PKR Greda's PKR recovery

[Greda]

I feel like seeing this OS was a complete waste of time. The first thing he said to me was he was not familiar with PKRs. He has never seen anyone who has had one or done the procedure. I thought this would be when he would refer me to someone else. No he then does an exam and I tell him when he is hurting me and where the pain is. He proceeds to say that the patella could be overstuffed and the joint space is narrowing...but he thinks the best course of action is to ignore the pain and do formal PT with his PT group. I told him I would not go to his PT...I would do it at home. He didn't like that -- I don't want to go to a PT that wants me to ignore pain. He also says maybe I have tendoniitis and prescribed a anti-inflammatory cream. I asked him about the places that hurt and he only response was do more PT...if that doesn't work he will referred me to a TKR specialist. He wants me to come back in 6-8 weeks. I am so frustrated. I will keep doing PT on my own and riding my stationary bike, and will try the anti-inflammatory cream.
This is going to be complicated because my pain doc highly recommended this OS -- they are in the same building. I am going to talk with my husband and hopefully he will come up with something.
I have to work on taxes to meet with the CPA tomorrow.
Greda

 

[Celle]

Hi Greda,

What a disappointment for you!

I'm sure that Josephine or Jamie will be along, to tell you that you need to see a surgeon who is familiar with PKRs, and who is not associated with another doctor in the same building. You may have to be prepared to see someone in another town.

Well done for refusing to go to PT that will hurt you!

My response to the OS you saw would have been something like: "Thank you for seeing me. However, I need to see a specialist who is familiar with the operation I have had, so I will be doing that in the future."

 

[crazycatlady 6-20-2011]

Hi Greda,
I'm sorry to hear about your Dr's appt. I was very interested when the Dr. used the term overstuffed. When people ask how my knee feels the only term I can come up with is "it feels too full". Is this how your knee feels? Did the Dr. explain anymore about "overstuffed Patella's?" Just out of curiousity, how tall/big boned are you? I'm 4'11" with a small frame. I keep saying it feels like my knee knee parts are too big for me.

Lynn

 

[Greda]

Lynn,
What he said was when the surgery was done the bone was removed from the back of the patella and sometimes the wrong size button can be put on the patella...he thought maybe this might be an issue because the joint space was narrowing in the x-ray taken today.
I am 5'8" and am small boned. I know that my last OS who has done the procedure checked the button when he did the revision -- however at this point I just don't know.
Greda

 

[Jamie]

How disappointing, Greda. I don't think I would have much confidence in this doctor either based on what you have said. You do need to get to one who is familiar with PKRs. Sorry to tell you that, but you need to keep looking....even if you have to drive to see whoever you find.

If you'll give me your zip code, I can help you look.

 

[Greda]

Jamie,
My zip is 57401...I am seeing my GP again next month and she was going to look into as well. I need to let her know I am willing to travel. It is much harder to travel my knee doesn't tolerate driving long distances. My husband is going to be traveling more and more since the weather is going to be nice. I have been asking him to give me his schedule because maybe I could find an OS in a larger town when he goes. I can go with him if we don't take the government car.
I have to go to the CPA and I am so exhausted. My cats decided it was time to knock everything on any surface in our bedroom on the floor. When the lamp ended up on the floor I was about ready to send them in the hallway in the apartment complex. They are excited now the windows are open and the air is like spring I guess. I need a nap and need to move the cat's stuff into the extra room so I can lock them in there when are acting crazy. I feel bad for the people under us---I think they must sound like a thundering herd .
Anyway, thanks Jamie I appreciate any help you can offer. I am going in May to the U of MN for my jaw. Have you heard of anyone there who is good with knees -- St Paul or Minneapolis, MN or at the U of MN? I go there every 6-12 months (except this year).
Going to go see how much we owe the IRS
Greda

 

[Jamie]

Way to think outside the box, Greda!!! That's a GREAT idea to find a surgeon in a larger city where your hubby might travel to. That way he could be with your at your appointment, help you get to and from, AND do some work.

As for the University of Minnesota....I'll do some checking there and within sort of close distance to your zip code.

 

[Josephine]

This is going to be complicated because my pain doc highly recommended this OS -- they are in the same building.

NEVER a good idea to accept referral under those circumstances. They will almost always praise their buddy to the heavens no matter what their real standing is! Clearly this one doesn't deserve that accolade and you should search out one for yourself - a proper revision surgeon this time, one who has no connection with any previous doctor you have seen and who has a considerable amount of experience in treating problem knees. It's the only way you will get a really expert, impartial and honest opinion as these are the chaps that sort out other peoples' mess-ups and make no bones about it when they see shoddy work.

 

[Greda]

It is damp here today and my jaw and knees are hurting. I am traveling to a few places with my husband in April. I am hoping while he is in his meetings I will be able to use the phone book in the hotel and make some calls. I guess I am wondering how to go about finding someone...do you just ask on the phone if they are a revision specialist? I am scared to ask any doctor for a referral at this point. My GP offered to refer me to an OS in another town and maybe I should ask for the name. I still keep hoping that my knee will stop hurting and it will all be over without anymore treatment or surgery or anything.
Greda

 

[Jamie]

Greda, the best way to start finding doctors is to use the BoneSmart Find A Clinic tab at the top of the page. You type in the zip code of the town you are checking out and a radius mileage. You will get a list of doctors and clinics complete with websites, addresses and phone numbers. Click on the links to the various websites and find the page that talks about the doctors on staff. Many times you can read their bios and find out if they do "reconstructive surgery" or "revision surgery" or take the "more difficult cases." Make a list of possibilities and start calling to ask the desk how many revisions the doctor you're interested in does in a year.

 

[Lori]

I grew up in Rochester, MN. (55901) Maybe the Mayo Clinc would be helpful. Not sure of their referral procedure as I went there lots growing up & it may have changed throughout the years.

 

[Josephine]

Only one way to find out! :wink1:

 

[Greda]

Lori,
I have been to Mayo in Rochester for my jaw from 1997-2007. I can't say that I am a huge Mayo fan -- I know that they help a lot of people. It is a place where once you are there it is hard to get referred away from Mayo. When I lived in MO and drove there -- the surgeons I had wouldn't even let me get an x-ray or bloodwork locally, everything had to be done at Mayo. When I finally was referred to U of MN, I ended up having to have everything that Mayo did undone.
I did look at Sioux Falls, SD and found a OS that does revisions and his website looked really good. We are going to Sioux Falls next week -- my husband has meeting there.
My husband and I actually did more than watch basketball this weekend....KU is in the final 4 so my husband is thrilled. I talked him into seeing a movie -- we hadn't gone to the movies in 4 years. We went to see the Hunger Games on Sat. I had not read the books but I thought it was a good movie. My husband wasn't a fan. The best part was I had lots of room and brought and ice pack with me. It was nice to get out and do something.
Is it okay if I put the names of the OSs on my thread to ask if anyone has heard anything about them?
Greda

 

[Jamie]

Yes, Greda....it's fine to mention doctor's names here on the forum.

I'm glad you got out to a movie and also happy to hear that you have a lead on a good surgeon!!!

 

[Greda]

I am just so tired and have decided to wait on finding another OS. I have been noticing how run down I am and just am hoping that more time and maybe that magical year will make a difference to my. I have an appt with my surgeon (for my jaw) the end of May at the U of MN. If by that time my knee is still hurting this much then I will hope he will know of someone. I trust him more than anyone else.

I know that I have really overdid -- my husband wanted me to come with him for a short trip (a conference for his job). I just think short trips are so hard to get ready for and we never really have time to relax. We got here yesterday and are leaving on Wed. He had the brillant idea to bring our cats -- I don't know if we will ever do this again. I always have to pack for my husband -- the one time I refused he forgot to bring one of his insulins. That was an awful trip that I never want to repeat.
Going to bed after the game (the Jayhawks are in trouble) and thankfully the cats are calmer so hopefully we will all sleep tonight.
Greda

 

[Jamie]

Greda.....are you feeling any more rested??? Frankly that last trip sounds like a nightmare even without recovering from surgery in the mix. CATS???? Yikes!!!

 

[Greda]

Jamie,
I am still really fatigued. I had trouble sleeping last night and my husband woke up and we talked and he helped me realize my depression is really not controlled at this point. At a GP appt about a week ago, I am changing from Cymbalta to Lexapro. I have not gotten to the dosage of lexapro that would be therapeutic. There has been a process in weaning the Cymbalta and adding the Lexapro. I am in the middle where the Cymbalta is finished and I am at 1/2 the Lexapro dose. I have had struggled with depression for a few years.
My family issues have not helped with my depression. Since my aunt died no one has contacted me -- returned phone calls and only answered emails to say they are busy. My husband keeps telling me that things will blow over and I know that my state of mind doesn't help the situation.
I think holidays are always hard.
I still keep icing my knee and elevating (I haven't had any noticable swelling). Ice is really the only thing that eases the pain. Riding or driving is still not comfortable.
One good note my cats are 4 years old today -- it is their birthday. They are going to get a treat of yogurt (they love the berry flavors). I am going to take a nap now that they have settled on the couch with me.
Greda

 

[davrunner]

Greda,
Hope that you get to a theraputic dose soon, depression can be debilitating. Hang in there.

 

[old goat]

Hope things work out well for you Greta. For me, I hate to say it, but I did and still do need more PT. It has really helped me. I think the electrode stimulation has done some of the trick. Getting off of simvastin has also been a great help. I think I will always be working on my muscles no matter what. Keep positive! Hugs, Ann

 

[Greda]

I had been reading your thread and am glad you are doing better. I have been going to the Y and doing the PT exercises. I have really good ROM and extension...today I have had a sharp pain behind the patella that has not easy to control. I think part of it was sitting in church. I was really happpy to be there but the service was longer than usual and I couldn't stretch out my knee.
I have had to have the polar care on all day. For some reason this sharp pain has been hard to control and I hope tomorrow is better. I am still planning on asking my doctor at the U of MN for a referral. I am hoping he can help me find the right OS.
Hope everyone had a Happy Easter!
Greda