Revision TKR Knee revision fail

[Helizabug]

Thanks for saying it’s okay, but, really, you don’t need to say that. Chronic pain is such a trial, and if people think we haven’t toughened up, they haven’t been through what we’ve been through. We can’t help but to have toughened up.

Praying with you!

 

[napper]

The second opinion surgeon is ready to get me scheduled. I'm so very nervous, and not ready. I'm thinking months down the road. But, he's thinking sooner. I like the surgeon, he's kind and listens. He really wants to help. I a bit worried because the hosp he works out of its one I don't like. But he swears his team is excellent. I'm told him I'd need to get a tour to make sure i like his team.

 

[Jockette]

I a bit worried because the hosp he works out of its one I don't like. But he swears his team is excellen

I’m sure that’s a very hard decision.

 

[napper]

I'm all set for surgery May 6th. It will be a four day hosp stay. I like the surgeon. Very kind and listens to my concerns. This makes the fourth surgery on my right knee in five years. I'm SO very tired of pain. Praying this will be the cure.

 

[sistersinhim]

Praying this will be the cure.

I pray it will be, too.

 

[napper]

Praying this will be the cure.

I pray it will be, too.

Thank you! When I say I'm tired, it's from ALL my surgeries since I was 18. 40+ and counting. How much is one person supposed to take?

 

[Helizabug]

Oh, I hope so too!

 

[napper]

Just got my results of my CT Scan on my right knee.



Basically there IS loosening. It's what I've been telling my surgeon all along. I'm so scared to go through this again. And they are saying it's going to be the worst yet.

 

[Celle]

And they are saying it's going to be the worst yet.

Who is "they"?

You have a surgeon who is skilled at doing revisions, so it's quite possible that this revision won't be any worse at all.

But he swears his team is excellent. I'm told him I'd need to get a tour to make sure i like his team.

You like this surgeon and you seem to trust him, so I'm sure his team will be good, too.

This is what you wrote in the May Marvels surgery thread:

I have another surgeon doing it and he's been wonderful so far. He specializes in failed replacements. I told him he has his work cut out for him. LOL! He even gave me his email address so I could email any questions to him. He saw how upset I was and he really was trying to make me feel comfortable.

I know it's hard and you still have a while to wait, but what you've said about this surgeon sounds very reassuring.

 

[napper]

Who is "they"?

You have a surgeon who is skilled at doing revisions, so it's quite possible that this revision won't be any worse at all.

The surgeon and his nurse mentioned it will be harder because of all the scar tissue from previous surgeries. And instead of a two or three day stay, it will be four

 

[sistersinhim]

The surgeon and his nurse mentioned it will be harder because of all the scar tissue from previous surgeries. And instead of a two or three day stay, it will be four

I had 5 surgeries on my right knee before my TKR and one of those was patellectomy. I had no more recovery problems than anyone who had, had only the TKR. I bet you will be the same way. Scar tissue and adhesions are two different things. You have to have scar tissue to heal your incisions inside and outside your knee. Adhesions is very, very rare and come from an overworked, hot knee during early recovery.

 

[eaglemom]

I want to be sensitive in what I have to say. I had a TKR then 3 revisions - so I get where your coming from. I worry that your getting yourself spun up before the procedure, and I personally don't think that's good. A positive attitude might help, and might calm your nerves. Your looking at it as a "what if" situation and that will make you crazy. Too many "what if's" is any surgery.

I will say for my last revision the surgeon had one TKR and then his team had lunch. I was the only one scheduled for the entire afternoon - he scheduled it for 6+ hrs and he took over 6+ hours. He said he wanted to check recheck and remeasure, etc until he was satisfied this revision would be the one that worked for me. I appreciated his honestness and being forthcoming with me. I had total confidence in him and his team. They wouldn't be operating on me if I didn't have confidence in him.

As for the hospital stay, go with the flow. You just might want to go home day 2 or 3. Wait and see how things progress. During this time get the house in order, precook your fav foods, etc. You know the drill. I will say, ice and elevation are my BFF's, immediately after surgery up through today. Your tired, your bodies tired so yes it will take some time, but you'll get there.

Hope I didn't upset you with anything I mentioned. That certainly was not my intention.

 

[napper]

Sorry, I just saw this post. I've had time to calm down and take a breath. It's just been too many things too quickly. I had my knuckle replacement break in July, so had to have that redone. Then I had a Medtronic Pain Pump surgically implanted Jan. 2. I just got done getting that adjusted to the right dosage.
Now, I can concentrate on my knee.

I hope everytime is staying well during this trying time.

 

[sistersinhim]

 

[napper]

Ok, I'm ready for my 3rd knee replacement on the right knee.
This one is going to be a doozy. About 3 - 3 1/2 hrs. I'm last on his schedule for the day. It's Scheduled for July 15. My bday is the 23rd, so I teased "A new knee for my bday".

The time has crept up on me. I'll be in the hospital for 4 days.
He wants me to have 4 days of IV antibotics. His main concern is infection, since I'm prone to it.

I've been through my clearance, they took blood, EKG and nose swab for staph.
It was all done at the hospital I will be in.

I was given two papers... One was instructions if I don't get a call that I tested positive and the other if I DO get a call.
Sure enough, got the call while I was eating dinner. No big deal, just more prep.

I get tested for Covid on Sat with instructions for me to go straight home and hubby and I are to stay home with no guests until surgery day. I also have to drink a special Ensure for surgeries by 10pm the night before. That's a new one for me.

I'm also getting two machines for home from NuLife Med. They don't take insurance, but go by the situation each person is in. I've met my catastrophic out of pocket max for the year of $6,000, so they aren't going to make me pay. Said I've paid enough. Very nice of them. The machines are from the Orthosave system. That is also a first for me, so I'm not exactly sure what it is.

As maybe some of you remember, I have a Medtronic pain pump surgically implanted. I will be getting it filled on Friday. That will last another couple of months. Just another added step for me to prepare.

Sorry I've been MIA. It's been a crazy few months as I'm sure it has with most everybody.
Thanks for listening.

 

[Rick951]

@napper Good Luck with you up coming surgery!!

 

[napper]

@napper Good Luck with you up coming surgery!!

Thank you, Rick!

 

[sistersinhim]

We'll be here for you.

 

[napper]

We'll be here for you.

Thanks so much. Truthfully, I'm a little nervous. Maybe more than a little. How many times can a knee take before it says no way? '

I'll keep everyone updated.

 

[Celle]

It won't be long now. Best wishes for the 15th.

It sounds as if your surgeon is being very careful, so I'm sure things will go well.

For a while now, some surgeons have been asking their patients to drink the Ensure pre-op. They say it helps to bring you into surgery well-hydrated.