Post op Knee surgery

[All2Gd88]

Hey everyone new here but I’ll get straight to it. I’m coming off my forth knee surgery this year on the same knee. One time it got infected. Another time stitches popped, another time wash out, and an arthroscopy. Well, my knee isn’t getting better it’s actually gotten worse, and the doctors don’t understand why the wound won’t close and why my it continues to drain. At this point I’m sure I’ll be getting another surgery soon but if anyone has any advice for me, talk to me because at this point isn’t that malpractice? The doctor who is trying to fix my knee now said the last doctor cut one of my knee tendons. It was supposed to heal since the original surgery and if anything this just makes it so had to walk. It’s crazy.

 

[mendogal]

Welcome to BoneSmart.

It sounds like you've had a terrible time with one complication after another. You're not alone here - many members have come here for support with problems with after surgery with infections or healing problems.

We don't discuss potential legal issues here on the forums.

We do offer support moving forward on healing, answering questions, dealing with care providers (docs, PT, etc)

We definitely DO recommend anyone in your situation getting second and third opinions from orthopedic surgeons - and if you had a knee replacement, you need a revision specialist.

And it's really important they aren't connected with your previous surgeon or even use the same hospital as them.

Were you ever seen by an infectious disease specialist? In your situation, whatever orthopedist I saw, I would want them willing and able to have an infectious disease doc consulting before and after any more procedures.

 

[mendogal]

If you can post which knee, what procedures, and the dates of your procedures, a moderator will set up a custom signature so other members can see that history at a glance.

 

[All2Gd88]

Thanks both of y'all for responding. To the first question, yes I saw an infections' disease doctor on Tuesday. Blood work was done, every test ran came back clean. And the injury is my right knee. I got hurt 12-13-22 I’ve had meniscus repair, my fat Hoffa pad removed or fixed, and I’ve had one surgery every month this year so far.

 

[sistersinhim]

It sounds like to me that you need to see a completely different doctor, one that doesn't know your current doctor at all, not even a golf buddy. You need someone with a brand-new set of eyes to look at your poor knee. I'd run from your current doctors because it sounds like it doesn't know how to fix your knee.

 

[All2Gd88]

Yeah but this workers comp so I didn’t choose and my new doctor is pretty good it’s just bad because this the was my first surgery ever

 

[Layla]

Hello and Welcome to BoneSmart. Thanks for joining us.
I am so sorry for the misfortune you continue to endure. Four knee surgeries within a year is a lot. I do hope you make your way to complete healing soon. I wish you all the best.

Are you able to name all of your surgeries and connect each to an exact date, especially the procedures performed over the past year? We will use this information to create a signature for you, so those stopping by to read or comment will have a better idea of what's going on with a glance at this information.
Thank you in advance.
@All2Gd88

 

[mendogal]

Good to know you've seen an Infectious Disease doc and that those tests are negative!

So as I'm understanding you, this was a bad injury - no fracture or joint replacement? - that has had one complication after another. Right now you still have a non-healing wound and a lot of trouble walking.

Yeh, worker's comp has it's own strict rules. It's good you now have a doctor you feel is paying attention and trying to figure out the best treatment for you.

 

[Jamie]

Rules vary with Workman’s Comp from state to state, but usually you do have the right to request a second opinion on the injury. You probably won’t have the ability to pick that second opinion doctor, but if you do this, make the best case you can for getting someone outside the current practice you are with. Perhaps even ask to be seen at another town. It’s always worth a try.

It is good that an infectious disease doctor was brought into your case. I’m glad the blood work was negative, but did they also take swabs of the drainage fluid and test that? Sometimes your blood levels can be fine and an infection still be present.

 

[Blondie812]

Have you checked to see if you’re allergic to the stitches/staples? That could be a reason the wound isn’t staying closed and why it’s gunky.