[REVISION TKR] KNEE FUSION - I need information!!!

How's everybody doing? Can't believe summer is FINALLY here! I've really been watching how and when I do things, and so far, the RSD hasn't flared up too badly! yay!!! I've been trying to "flex" the muscles in my fusion leg a little bit, and it's really wierd to see what moves and what doesn't anymore! Pretty much, the 'ole quad is non-functioning and getting flabby. My GOOD knee is really doing "double duty" now, so I'm being very careful of that one...especially going up stairs. Hoping I can lose the 20 pounds I've gained over the past 3 years. Kinda hard with summer BBQ's and all the delicious food that goes with them!

Audrey,

I can sort of imagine what it is like for people with a fused knee.
Yesterday, at the airport in Dallas people were running all around me to catch their planes, a burger or whatever as I sat in a wheelchair with my leg sticking out over the pedal. I kept cringing anytime someone would get too close for comfort but I finally made it safe and sound to load the bus for the car rental agency. It was a full bus and everyone carefully went around my leg, until the last passenger!
After thousands of people I had watched for all day it was my MOM who not only caught it once but twice! Goes to show you that you just never know when parents will "get even" for all the mischief we put them through growing up!

In my last post, it might be helpful to know that I was wearing that lovely immobilizer brace! That is why I am comparing my situation to your fused knee. At one point in my journey, Dr. Maale had thrown out several possibilities because my leg was so bad. I don't think I ever mentioned that knee fusion was a possibility.

Audrey,

You are very inspiring! I am waiting for the day that you ate back on a horse! You will be able to do anything you set out to do because you have that drive and determination that it takes! I am so glad that you are experiencing life and joy again since your fusion! You deserve it!

Thanks! I have to be VERY careful...especially around kids...RUNNING kids! My Mom, daughter and I went to the ocean yesterday and we were walking out of a path into a parking lot, and 2 kids just came running at me. Of course, I didn't have even one crutch with me, so I just planted myself and hoped they wouldn't run into me. Nothing like feeling like a bowling pin! They didn't get me, but they sure got "the evil eye"!

Oh, such a terrible scare! Glad they didn't hurt you and how great that you could get outside and enjoy the ocean!

I am so glad the kids avoided you! I would love to be able to go to the ocean whenever I wanted! I live way too far from any ocean! I am able to look around and see oil wells though! They drive me crazy! I know that it is essential to produce oil, but we in West TX are seeing lots of oil wells pop up everywhere. My hubby is an automation foreman in the oilfield and it keeps him busy. So, I would take the ocean anytime! Peaceful, vs Hectic!

Sonja and Audrey, know how you feel about the ocean. Have this wonderful view of Portsmouth Harbour and the Solent fron our new bungalow, and its sooo therapeutic on me. Breathing lovely clean air, after the Thames Valley air, is wonderful and is so bracing. Being up high we always have a breeze, and its so lovely on a really hot day not to feel too hot. The plants I bought from my old home are embracing the new enviroment, I really thought the salty air would kill off the acers, and the wind which they are not supposed to suffer gladly, but they are thriving and showing their true colours!!

I too was knocked off my feet recently by my sisters Dobermann Ceepee who hadn't seen me for a while (I'm her Auntie) and she took a run at me and slammed into my legs. Ouch!!! After the initial shock everything was fine, and made me realise that these Knees are far stronger than we give them credit for. I hurt a bit for a while, but back to normal the next day.

Glad to hear you are getting back to "normal" whatever that may be for you, and look forward to many more positive posts in the future. Take care xx

Happy Summer, everybody! I'm still doing the "hobbling" around trying to keep things as "normal" as I can. Trying my hand at TRYING to lose the 20 pounds I've gained since the first TKR, hoping that will help. It's getting pretty old dragging myself up stairs, and I get sooo tired! I've had a few curious pains around me knee area, but as long as they don't stay, I'm not going to panic...but when they hit, they HURT! I was driving home the other day and I had to pull over...the pain was so intense. It didn't last long...maybe 5 minutes at best. This seems to happen a lot when I have to hold my leg up and don't have anything to rest it on. Driving is a challenge, but do-able. How's everybody else doing? Are you enjoying your summer? I'll keep you posted on the "strange" pains.

Hi Audrey hope all is well with you,
how is your pain now mine comes and goes but most of the time I just get the pain under control then its time for another fill.

I have 305 in the bag now and still no news on how much they are going to put in and still no op date yet hoping that they will tell me something next week
all the best Andrew

Hi all! Just checking in again.....Well...I sold my horse yesterday. I bought a really nice mare and had her sent away to be trained in hopes that she and I would be able to ride together. After talking with my Dr. and weighing the risks, it's just not worth it. I'm not going to completely "give up" on riding again, but I know having a horse of my own and trail riding like I used to is out of the question. I've got a friend that teaches therapeutic riding, and she said she agrees.....that is what I need. So...next year, I'll go to her place and ride a couple times a month with people beside be to be safe. It's been a very long 3 years, and if I had to endure a break or problem with my leg, I don't think I'd fare very well. So.....my heart is sad, but I've got to think logically at this point. However.....I've got my 2 shetland ponies and my miniature horse that make me very happy....and we have a dwarf miniature coming at the end of August. The breeder was going to put him down because he has a bad leg and can't walk perfectly. Well....he and I are going to make a great pair!!! He needs to come home to our house for some TLC and see what we can do to help the little guy out. We have named him "One Tough Cookie".....aka "Cookie". He's only 22 inches tall right now!

Audrey,
You have made some tough decisions for what is best for you. The safe atmosphere of therapeutic riding sounds like a good fit. I am sure Cookie your new miniature horse will be forever grateful you took him into your household.

Audrey,

I know you are disappointed about not riding in the conventional sense, but when you go to the therapeutic riding that your friend has, your personality and grit will shine through for so many others who are doing this for therapy! The parents of children, and the children themselves will be delighted to meet someone with a spirit like yours! You might even find yourself volunteering to help out a lot more than 2-3 times a month! I have always admired your spirit, and I know that you will be great! Cookie is one lucky horse to have found such a compassionate owner!

Of course, as you know, I don't believe in luck! God is always in the plans, and He has big plans for you and Cookie!

I am new to this site. I had a tkr in April 2011, did great with it. Then 4 months later I had an infection
in my knee Strep B. After being in the hospital 6 days, I went home with a pic line and they had cleaned
the knee and replaced all parts that could be replaced. That being said, I just didn't get any better, still had
pain and the knee just didn't feel right!
Now April 2012 I go in for a bone scan to see if there is any infection
in the knee. I was suppose to go back and complete the scan but instead I woke to several pain and
running a fever of 103. I was unable to walk, so the rescue squad took me to the hospital, now the
problem is I don't remeber anything else, except I wake up on a ventalator and having dialysis 6 days later
I found out my knee was infected with Strep A and they removed all of it, then I became septic the day
after my surgery. Now the amazing part is the doctors said they didn't think I would live! I know I would not
be here if it wasn't for prayer! I beliieve the Lord has plans for me and it wasn't my time! Within 5 days I
was off the ventalator and dialysis, I did a complete turn around! My surgeon was in awe! He told me
many times he didn't think I would live! But I am here thank you Lord!
After 31 days in the hospital and 4 wks in a rehab center, I am home. I am awaiting to find out when I can
have my next surgery. Right now it is looking like 2nd wk of Aug. I am looking at getting a fussion done due
to the fact my body doesn't seem to liike the tkr! My surgeon says he doesn't think another knee is a good
idea, and he is suppose to be on of the best surgeons for complicated knee issues. He is part of the
Anderson Clinic in DC.
Now I guess my question is what do you guyes think? I have read many of your stories, and I would love
to know what you have to say!
thanks,angela

What was the cause of infection? Was it a bad reaction to the knee replacement, because of it being metal? Do you have nickel allergies?

I don't know what caused the infection, it was only in my knee the first time, and the second time it started in my knee then spread all. Both times it just came out of the blue! I was busy with normal every day things and then boom it hits! My knee was made of titanium, and I don't know of any allergies. I just don't want to go thur what I have in the past 3 months.

I'm sorry, I guess I wasn't clear. Was it MRSA or a staph infection that entered your body? Those are hardto get rid of. I have had MRSA 8 times but I found a specialist who finally has the answer!