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Total knee replacement

Posted , 4 users are following.

Loriannec
Loriannec

I'm a 57 year old female. I had tkr on my right knee 1 year ago. Initially had home PT, then went to PT 2-3 times per week for 10 weeks. I did the home excersizes, and did well at PT. My operated knee measurements were the same or better than my non-operated knee. 120 degrees?

Toward the end of PT my knee began "popping". At first it was just a nuisance, the PT taped my knee several times and I was sent back to my surgeon for a special knee brace to hold my patella that I was told was tracking laterally. Then came the pain with the popping. After PT, I joined the gym. Stuck with all the same equipment and excersizes recommended by PT and added water excersize. My goal was to strengthen all muscles surrounding my knee. I've tried long enough. Now I'm scheduled for a "scope" on 9-12-16 to clean out the scar tissue that my surgeon states is there. Needless to say, I'm leery about having my knee opened up again. Please, any advice is helpful. Thanks

1 like, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • Mkhp
    Mkhp Loriannec

    Posted

    Thi LORI, I know what u mean re fear of going back to surgery. I'm 6 months in center my days around what exercise to do next, still swell pain stiffness, only at 110/2 rom, but it seems to get better monthly.  I never dreamed or was told this surgery could take an extreme on ones body. I'm hoping for the best, just saw surgeon, I guess because of my positive attitude n determination, he says to me wants to see me in another 3 months? I thought to myself, what for? Just to add another line item victim gone wrong into your journal. He's a nice guy, but I did think I may have to get a second opinion. I don't know what else to offer.  Just stay strong n determined n best of luck to u ! This is a great forum, maybe someone else will have some more constructive words,  healing prayers blowing your way 🌬🌬 🍀🍀🍀 👼👼👍

    • Loriannec
      Loriannec Mkhp

      Posted

      Dear Mkhp,

      Thank You for your prayers. I do so appreciate it.

      God bless you richly and I'm hopeful for your knee.

      If there's swelling, keep icing. Pain, take and use analgesics, including the topical ones like roll-on Biofreeze. All the stuff we did prior to surgery.

      I will say this...I'm glad I had the tkr surgery, my knee feels so much better than it did the couple of years prior to surgery! I'm thankful.

  • tere52583
    tere52583 Loriannec

    Posted

    Sounds like the scar tissue is what is causing your patella to miss track and causing the pain.  Although the prospect of surgery again sucks, I don't believe your surgeon would recommend it without this being in your best interest.  Since you've been working so hard to be and keep strong this may help your recovery be less stressful.  When things don't go according to our plan we hear of the cases that go bad, but we don't hear as much about the successful and uneventful recoveries. You sound like your strong enough to have many more years of great life without living with the pain.

    • Loriannec
      Loriannec tere52583

      Posted

      Thank you for your positive words. So very encouraging. You're right, we always here about the negative and never enough about the positive. Our human nature at work? I believe GOD has brought me to this point in time and will see me through to the next. I will keep a good attitude for a good outcome to my surgery this coming Monday. Thanks again Tere, for reminding me how important faith is in my life.

  • bisutton
    bisutton Loriannec

    Posted

    Hi Loriann, By a scope, do you mean the dr will just make small incisions to clean out the scar tissue? My dr has pretty much said that's all he can do for my problems is to go back in at the same surgery site. I'm still having pain(taking rx pain meds) and having a lot of nerve pain. I have a weird problem with my ankle on the inside. It feels like there is something sticking in the ankle bone. The neurologist thinks my nerve, tibial I think, crosses over my leg to the inside at my ankle. My tkr was last Nov 16. This nerve problem started about 2 months after my surgery. I'm like you. I can't bear the thoughts of having to go through what possibly could be as bad as the tkr. I hope yours go well.

    • Loriannec
      Loriannec bisutton

      Posted

      Hey Bi,

      Yes I believe DR said there will be 3 holes and it's out patient. I think it's strange about your ankle and the nerve pain. I can believe it's somehow related to your tkr surgery. I bet the idea of taking pills isn't something you're down with, but... Lyrica and gabapentin work for nerve pain. You know, different meds affect everyone differently, so of course speak to your DR and investigate and educate yourself by using the good ole Internet; which I'm sure you already do...we're on this forum aren't we?

      Anyway Bi, all this trouble with my tkr is worth the amount of pain I feel when I've been sitting or lying down and I go to get up and my knee "pops" is better than the pain I was tolerating prior to surgery.

      I wish the best, on your journey with your new knee and I have faith that the nerve problem goes away.

      Blessings, Lori

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