Revision TKR 3 years out - Injury?worked

[newlybionic]

That's a great report. That tight band is probably related to some small swelling within your knee that is difficult to see. I would do as knee per suggested to back off you exercises a bit and add them back slowly. I would also try to ice your knee at the end of the day especially at the end of the day when you have that swelling.

 

[sistersinhim]

I would think that running after a 2 year old would be more than enough exercise. I agree that you need to back off on the exercising, especially on the weigh machines. You're tight because you're swelling inside. Your knee is only 50% healed. There's no benefit to straining it like you are now. Just run about that sweet 2 year old and use your knee normally and it will get nice and strong!

 

[HookEm613]

Hello, Everyone!

I had a TKR four years ago, at 36 years of age. Obviously I was very young for a TKR, but it was a necessity. As my doctor said, I had the knee of a 90 year old.

Fast forward through the first year, and although I had continued pain, I really thought it was "normal". My surgeon said that it just takes time to fully heal, and that eventually it would feel better.

After another year, I went back to the clinic because the pain just never went away. My knee is constantly swollen and I have a sharp pain on the inner/front of my knee. I also have bouts of dull pain in what I assume is my patellar tendon area. And under my knee cap...well that is a problem too. My old surgeon had retired at this point and the new surgeon did xrays and checked for infection. All was clear, so he told me that sometimes, knee replacements just never stop hurting. He told me to alternate tylenol and advil, and that my knee was as good as it was going to get.

So finally last weekend, I went to a different clinic because my knee is so inflamed and painful. Even alternating the meds is not cutting it, so I thought perhaps I need a steroid. The new doctor took xrays, but he didnt go over them with me. Instead, he referred me to a surgeon that does revisions. He was very unhappy that my clinic had not ordered a CT scan in my earlier appointments, as he thinks there may be a misalignment issue. He also said they should have forwarded my case to a specialist that does revisions.

I am not sure what to think. Has anyone been in this situation? Is it normal for a knee replacement to just never stop hurting, as my clinic has claimed? The thought of having to re-do my knee makes me so angry. I am hoping for the best, but I am so many things going through my head. I have an appointment with the specialist at 8 am tomorrow.

 

[Jaycey]

@HookEm613 So sorry you are still dealing with this knee. But the good news is you are finally seeing someone who will do something about this constant pain. Yes, recovery from TKR can take a year or more. But constant pain 4 years out is not normal.

Please let us know how your appointment goes tomorrow.

You will notice that I have merged your two threads together as we prefer that members in recovery only have one thread.

This is for three reasons:
1. if you keep starting new threads, you miss the posts others have left you in the old threads
2. it often ends up that information is unnecessarily repeated
3. it's best if we can keep all your recovery story in one place so it's easily accessed if we need to advise you.

Please keep all your questions and updates on this thread for now.

 

[sistersinhim]

I am so sorry to hear that your TKR is not right. You are doing the best thing by seeing a revisionist. They know what to look for in problem knees. It's obvious that your clinic did not. And no, it's not normal for a knee replacement to hurt all the time, especially after 4 years. Be sure and let us know what you find out from your appointment. I'm glad you came back to us so we can help you through this, even if it is only as a shoulder!

 

[HookEm613]

I had a TKR revision about three years ago, after a doctor realized my PCL was torn. That replacement went much better than the first, and I have had an excellent three years since.

Last Friday though, I went to my nephews wedding. I danced a lot, and in full transparency, had a few drinks to celebrate too. We danced for a few hours, and had a great time.

Then I woke up the next morning and OUCH. For the last seven days, my knee has been swollen, and incredibly stiff and painful. I know I didn’t fall or do anything concerning, so I’m not sure what might have caused this and if I should be concerned. My guess is that perhaps I just worked out part of my knee that I haven’t worked out in years, but it’s just so odd.

Has anyone been in a similar situation?

 

[Jockette]

I would definitely keep an eye on it and have it checked out if it doesn’t improve soon. Hopefully you just upset the soft tissue. I’m glad, though, that you enjoyed the wedding and the dancing!

I‘ve merged your latest post with your recovery thread, to keep all the history together.

And, what was the date of the revision? We‘ll add that to your signature.

 

[EalingGran]

would definitely keep an eye on it and have it checked out if it doesn’t improve soon.

Agree with @Jockette. Have you tried icing?

 

[Layla]

Sounds like you overworked your newish knee with all of that dancing. Sheesh, can't a girl even have fun anymore?! Kidding aside, I am sorry you're hurting and hope that it's only temporary.

Try resting, icing as often as you're able and using OTC meds if necessary. Hopefully over the next few days you find the pain easing. If not, call your surgeons care team for some reassurance or guidance.
Please stay in touch and let us know how you're doing. Best Wishes!
@HookEm613

 

[benne68]

I had a TKR revision about three years ago,

Please give us the date of your revision so we can update your signature -- that way staff and members will have your full history when replying. Also, let us know which knee was replaced.

Thanks.

 

[HookEm613]

My revision was 2020, and my original was 2016. It was my left knee.

 

[HookEm613]

Sounds like you overworked your newish knee with all of that dancing. Sheesh, can't a girl even have fun anymore?! Kidding aside, I am sorry you're hurting and hope that it's only temporary.

Try resting, icing as often as you're able and using OTC meds if necessary. Hopefully over the next few days you find the pain easing. If not, call your surgeons care team for some reassurance or guidance.
Please stay in touch and let us know how you're doing. Best Wishes!
@HookEm613

Haha exactly! I do believe that I just upset all of the soft tissue, but let me tell you, it is ANGRY!

I am using my cane today to just take a little weight off of it, and I’ve been icing. I had a friend tell me he did the same thing, and it took him six weeks to feel better! Apparently dancing is more taxing on a knee than we ever thought.

It very much feels like the first few days after a TKR, where all of the surrounding areas are screaming at you. This was definitely a lesson learned.

 

[sistersinhim]

I would contact my OS for an appointment if your knee doesn't improve in a week or so. You want to make sure there is nothing else going on other than angry soft tissues.

 

[Layla]

I had a friend tell me he did the same thing, and it took him six weeks to feel better!

BoneSmarts Nurse Emeritus, Josephine, used to remind members how long it can take to recover from overdoing it. It's not always speedy...unfortunately, so try not to get discouraged. You're definitely in the ODIC
(Over Did It Club) So sorry!