TKR Hello from the UK!

[maryo52]

I had two or three theater seat nightmares before my ROM issues were resolved. I have a 34" inseam. So no matter what ROM "they" say you need for a certain activity, I need more. I would try so hard to sit and enjoy the show, but with only an 85 degree bend max, my legs would be packed in behind the seat in front of me. Josephine called it "theater sign." There's an article in the library about this. I think H E double L is more like it. Worse was the having my morale plummet by the experience.

 

[Mutley]

A little update from me! Almost 11 months post op. Having read some of my previous posts I'm being positive in that I don't have as many issues as I had before The groin pain has settled down a lot, which is good. The thigh pain has condensed itself down to one particular area on the bottom, outside thigh. I'm not constantly rub, rub, rubbing at my leg & driving anyone sitting near me crazy! A small amount of pain on the inside of the knee which I can tolerate. NO KNEE PAIN...hooray! After all, isn't that what we EXPECT when we have a knee replacement???.........HOWEVER, I'm still suffering with terrific shin bone/tibula pain When I get up in the morning & head towards the beach to walk the dogs OMG, the pain is like walking on a broken leg. Luckily this isn't like it all day, so if I'm doing something round the house or working in the office, I'm ok. There is a consistent dull ache from the knee downwards though.
I'm trying to hold on until I see my surgeon in January but quite honestly I'm not sure I'll be able to It's quite sad that after moving down to the coast & having the luxury of walking my dogs on the beautiful beach, I'm not able to enjoy it, rather I endure it...still through gritted teeth. Would anyone have any ideas why I've still got this shin pain or any suggestions as to how I could help it, or better get rid of it??!!!!

 

[SAS]

I am a year post op on my right knee in November, with my left knee I am five months post op. You talk about shin bone/tibula pain I am guessing this is what I get with my right leg when driving and changing from accelerator to brake, like you too I suffer aching legs from the knees down but mainly when in bed rather than walking about. I walked the beach yesterday with my two dogs which was uneven sand and I felt fine, I do find part way through a walk my legs get heavy but I am hoping this will disappear in time. They do say it can take between one and two years to heal properly so perhaps that is what is happening in your case Mutley. Overall I am very happy with the way things are going and I wish the same for you.

Sheila

 

[crystals5]

Everything sounds so good except for the shin pain. I would try to get in and see the doctor as soon as possible.I hope you get some relief soon.

 

[patient 99]

Would anyone have any ideas why I've still got this shin pain or any suggestions as to how I could help it, or better get rid of it??!!!!

Jaki, I so understand why you are seeking help/advice or even a fellow sufferer with whom to share your pain. I hope it is forthcoming, but I think what you are experiencing is specific to you. You report that you have had a number of successes with your knee/leg. There's probably no reason why it shouldn't be 100%. But I think for that to happen you need a medical expert on the case. You might want to consider trying to change your January date to an October/November date. At least that way you might get things moving in the right direction for Christmas.

This is a stab in the dark, but is it possible that there is something broken in your shin, something that repositions itself to some extent as you work the leg? I suppose it could be a 1001 things - you need an expert on the case.

 

[Mutley]

Who knows Carol I keep thinking about the possibility of bone damage but I'm sure at near on 11 months out it would have naturally healed itself? Also, I don't have the pain all the time...thank god! I feel like my surgeon has done his job with the actual replacement & isn't too bothered about trying to work out what the problem is. I also feel guilty at the thought of seeing my new GP & trying to discuss the last 11 months of grief to him/her & then just expect them to come up with a 'cure' if that makes sense? I keep thinking if I didn't have this pain I'd be laughing, enjoying life & telling other TKR patients this is the best thing ever & 'just do it'...but I'm still not certain that this was right for me. At least before I just had the one issue of bone on bone, not numerous aches & pains. I'm also now finding the lack of ROM is proving to be a real pain especially when trying to get in & out of the car. Luckily I've just bought another car & you can press a button & the seat goes right back. Sometimes that's the only way I'm gonna get out of the car in a packed car park! No-one ever asks how I am, how's the leg how are you doing. Have to say it feels like a bit of a silent prison sentence.......
Anyway, enough of my gloom! How are you doing?
Thanking Sheila & crystals5 for they're replies too

 

[robynhood]

Hi Mutley it was nice to hear from you on the forum but I can see why you are concerned about your shin pain. I really wouldn't wait until January if you are in such pain. At least if you get an X-ray you can rule out any bone damage. We get tired of people giving us It can take at least twelve months for recovery but I think it's not right having so much pain this far along. I can see your point with the new GP but if it were me I really would wants one expert advice about this. Take care

 

[Lauramacky]

Who knows Carol I keep thinking about the possibility of bone damage but I'm sure at near on 11 months out it would have naturally healed itself? Also, I don't have the pain all the time...thank god! I feel like my surgeon has done his job with the actual replacement & isn't too bothered about trying to work out what the problem is. I also feel guilty at the thought of seeing my new GP & trying to discuss the last 11 months of grief to him/her & then just expect them to come up with a 'cure' if that makes sense? I keep thinking if I didn't have this pain I'd be laughing, enjoying life & telling other TKR patients this is the best thing ever & 'just do it'...but I'm still not certain that this was right for me. At least before I just had the one issue of bone on bone, not numerous aches & pains. I'm also now finding the lack of ROM is proving to be a real pain especially when trying to get in & out of the car. Luckily I've just bought another car & you can press a button & the seat goes right back. Sometimes that's the only way I'm gonna get out of the car in a packed car park! No-one ever asks how I am, how's the leg how are you doing. Have to say it feels like a bit of a silent prison sentence.......
Anyway, enough of my gloom! How are you doing?
Thanking Sheila & crystals5 for they're replies too

Awwweee....Jaki...I am SO sorry you have this pain. I had no idea your ROM wasn't adequate to get in and out of a car! But I don't check here as often as I should mainly because it appears I'm not getting notifications to my in box all the time for some reason. Anyway, that really sounds like a problem hun. I wish I had ideas for you. :( I wonder what in the world is going on! There has to be some reason. My one tiny suggestion would be to make an appointment with another orthopedist and have them xray it and get a second opinion. I think that's what I'd do. I've had other physical issues in the last few years that I had to really search and search for SOMEONE who would figure out what was wrong with me. One doctor didn't do it. I hope you figure out what's going on so you can walk those beautiful babies on the beach with not a care in the world! HUGS!

 

[patient 99]

I also feel guilty at the thought of seeing my new GP & trying to discuss the last 11 months of grief to him/her & then just expect them to come up with a 'cure' if that makes sense?

Well actually Jaki it doesn't make sense at all. Its the medical profession that should feel guilty. You have an ongoing, painful medical problem, your GP (be they new or old) is there to help you resolve it. You are not going to him/her expecting a miracle cure. You are there so they can arrange for you to see an expert - and probably NOT a knee man as your knee seems OK.

No-one ever asks how I am, how's the leg how are you doing.

I know its **** isn't it. All the more reason that you have to take charge. I know from the help you gave me that you can be rational, clear thinking and sensible. So you will have to start using some of that for YOURSELF.

How possible is it that you could pay to go private - even if only for a diagnosis? People will often shell out for a new car, holidays etc. but when it comes to their health they are mean to themselves. They say I can't afford it. Sometimes that is true. Is it true for you? Its your life Jaki that we're talking about. You are 48 years old for god's sake. You don't want another 30 odd years of this.

I'm sure if this was happening to one of your daughters you would be fighting her corner as hard as you could. But when it comes to yourself you dither around, not really taking action just enduring. You've been at your new house over 3 weeks now and still haven't seen the GP yet!

There was a time when it was appropriate to say `give it time'. That stage is long past. Please Jaki get up off your butt and get the medical help you so dearly need.

 

[Mutley]

ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF MY NEW KNEE TODAY!

Where has that time gone then?? Well, a really quick update from me. Literally in the last 2 weeks I have been feeling more positive about this leg! The pain in the shin has subsided & I haven't had the ' been shot in the leg' intense sensation for some time. Have walked the dogs & actually thought like I'm ALMOST pain free! The ROM is pretty pathetic at under 100 I am TENTATIVELY thinking of discussing with my surgeon in January the possibility of having another MUA...Gulp! However, this would be a last resort bearing in mind a lot of my problems came about after the last MUA. Have just spent the weekend with a friend & we went to Guildford to do some Christmas shopping. The only time I thought about my knee was when climbing any stairs, so it coped admirably!
The worst side effect from having the TKR is being left with a trapped nerve in my left buttock & thigh which I maintain was from having the spinal anaesetic . After 15/20 minutes of driving I am in AGONY Not sure if anything can be done for this buts it's VERY AGGRAVATING
I was always told to give it a year to 18 months so I guess I'll see how things are in another 6 months!

So, that's it! Wishing you all well & positive thoughts whatever stage of your recovery you are at!

Jaki x

 

[RestAssured]

Mutley,

Congratulations on your year anniversary! You are doing very well. Don't give up hope! The nerve that you describe sounds like the IT band issue I sometimes get when I am in one place for too long. Have you tried bending from your side and slowly moving your arm towards your toes? I also do both arms in front and bend at the waist going as low as I can go! It seems to take care care of any burning. Good luck, and I hope you don't need another MUA!

 

[robynhood]

Jaki so good to hear from you. Congratulations on your one year anniversary. Sorry to hear about your pain when driving. Thanks goodness I didnt have any after effects from the spinal anaesthetic . I do however can sympathise with the lack of ROM. I've no idea what mine is now at 14 months post op but I doubt it would be over 100. I can get around much better than ever, get in and out of the bath walk for longer distances so I sort of forget about the ROM and get on with my life. I really hope the next year is a good one Jaki and wish you and your family a very Happy Christmas and a FANTABULOUS New Year.

 

[turtle68]

Jaki, Great to hear from you and that you're doing so much better. Maybe moving is good PT after all, although I must say I'm exhausted, I was especially thrilled to hear that you are able to enjoy the walks with the dogs on the beach. And from what I've read on BS the ROM can continue to get better. I think living in a 3-story town home for 3 months really improved my bend, so we'll keep that thought in mind. Have a great Holiday and congratulations on your one year anniversary.

Dorothy

 

[SAS]

Well done, I am about the same pace as you and well pleased with progress like you. Uphill is my problem, I can do it but find it exhausting. As far as an MUA is concerned, you did not have a good time last time. I had it done and have never looked back, I wanted to be able to lift my foot onto the opposite knee for putting on socks and rubbing feet in with cream and I can do it perfectly, that is all I asked. I wish the same for you and well done.

Sheilax

 

[Mutley]

Thanks everyone for your advice, good wishes & your own stories of progress! I guess you don't always realise how well you are in fact doing until you hear about other people.
Sheila, glad to hear your MUA did the job. All the best for your continued recovery for knee No2!
Pat, lovely to hear from you too & again, life sounds good & " just getting on with it" is a good place to be!
Rest assured, I just spend a lot of time rubbing my buttock! But thank you for your suggestion! Luckily, unless I've been sitting for a very long time, it's just while driving that the trapped nerve really kicks in. I guess I should be thankful for that?!!
Dorothy, keep doing what you've been doing! Enjoy all those warm water facilities available to you at your new home!
Carol, think of you often & really hope that a new year brings some good, positive changes to your health & well being
Sue, what can I say but chin up & hang in there girl! You have & show amazing strength although I'm sure life must really get you down at times...
Wishing each & every one of you, and anyone I may have forgotten a very Merry Christmas & my very best wishes for a healthy & happy new year

 

[Lauramacky]

Congratulations on your anniversary and sorry I just noticed this. Notifications are not ending up in my in box.:( such great news that your knee is finally starting to feel better! That's awesome as we yanks say! Sometimes things take a long time to work out. Keep us posted on your decision ok? Maybe shoot me an email? My anniversary is in two days!

ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF MY NEW KNEE TODAY!

Where has that time gone then?? Well, a really quick update from me. Literally in the last 2 weeks I have been feeling more positive about this leg! The pain in the shin has subsided & I haven't had the ' been shot in the leg' intense sensation for some time. Have walked the dogs & actually thought like I'm ALMOST pain free! The ROM is pretty pathetic at under 100 I am TENTATIVELY thinking of discussing with my surgeon in January the possibility of having another MUA...Gulp! However, this would be a last resort bearing in mind a lot of my problems came about after the last MUA. Have just spent the weekend with a friend & we went to Guildford to do some Christmas shopping. The only time I thought about my knee was when climbing any stairs, so it coped admirably!
The worst side effect from having the TKR is being left with a trapped nerve in my left buttock & thigh which I maintain was from having the spinal anaesetic . After 15/20 minutes of driving I am in AGONY Not sure if anything can be done for this buts it's VERY AGGRAVATING
I was always told to give it a year to 18 months so I guess I'll see how things are in another 6 months!

So, that's it! Wishing you all well & positive thoughts whatever stage of your recovery you are at!

Jaki x