Revision TKR Hmm. Not thrilled with the revision yet

[Josephine]

but still tight / stiff

Well you've been off the exercising now for about 4 weeks so it should start loosening up soon.

but I don't seem to wobble as much using a cane.

And doesn't that tell you something? You WILL do better using your cane. You WON'T if you don't!

 

[KarriB]

I think the cane really helps with regulating a new and improved gait.

 

[eaglemom]

I know I need to use the cane, I just assumed at 13 months the cane wouldn't be needed. And sometimes I think I'm walking just find, but hubby clears his throat and I know I'm wabbing! My gait is totally different, I think that's the key. Learning my new gait, while using a cane.

 

[KarriB]

I found that it helped to put less and less weight on the cane while still being aware of my gait. It can be a process for sure, but I’m glad that you’re willing to use it.

 

[kneeper]

I've just been living life and not doing any scheduled exercises. What I'm noticing is that I wobble, for lack of a better word. My entire leg is quite stiff - like VERY stiff. After I take several steps its better, but still tight / stiff. My lower calf just never relaxes. Sitting in a chair I'm okay, but standing is where the issue begins.


I have another orthopedic appointment in about 3 weeks. It will be interesting what he has to say. When walking it's not when I pull the leg backwards but when I extend it. Frankly sometimes with the calf pain I've started getting shin pain. Feels like my bones want to pop out. Of course I know that can't happen, but that's how it feels.
.

I wonder if some stretches for those tight muscles would be of help. (Sorry if you addressed this in earlier posts).
I am very prone to tight muscles and my PT showed me some stretches that helped.

But I also get what you're saying--if your gait is off (like mine was before surgery) it can lead to weird stresses on your leg muscles and tightness.

Good luck with your next OS appointment.

 

[eaglemom]

Needing some insight to get me through the weekend. The knee has been sore and hurting but livable. I've been using my cane faithfully when we go out. At home occasionally using it, until today.

Last evening I commented my knee was really hurting. It looked more swollen but I didn't think anything about it. When I went to bed I took a Tramadol and Flexeral because of being uncomfortable. I could not get comfortable no matter what and my knee progressively hurt more and more. I finally ended up taking a 10 ml Hydro just to see if that helped. It did some, but not much. I'm miserable..........

The central location of the pain is laterally of the knee cap area, going downward. I just tried to get my jeans on and its too swollen for them. Its almost a throbbing constant pain. Idea's? I'm planning on elevating / icing and medicating myself soon. This has me scared the revision has failed - or part of the revision. So frustrated.........

 

[KarriB]

@Josephine may be able to help with her diagram and knowledge. Are still giving your knee rest or exercising it?

 

[eaglemom]

Resting as much as possible. I talked with the surgeons office and she recommended 1 or 2 Tramadol every 4 hours and add 4000 mg Tylenol on a schedule throughout the day. She wanted a very exaggerated elevating when icing. Her words "Imagine laying on the floor and your foot needs to rest on the door knob." She suggested folded quilts then pillows on top of that. Also to ice for 40 - 45 min then nothing for an hour - around the clock.

My head feels like its full of cotton and my mouth is so dry I swear there are tumbleweeds on my tongue!! Knee isn't as bad as it was, but definitely something is going on with it. I'll be icing & super elevating all weekend.

 

[Spex10]

Good luck. Hope it works and you feel better.

 

[eaglemom]

How silly of me, but I'm a little nervous for tomorrows appointment. He is a very good listener, but he also always has a check line of things for you to do before he comments. At least he's through!!!

I've laid low since Friday and the knee is better - but not 'right.' I'll write my multitude of questions down because I seem to be one who gets in a doctors office and doesn't say much - so not my personality!!!

I have done / am doing oh so gentle of stretches. Ready to be done with this knee but I have a funny feeling I'm not done with this knee.

 

[Jockette]

Best wishes for tomorrow!

 

[Desertgal]

Take in all that he has to provide, but remember, you are totally in control. You got this!!!

 

[eaglemom]

So my head is spinning, hoping you all can follow this. The surgeon's PA came into the room first to "go over things." We chatted then she commented on the cane. I said I'm using it to steady myself and because I can't walk too far. She looked at me like I had 9 heads! The she looked at my knee. Her comment "its so swollen and warm to touch, did you know that?" I rolled my eyes at her. She looked at my extension and said "oh dear, you have a problem here." Like I didn't know that.

The surgeon came in and we went over things again and he ordered a full leg xray & 3 other knee views. When those were done and fine to look at he ordered two spine xrays and a pelvis. All of which were fine. He then tried to measure me - my extension. He took my shoe and sock off and it sill doesn't go flat. He manipulated my knee and leg. Then tried to measure with no success. So...... he was a 3 or 4 stage plan.

#1 I have orders for massive blood work to be done. And also a spine MRI. He says this is just checking off boxes.
#2 See him in 3 weeks and go over those results, he doesn't expect anything.
#3 He will do a nerve block and 'have me walk' to see if that does anything (I have questions about that)
#4 Schedule surgery and clean out the knee. He'll also replace the spacer with a smaller one.

I told you he is a by the books kind of guy. I just wish we could do the surgery and be done with it. We all know that's what will eventually happen. I'm to take Tramadol 50 mg when I need it and mix in Tylenol daily. He said if icing / elevating helps do it - do whatever to make it feel good.

There you have it. What do you think of this plan? I'm all ears.

 

[Jordon6]

My revision was in June last year and I’m no better than you! I still limp/wobble when I walk too. I don’t use a cane cause, like you, I thought at 14 months I would be past it!

I’ve seen 2 more surgeons that clearly recommend no more surgery for me. I really don’t know why.

I have gotten 2 pain block injections and the work momentarily but they have not given me any long term relief. Maybe they will help you, though. I have another one this Wednesday and praying that the relief is longer this time. Afterwards, my gait is better because the limping and wobbling is primarily because of pain which may be your case!

I’ve been diagnosed with CRPS but part of me Thinks it’s just scar tissue. I think it needs cleaning out like your doctor suggested. It feels so constricted by scar tissue.

Anyway, hoping you find answers and relief! Keep us posted!

 

[eaglemom]

Can you explain the nerve block? I just don't see how that will help my current condition. To me its not permanent so why even do it?

 

[Jordon6]

@eaglemom I had the 3rd one today. The doc explained to me that sometimes after many surgeries, the nerves fire and don’t settle down and cause pain. . The nerve block gives relief but really not permanent. He said that it’s the hope that the block gives you relief until those nerves settle down.

Anesthesia is an option ( I get it!) after sleep the doc inserts a thin needle near your spine ( they use some sort of ultrasound machine to help with accuracy) and the meds are inserted. It’s really takes 15 min. After you awake, they monitor your vitals for a awhile and then you are dismissed. You must have a driver cause you’re still a bit groggy! It helps me for a few days. My goal is to focus on my gait while I’m pain free!

Hope this helps!

 

[eaglemom]

Thanks so much Jordon6. That fills in the blanks for me. What I can't wrap my head around is that the block is a 'temporary' thing, I feel I'm eventually going to need the surgery. Obviously I'll have a heart to heart with the doc before anything is done.

 

[Jordon6]

@eaglemom I’m glad this helps a bit! Sometimes I think that if this was my arm or some other limb, it would be more tolerable. Having pain in something that is weight bearing is no joke! Living with daily pain is totally a bummer!

Hope you you find answers and relief soon!

 

[Josephine]

He will do a nerve block and 'have me walk' to see if that does anything (I have questions about that). Can you explain the nerve block? I just don't see how that will help my current condition.

It's a common diagnostic procedure. They will temporarily knock out a major nerve like the sciatic or the femoral to see if your pain is relieved. If it is, then they will know your pain arises from that nerve. If it doesn't, they know it's from the knee.

The central location of the pain is laterally of the knee cap area, going downward

Can you show me the site of this pain using this chart, please?

 

[eaglemom]

Thanks Josephine, I welcome all the help and information I can get.

Literally the line separating D & E is where the pain is located. RF2

It feels like my knee has a balloon in it. When I walk and have the extension part of a normal step it feels as though the balloon is rolling forward onto that spot. Tender, tight, stiff, sore are all words to describe it.

I hope I've answered your questions.