Total knee replacement
Posted , 14 users are following.
I need some answers on what I need to do... I had a total knee replacement in aug did PT from day one. Had pain from day one. The last two days my knee has hurt so bad and I hate to sound like a baby but I'm so over this. My knee has not felt right from day one and they all said it's just swelling scar tissue it will get better. It has not I have been out of work for almost 4 months and I was told I should be back to work in 10 weeks. I do not see me going back for awhile I'm still using a cane. Should I get a second opinio
0 likes, 19 replies
michelle0137 shari_48634
Posted
I had mine in August as well, right around week 6, I stopped making progress. At week 12, my surgeon diagnosed me with arthrofibrosis and performed an MUA. Things got so much better for me, but the arthrofibrosis seems to be creeping back, so I'm working hard to break down that scar tissue, along with seeing a massage therapist. Has your surgeon mentioned MUA? I would get a second opinion.
shari_48634 michelle0137
Posted
michelle0137 shari_48634
Posted
shari_48634 michelle0137
Posted
philguud michelle0137
Posted
My tkr from July 12th is giving me the same problem. I have severe stiffness and it seems like the more I try the stiffer my leg gets. I had an MRI done and it revealed hip issues that didn't even hurt. If you have insurance seek a second opinion. The VA wouldn't grant me one. I hope you get better soon.
suetkr12 shari_48634
Posted
Hi Shari, I feel your pain. I would go back to your surgeon and then decide if you need a second opinion. If you talk with several people, you may get several answers. You may need to continue or go back to PT. What I have learned the hard way, that the tkr can be a tougher surgery for some people and even some knees. I have days that are worse than others and worry about going back to work at what will be 10 weeks. Now I'm having a lot of issues with scar tissue too and ancillary infections, although not will me knee. Good luck, let us know what happens. thanks.
jen04209 shari_48634
Posted
Don't give up or give in. It could also be part of the healing process. I had bilateral tkr in June. It takes time to heal and everyone is different. Good luck.
Oldfatguy1 shari_48634
Posted
Have they do follow up x rays to make sure everything is in place and tracking properly. If not that would be the starting point.
Soft tissue problems aren't as easy to discover as MRIs aren't possible with a tkr in place. Discuss the possibily of deep massage
CHICO_MARX shari_48634
Posted
This is, typically, your path...
https://patient.info/forums/discuss/the-tkr-experience-or-wish-i-had-another-kidney-stone--524499
You are 3 months post-op...it will probably take another three...maybe six. PT gets you to your ROM goal; going to the gym rebuilds the muscles that have long since atrophied...quads, glutes, core. This is not easy or fun. Stay strong.
Irish_Al shari_48634
Posted
Hi Shari,
Sorry to hear you are still in pain. I had TKR in April, I was out for 12 wèeks as recommended by surgeon. I had some pain but not chronic.
I would definitely get a second opinion.
Did you have a X-ray since your operation? I think your surgeon could check by reviewing an X-Ray.
Best wishes, take care,
Alan
shari_48634 Irish_Al
Posted
Hi Alan, yes I've had several x-rays, dr said I got off to a bad start. It hasn't got better. Been going to PT 3 times a week, some times I can't even walk the day after PT. I feel like I'm a rock between a hard spot.
Irish_Al shari_48634
Posted
Did you do exercises everyday after op. If yes, I would definitely get a second independent opinion.
Take care,
Alan
dave63380 shari_48634
Posted
What does got off to a bad start mean? The start after TKR is never pretty but unless you injured something at the start I don't see what the doctor means. You should be beginning to see improvement by now / you're at about 3 months right? What are you taking for pain?
Shari I've had both knees replaced, June and September 2014. I had an easier time of it than most people here, something they don't really want to hear. But there is hope for a mostly pain free existence at the end of this journey. Three months is still relatively early in your recovery, I was in physical therapy for at least a year, until my right hip have out. Now I'm 4 months post op RTHR.
You need someone to reassure you that everything in your knee is in the right place. Maybe a second opinion if that is possible. A lot of doctors and physical therapists seem to have differing opinions on how TKR recovery should go.
My second Surgery, LTKR, resulted in a fractured patella, I woke up with a new knee and a screw through my knee cap. Still not real severe pain but couldn't do much PT for six weeks until bone healed. Now that's getting off to a bad start! It was harder to get ROM after waiting six weeks but I still got to about 115 degrees by 4 months. The point is sometimes you just have to wait for your body to heal before you can make any progress. Maybe you overdid it and you've never caught up. Maybe this is just your personal time schedule and you will get there when you get there. I wish I could be more helpful. A second opinion might help the mental challenges. Keep us informed on your progress, you will get there.
elizabeth_59334 shari_48634
Posted
You need to talk to your physio/GP if not the surgeon.... make sure you are taking the right medication.....
the speed of recover varies - depending on age and how fit you were before surgery. Don't over exercise in an attempt to get better earlier. The body needs the rest too.
EileenH shari_48634
Posted