TKR Almost Two Years Post Op and Still Struggling and Searching for Answers

[Readabook]

@Jockette BUT- (pretending I am the doctor and all other people doing great) If I healed well that should be no problem. It does seem like a lot doesn't it? Clearly his assistant thinks I have issues.

 

[EalingGran]

! I just pound the pavement and do lots of stairs all day long...... So I think I might have earned that pain

Do you need to do so much? Can you take it easier for a few days and see if it helps?
Good luck with the injection for your SI .
Hope it helps.

 

[Jockette]

Clearly his assistant thinks I have issues.

That’s something, but does the surgeon think you have issues?

I had my PKR 9 and a half years ago. I’ve had problems with it the whole time. Three second opinions took standard X-rays and found nothing wrong, therefore offered me no help. Recently I googled a question which became a long discussion with AI. AI validated every symptom I told it, and told me what was physically happening when I had each symptom. It recommended several complex revisions surgeons in my general area. I have an appointment next week with one of them. I have a lot more knowledge and confidence now going into this appointment, and new and worsening symptoms since the last appointment almost 4 years ago. I’m a bit angry that it took a machine to listen me, where a total of 4 surgeons did not. I also now know what specific advanced tests to ask for. I honestly don’t see how this complex revision surgeon can not offer me a conversion to a TKR. In general I haven’t been a fan of AI discussions, but this one sure did give me valuable information about my knee.

 

[Layla]

Hi Readabook,
I am really sorry you're still struggling as you near two years post op next month. I can only imagine how discouraging and exhausting it must feel, when you obviously expected to be pain free by now. The injection and testing sounded intense, especially having to push against pressure while your leg was extended. It had to be encouraging though for the surgeon to confirm all areas were firing. I hope you're able to be gentle with yourself and remember that recovery isn't always a straight line. Your body needs more time, more answers and an extra dose of patience. I hope the injection gives your SI joint some relief and slowly your body can settle. Keep holding onto the small signs of progress even when it feels overwhelming, taking one day at a time. Many do notice improvement in their second and even third years and hopefully you will too. Here for you always!
@Readabook

 

[Layla]

Are you interested in changing your thread title since it's dated and you are beyond 19 months post op currently?
We can update the 19 months to 23 months, since you're almost there, or change the title completely in an effort to draw in more responses.

As an example:
Almost Two Years Post Op and Still Struggling and Searching for Answers
OR any title off your choosing...
@Readabook

 

[Readabook]

@Jockette so sorry- And I just experimented with chatgpt and it is crazy! My xrays are perfect as well. I am a rockstar in exams. But don't you think the test I shared was kind of a lot? I will look back at your story line to see your experiences. Thanks so much.
@Layla THank-you! My body is a little stressed with this injection, but hopefully settles. I guess it was encouraging that all soft tissue was firing, until the aftermath!!

 

[Readabook]

@Layla sounds great. Whatever you think. Lisa

 

[Layla]

We can try what I suggested, but if you decide on something else, just let us know, its' a quick and easy edit.
Wishing you a great day!

 

[Jockette]

And I just experimented with chatgpt and it is crazy!

I didn’t use ChatGPT, I just did a “google” search using Safari on my iPad. I don’t know if it’s the same thing. Most of these Safari searches seem to be in an AI form where it’s actually a conversation. I asked questions, and so did the AI. It was very informative.

 

[Readabook]

Ok- I need calming! I had a 22 mos follow up with a new to me surgeon. Xray fine. I expressed concern about my chronic anterior tibialis sprain. And also wanted to establish care as my doc retired. He did a clinical exam where I sat on table with leg out in space and he pressed to check straightness and strength while I had to resist. Six days later and I am still in so much pain.I have been told that is a pretty basic exam, so I feel like a wimp. But kinda nervous. And it is crazy making that no doc seems to care much about shin sprain. I guess is common, but geez.

 

[Jockette]

You are not a wimp! This much pain 6 days later sounds like something is definitely not right. I know how you feel, I have been ignored for 9+ years. I’ll find out next week if this next surgeon will help me or not.

 

[Jockette]

Maybe consider consulting with a complex revision surgeon to get a diagnosis. I’m told they look for things that others surgeons don’t.

 

[Readabook]

@Jockette Please keep us posted! I showed my husband the strength test in space move and he said "That would hurt!". Validation.
This was just to establish a relationship with a new doc. I did see a guy who does revisions earlier this summer and he said my knee looks great. But I don't like his practice much.. Just trying to find right place. At then end of the day it seems to be all soft tissue which I have flared magnificently. Trying to get it all settled so I can start all over body PT soon.

 

[Jockette]

Penn Orthopaedics Pennsylvania Hospital might be a good place to start. I have an appointment with Dr. Sheth, but not until December. I’ve never met him but his description is good, especially for my situation. I am on their cancelation list so I hope to get in sooner. If I can see him in a reasonable time, it will give me 2 opinions for the revision I am expecting to need.

 

[Readabook]

@Jockette that would work. I didn't realize you were not far from me! I just checked- May appts! But there are other docs in practice. I am going to try and rest blah blah blah. Thanks for your support and keep us posted!

 

[Jockette]

I didn't realize you were not far from me!

I’m in Delaware. My appointment next week is with a complex revision surgeon in northern Delaware.

I just checked- May appts!

When I first called the first appointment was for April 7, in Philly. They also have an office in Radnor, and I scheduled there for May 14. A little while later they called me and said their call center had answered my call, and the actual office gave me the early December appointment. I’m on their cancellation list, too, which is nice.

 

[Layla]

Hi Readabook, please don't feel like a wimp or like you're being dramatic. You've been hurting because someone pushed down on your extended leg as you were instructed to resist. It honestly makes sense that your leg is still sore and that you may feel concerned about it. You're hurting, you need some reassurance, more time and a lot of TLC and it will hopefully take care of the pain. I wish you lots of comfort. Rest as you're able.

Just a FYI as you research...
A former staff member shared this awhile ago - His surgeon works for the Rothman Institute in Philadelphia, PA. "For what it's worth, U.S. News ranks Rothman at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital as the #4 orthopedic hospital in the U.S., behind only the Hospital for Special Surgery, the Mayo Clinic and the Cleveland Clinic.
Not that this guarantees they are good surgeons, but Rothman practitioners serve as editors and frequent contributors to top orthopedic journals read by surgeons, and they conduct well-respected research on joint replacement."

Do some online checking, read some bios...see what you think. Good Luck!

@Readabook

 

[Readabook]

@Layla Thanks so much. I did see a Rothman doc this summer. They are good. I don't love exactly how system works and I would not be able to change who saw. But If I was in enough pain I would circle back. Much appreciated,

 

[sistersinhim]

Finding the correct doctor is definitely a chore. I "interviewed" 4 OSs before I found mine. I have never doubted my decision! I pray that you find one that makes you feel that way, too.

 

[Readabook]

Update- the assistant who sounded all alarmed that I had pain after clinical exam just sent a note- "not worried, all normal..."