TKR Left TKR On July 15, 2014 And In Recovery

[MoPeaches]

So I had a left TKR 7/15. I am a nurse, a gym rat and in generally good health ...so I had the TKR as an outpatient and started PT at the Docs office the next day. Pain mgmt was good until a month later I realized I had no appetite, lost 25 lbs and felt nauseated most of the time. So I quit taking pain meds. The symptoms continued for 2 more week. Ortho Doc said it had nothing to do with the TKR and to go see my Internist. Which I did...now I have elevated liver enzymes and positive ANA. I saw my Ortho Doc at 3 months post op, he says he has never heard of such. Oh, I have continued to lose weight and my appetite is still not back. So has anyone on this forum ever had such complications?? Is it all the meds without eating that contributes to the elevated liver enzymes? Is the Positive ANA my body adjusting to the implant? Thoughts anyone??

 

[Pumpkin]

Welcome to Bonesmsrt, glad you found us!
@1ELISEA , can help you with your questions about a possible autoimmume response to TKR, and let you know where you can find the right tests for allergies etc.

 

[MoPeaches]

Ok please @1ELISEA provide me anything you can about a possible autoimmune response to TKR. My entire life I have had allergies to clothing, detergents, makeup, lotions, etc. I was a gym rat before this TKR and now I feel like my body is turning against me!

 

[Pumpkin]

It may take a day or so for 1ELISEA to respond.

 

[Pumpkin]

I found this article in the library that may help you, it has a link to the lab that will do extensive allergy testing to deterimine if you are allergic to the metals in your implant.
Metal allergies and knee replacements

 

[Pumpkin]

Advise if your present OS is not up to dealing with your autoimmune issues you find a surgeon who specializes in revisions. A revision specialist is used to seeing complex knee replacement complications, and can best help you in your situation. They will say they do revisions on their website, or that they do complex joint reconstruction, if they specialize in revisions.

 

[MoPeaches]

Oh thank you so much! So grateful for the support!!

 

[skigirl]

I think you might speak with a rheumatologist as well. Most autoimmune issues come under their baliwick.

However, I will also tag @Josephine our administrator and experienced orthopedic nurse. She might have some insight for you .

 

[1ELISEA]

Hi @MoPeaches @Pumpkln
I do have allergies, quite severe, to many drugs et al; I've seen an Allergist for many years.

So sorry that you are not feeling well. I am not in the health field as you are so I don't know what ANA is, etc. but my suggestion would be to see a Rheumatologist.

Prior to my knee replacement, I had metal sensitivity testing and was reactive to many of them.
Here are a few places where I explained my metal sensitivities
1) CLICK HERE
2) AND ANOTHER POSTING ON MY RECOVERY THREAD

And discussing the results of the Lymphocyte Transformation Test (LTT) testing.
CLICK HERE

Hope that is helpful. And if you have additional questions, please do tag me. It might be a day or so before I respond. I am working many additional hours and also getting ready for a cardiac ablation (so not fun!).

All the best!

 

[1ELISEA]

I think you might speak with a rheumatologist

We are on the same wavelength. Just what I suggested!

 

[1ELISEA]

@MoPeaches
One favor, would you be so kind as to add your surgery date and which knee to your signature.
Thank you!
Here are the instructions for adding a signature!
ADD SIGNATURE

 

[Minnie's knees]

@MoPeaches the elevated liver enzymes could be from pain meds or other meds. That happened to me when I was taking too much Aleve for my rheumatoid arthritis. My levels went down after I quit taking it. Seeing a rheumatologist sounds like a good idea. Hope you get some answers soon.

 

[MoPeaches]

You all are thes BEST! Finally people who will explore my topics and information I can research. Thanking you all seems inadequate but its all I have. My hope is to be able to provide support for others. I am waiting to hear back from my Internist on the latest round of liver enzymes. I am hopeful coming off all meds (except 1 BldPressure, 1 Thyroid) and eating foods targeted to detox the liver will improve the values. If the Autoimmune (ANA) is still positive and the titer is elevated I will see a Rheumatologist. Thanks again for all this info!

 

[referee54]

I agree with seeing a rheumatologist---and that it may be because of the pain meds. I am glad that Kelly tagged Josephine---she can really take a look and give you guidance here.

 

[MoPeaches]

Latest round of liver enzymes are normal. Autoimmune titer slightly elevated. I think my poor body needs to stay off meds, eat clean healing foods and give it time to heal and adjust. I will seek medical follow-up about this Autoimmune issue

 

[referee54]

Latest round of liver enzymes are normal. Autoimmune titer slightly elevated. I think my poor body needs to stay off meds, eat clean healing foods and give it time to heal and adjust. I will seek medical follow-up about this Autoimmune issue

That is much better news!

 

[MoPeaches]

Because I am a gym rat ... I have really developed quadricep and hamstring muscles. They have developed 'knots (spasms)' the more PT I do ... I have found great relief using a foam and/or stick roller. Followed by a relaxing warm bath...it helps me more than anything..Has anyone else tried this?


July 14th, 2014 Left Total Knee Replacement

 

[skigirl]

I am glad that your issues are resolving and think you are on the right track---rest and elevations are good plans for right now.

 

[kneeper]

So long as you don't go too hard with it, the foam roller can be useful.

 

[MoPeaches]

Yep...I can't put too much pressure on it ...it's such a weird movement and only a few minutes seems to relax the knots!