Revision TKR Despair.

[Solar Cycles]

It’s been a while since I posted here.

I’m now 9 months into my second revision and all isn’t well I’m afraid The first revision was for a misaligned prosthesis, then I had a ruptured extensor mechanism that needed reconstructing, and finally a revision for a loosened prosthesis in early January this year….. I’ve also no Patella from an accident some 35 years ago.

The last visits to my consultant resulted in him requesting an ultrasound to identify continuing tibial pain that wasn’t resolved from the revision. The results came back showing varicose veins and the consultant thinks they could be contributing this, so referred me to a vascular surgeon back in June…. Still waiting for that.

Since then I’m experiencing acute pain in both the inside, outside and back of the knee, to the point that just bending down to pick my crutches up etc ( been on them for 3 years now ) results in excruciating pain in those areas.

To me it feels like a ligament issue, and this could’ve started after a Physio session in which the Physio tried to bend my knee past 110 degrees, that didn't half hurt and resulted in me making a formal complaint, which isn’t like me,

I’m now due to go on holiday to Jamaica for a belated 60th birthday celebration in 6 weeks time, I’m pretty downbeat at the moment ( again not like me ) because in the space of a few weeks my pain has gotten much worse,

I will be seeking a second opinion but to be honest I’ve lost all faith and hope in walking again pain free and without crutches.

 

[Jaycey]

@Solar Cycles So sorry you are suffering this undiagnosed pain! What was the date of your revision in January? I'll update your signature for you.

Have you tried going back to basics - ice and elevation? Something is aggravated in that knee. To get you to your birthday celebration I suggest backing off most activity and focussing on getting that knee to settle. It's obvious PT was not helpful!

Please don't give up on this. There are experts out there who can help. Where are you in the UK and who have you seen previously? I might be able to recommend someone.

 

[Solar Cycles]

Thank you for the reply.

The revision was done on the 15th January. I had my first revision and extensor mechanism reconstruction done under Mr Peter James at Nottingham, he’s now a clinical director in the private sector.

I did see Mr Richard Spencer Jones thereafter at the Robert Jones & Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, it was planned for him to do the revision until I received notice that he was winding down from performing big revision jobs. I was then passed onto a newly qualified consultant Mr Edward U, lovely chap but not what I wanted to be honest.

I’m from Lancashire but am prepared to travel (as you can see) if it means getting the best. I may request an appointment down at Stanmore in Middlesex seen as it’s highly regarded. To be honest I’m at the point now wondering if it’s really worth putting myself through it all again, I’ve gone downhill and each op has left me in a worst place than before.

 

[Solar Cycles]

Just to add that I also suffer from impingement in the left shoulder and a torn rotator cuff in the right, which is exacerbated now by using crutches for so long, I saw a consultant regarding this but he’s reluctant to do anything after trying physio and cortisone injections. Like he said being on crutches makes it nigh on impossible for any surgical relief.

 

[Jockette]

I am so sorry to read how badly things have gone for you.

Would a frame with wheels help you, instead of crutches? But I guess we lean on a frame also, which can harm our shoulders.

 

[Layla]

Hello Solar Cycles,
I am sorry for all you've been through and also for the pain you are currently suffering from the torn rotator cuff and impingement. Hopefully your crutches are adjusted properly and not adding to the discomfort you're struggling with. For proper crutch height and position ensure the pads at the top are a couple of finger widths below the armpit. Additionally, with your arms dangling, the crutch handle should align with your wrist.

Your apprehension in moving forward is understandable, but I hope you give it another chance in an effort to lose the pain you're living with. Wishing you comfort as you make decisions and move forward.
@Solar Cycles

 

[Jaycey]

Were you OK with Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital? Tony Smith (Antony Langley Smith) is a consultant specialising in knees. His numbers on the National Joint Registry are very good. If you look him up on the hospital website his bio stresses complex knee issues.

Can you afford to see a consultant privately? My strategy for both my hips was to see the consultant privately and then get on the NHS list for the op. This would work well for you as your issues are more complex. Private consultations give you time to assess whether the consultant is someone you can work with.

Please let us know how you get on!

 

[Solar Cycles]

Hello Solar Cycles,
I am sorry for all you've been through and also for the pain you are currently suffering from the torn rotator cuff and impingement. Hopefully your crutches are adjusted properly and not adding to the discomfort you're struggling with. For proper crutch height and position ensure the pads at the top are a couple of finger widths below the armpit. Additionally, with your arms dangling, the crutch handle should align with your wrist.

Your apprehension in moving forward is understandable, but I hope you give it another chance in an effort to lose the pain you're living with. Wishing you comfort as you make decisions and move forward.
@Solar Cycles

Thank you for the reply.

I’ve bought my own flexyfoot crutches to help with impact and stress caused by long term dependency mon crutches. They’ve made things a lot better in that score.

 

[Solar Cycles]

Were you OK with Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital? Tony Smith (Antony Langley Smith) is a consultant specialising in knees. His numbers on the National Joint Registry are very good. If you look him up on the hospital website his bio stresses complex knee issues.

Can you afford to see a consultant privately? My strategy for both my hips was to see the consultant privately and then get on the NHS list for the op. This would work well for you as your issues are more complex. Private consultations give you time to assess whether the consultant is someone you can work with.

Please let us know how you get on!

Don’t mention him….

He was the guy who’s responsible for the misaligned TKR I had. I’m going to get the initial consultation done privately, I’ve messaged Professor Peter Kay’s secretary at Wrightington Hospital just to make sure he’s still active on the NHS, he is thankfully and his record is very good.

Failing that it would be Stanmore, but the long 4-5 hour journey down there is off putting as you’ve to remember that you’ve got that journey to make post op as well.

 

[Solar Cycles]

I am so sorry to read how badly things have gone for you.

Would a frame with wheels help you, instead of crutches? But I guess we lean on a frame also, which can harm our shoulders.

Thank you for replying.

I had thought of that and did try one but it did make things worse.

 

[Jaycey]

Peter Kay is still practicing but as you can imagine he is hard to get into see. He is one of the best. Good luck!