negative.  MRI showed tendonitis in the pateller and the quad and a bakers cyst.  Basically go back to PT.  SO i went to a new PT.  For 6 weeks no episodes - great!  A month ago today i was putting something in the oven and i felt something.  Knee has been swelling up and has everyday sometimes 2-3 times.  I ice, I use a portable tens unit but it is non-stop.  Sometimes it is so bad I can't bend it.  I even went to another dr and he is at a loss.  Suggested a Bonescan but also said to "hang in there" till the one year mark cuz the Bonescan may show warm on a 6 month old knee.  Basically told me to go back to my original dr - I'm at a loss - i've been to the dr 3 times in the past 3 weeks.  Help!

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • bak7833
    bak7833 Jeanie1125

    Posted

    So sorry you are in pain so much of the time with no real answers, just wondering if your DR.told  you before the tkr that it would probably be up to a year before pain and stiffness would go away. My dr.   nor anyone told me it could take that long.

    i am 11 weeks po and have pain and stiffness all the time,the pain is nothing compared to what it was in the beginning but the stiffness is bad. I do my exercises without fail and the bend gives me trouble daily but I continue to work on it..

    • Jeanie1125
      Jeanie1125 bak7833

      Posted

      Ya I know up to a year. But I've gone from walking to using a cane for 10 weeks, to getting better again to now having to use a walker for last month This is also my 2nd knee replacent. My left one was done in 2015 and I didn't have these issues. So to me. I know this isn't I Nirmal. But thx for responding!

    • bak7833
      bak7833 Jeanie1125

      Posted

      Good luck on finding the problem and getting it fixed.   This kind of a roller coaster ride is no fun!
    • eileen15268
      eileen15268 bak7833

      Posted

      Hi bak , I'm 10 weeks & am exactly how you've explained. Sorry you're having trouble too but l was consoled it's not just me. It doesn't feel as bad one day but the next is awful.knee is stiff & hurts still keeps me awake most nights. It's got to get getter soon surely after all the exercises & care we take ,

    • bak7833
      bak7833 eileen15268

      Posted

      Eileen, Were you told before you had your TKR that it would be this long and painful? I was told nothing like what we are experiencing!
    • eileen15268
      eileen15268 bak7833

      Posted

      No bak I didn't have any idea it would be this painful & take this long ., but I have found a brilliant forum on iPad which explains everything & tells  you week by week what is best to do. Definitely worth  a look. It's :- Bonesmart joint replacement forum . At least you can see why & understand what it's all about x 

  • Jeanie1125
    Jeanie1125

    Posted

    Hey all - I'm headed back to my doctor today to see if there is anything that can be done to alleviate the daily swelling (up to 3x/day).  I've been on the walker for a month now - they say they may aspirate it to test the fluid then share other options.  Please send out good thoughts and prayers for some sort of solution.  Thanks!!

    • michelle_18182
      michelle_18182 Jeanie1125

      Posted

      Hi did you ever find out what was wrong with your knee.  I am having the same problem.  
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