Joe

[Joe]

I just passed 3 months since TKR. I have experienced the pain, frustrations, lack of sleep as most of you have. About two weeks ago I began to experience pain around the knee where the tendons attach. Over the past two weeks the pain, (inflammation??) spread up my leg until the tendons, muscles and I think nerves are inflamed and painful. Pain shooting through my leg. My surgeons response was, "Well sometimes things happen that we do not understand." He prescribed rest and Lyrica and Tramadol and said call in two weeks. Blood tests were negative. Has anyone had this experience? Thanks

 

[Jamie]

Welcome to the forum, Joe and congratulations on accomplishing the 3 month mark in recovery! What is (or was) your activity level - work? PT? I had LOTS of what my surgeon called "soft tissue inflammation and swelling" during my 11 months of recovery. He said to rest, ice and take an anti-inflammant. It did get better, but still rears it's ugly head when I do a "twisty" motion with my leg or just flat over do it. You were smart to check back with your surgeon just in case it might be something more serious. Seems to me you are on the right track with what your doc prescribed and you have plans to check back with him in two weeks. I'm betting it will be better by that time.

 

[Joe]

Up until the inflammation problem I was doing PT three time a week. My recovery has been very slow, had manipulation at 6 weeks. Still struggling to get past 95 degrees ROM.

 

[Jamie]

If you had a manipulation at 6 weeks, it's possible you are still at the "needing some serious pain meds" stage. From your first post I was thinking that you maybe had been returning to work or other activity a bit too soon, but it certainly doesn't sound like it from what you wrote in your second post. I'm wondering if what the doctor has prescribed is ENOUGH for you. You do need to rest, ice and elevate, but you also need to keep up with your PT exercises and if you are in a lot of pain with swelling and inflammation, it just doesn't work well. I'd say if the pain isn't controlled by those meds, to call either your surgeon or your GP and talk about more serious pain management. Were you ever on any of the narcotic pain meds usually prescribed - hydrocodone, persoset, vicodin? Most people on the forum seem to need those in the early stages. I know I took my heavy duty pain meds for a good 8 weeks following surgery. Please let us know how you are feeling in the next couple of days.

 

[Joe]

I am really glad I found this site. It helps to just share with others who have had the same experiences. I took Lortab for the first 8 weeks. Had to stop due to some unplesant side effects. I am 72 and that could have some bearing on my recovery. I m also allergic to NSAIDS and this severely limits my options for control of inflammation. I am doing limited PT on my own. Unfortunately my surgeon has said on a couple of occasions that he doubts the value of professional PTs. Lack of PT is limiting progress in ROM. I may seeks an opinion from another orthopedic doctor or ask my primary care physician for a referral. Any advice on this approach? Thanks

 

[Josephine]

Sounds like a good idea to me, Joe. Least as far as the MUA goes. But I would bet you have an inflammation somewhere - ilio-tibial band seems to be the most popular! A good PT or a chiropractor should be able to help you with that.

 

[JudyS]

Hi Joe
I am a hip replacement person (also recent back surgery). I have not been allowed by my gastro doc to take any antiinflammatories for years as well as have an endocrine problem which causes cortisol (nature's anti inflamm) to become extrememly low.
One thing my docs do believe in is pt. I feel like I have been in it forever. It can be a pain time wise although I have been so fortunate to have an excellent pt here and in Georgia (my previous home). They are great not only for their great knowledge, treatment etc, but I love being there a few times per week and having their brain to pick. They can always answer all questions and or tell me to ask the doc. Also great to pace the exercise rate as I tend to not know when to progress when left with the ususal month in between doc apts.

So, I would go for pt help at this point. Good Luck and keep letting us know how everything is going
Judy

 

[Jamie]

Joe, I too would say that a second opinion from a different doctor would help. I can't imagine not having physical therapy after a knee replacement!!! If you're 72, Medicare should pick up the cost. Sorry about your problems with NSAIDS. That might make it more difficult, but not impossible to get the pain relief you need. Sometimes you have to be rather assertive with these doctors!!! Good luck and let us know how things go!

 

[300game]

Joe
Go to Roof1 and take a look at the reply I posted. It has to do with ROM and it may help. The machine I described has really helped me. Far more than the PT's. It is approved by almost all of the major insurances. My co-pay is a minimal monthly fee. Hope this info helps you.

 

[Joe]

Second opinion update

Thank you all for your encouraging comments. A friend put me in touch with a highly recommended surgeon at Vanderbilt hospital in Nashville. He has agreed to give me his opinion in the next few days. I looked at the exercise device and will check today to see what my PT thinks. Thanks again. Bill