Revision TKR Multiple knee replacements

[DEL2021Feb-17]

I am so sorry you have to go through another revision. I don’t even know what else to say, other than my thoughts are with you.

After what happened Friday and finding out I dislocated my knee and based on the PA at the ER told me I had a gut feeling. At this point I really do not care I just do not want any more surgeries, people complain when they have had 1 or 2 revisions and I do understand but what this will make 19 surgeries total #7 as far as revisions go. What is even worse I know what to expect surgery no biggie will be in never land in the hospital 4 to 5 days get sent home after a week will have a nurse come by to check blood since I will be on a blood thinner will also have at home pt for a good month. No driving and to top it all off the pain I get to experience yet again. I saved my forearm crutches from the 1st TKR and kept them ever since never thought I would get repeated use out of them. Not trying to offend anyone but this whole thing really sucks!!!

 

[Jamie]

You have every right to feel as you do. Yet another knee surgery does suck and I'm so sorry you have to go through it. But the knee your surgeon is going to put in is the type I was wondering if anyone had suggested to you when you posted initially. So I'm glad to hear that's what you're getting. And since you know and trust this surgeon, I'd say your chances of finally getting a working knee are good. Were you still going to meet with the second surgeon just to hear another opinion? That might be a good idea if you can work it in.

At least you won't have to wait long to get on with this. How wonderful that the surgeon is going to make sure you are taken care of before he retires. Does he have someone who will assume after surgery care for you? You might want to meet that person before your surgery date so you establish a rapport with him.

Please know that we're all here for you. It's okay to vent if you need to. And it's more than okay to just talk about everything you're feeling and doing as you prepare for this surgery. If you believe in the power of prayer, you'll have plenty of that from some of your fellow BoneSmarties. Don't hesitate to post any time to ask a question or just talk about things that are on your mind. I hope it helps knowing you're not alone going through another surgery.

 

[DEL2021Feb-17]

You have every right to feel as you do. Yet another knee surgery does suck and I'm so sorry you have to go through it. But the knee your surgeon is going to put in is the type I was wondering if anyone had suggested to you when you posted initially. So I'm glad to hear that's what you're getting. And since you know and trust this surgeon, I'd say your chances of finally getting a working knee are good. Were you still going to meet with the second surgeon just to hear another opinion? That might be a good idea if you can work it in.

At least you won't have to wait long to get on with this. How wonderful that the surgeon is going to make sure you are taken care of before he retires. Does he have someone who will assume after surgery care for you? You might want to meet that person before your surgery date so you establish a rapport with him.

Please know that we're all here for you. It's okay to vent if you need to. And it's more than okay to just talk about everything you're feeling and doing as you prepare for this surgery. If you believe in the power of prayer, you'll have plenty of that from some of your fellow BoneSmarties. Don't hesitate to post any time to ask a question or just talk about things that are on your mind. I hope it helps knowing you're not alone going through another surgery.

I do appreciate the kind words but even so its a lot to take in yet again. Here is a question why would the plastic wear away or become loose after 17 months the Dr. said I did nothing wrong but why do I have the problems and others don't?? Dr. Foster's replacement is going to be Dr. Ross which I mentioned awhile back, Dr. Foster is going to get with him and figure out when they can do the surgery. So yes I will meet with him at some point. This may seem messed up but Christmas is coming most are getting into holiday spirit any bets on what my Christmas will be like?? Depending on when they do the surgery I could be in the hospital or I could be home from the hospital either waiting for at home PT to start or just starting with PT. No matter what once I get the surgery its going to be pain city yet again. I almost wish there were others in my situation who can understand what I am going thru.

 

[Jamie]

The plastic spacers wear out prematurely for a lot of reasons - activity levels, excessive weight, implant loosening, or problems with the implant placement might be a few. It's even possible there is no identifiable reason. I'd be speculating to try and say why this happened to you. You certainly could ask your surgeon this question, though, as he is more familiar with your circumstances.

Although there may not be other BoneSmarties going through exactly what you're experiencing, there are people on our December knee team who will be joining you for surgery during the holidays. Once you get a surgery date, I suggest you join the team and start talking with some of them. You have been through this before and as the "veteran," you'd be a big help to others by talking about what they will go through in recovery.

Although you may feel like there is no one who will understand what you're going through, I can assure you that many who are here have challenges too....just maybe different ones than what you're facing. I suggest you branch out here on the forum and find a few other BoneSmarties to talk with. Sometimes when you engage in helping others overcome their fears or concerns, your own challenges become less of a burden.

I think you'll feel more in control once you actually get a surgery date. I hope that comes soon for you. No matter what, though, we'll be here for you.

 

[DEL2021Feb-17]

The plastic spacers wear out prematurely for a lot of reasons - activity levels, excessive weight, implant loosening, or problems with the implant placement might be a few. It's even possible there is no identifiable reason. I'd be speculating to try and say why this happened to you. You certainly could ask your surgeon this question, though, as he is more familiar with your circumstances.

Although there may not be other BoneSmarties going through exactly what you're experiencing, there are people on our December knee team who will be joining you for surgery during the holidays. Once you get a surgery date, I suggest you join the team and start talking with some of them. You have been through this before and as the "veteran," you'd be a big help to others by talking about what they will go through in recovery.

Although you may feel like there is no one who will understand what you're going through, I can assure you that many who are here have challenges too....just maybe different ones than what you're facing. I suggest you branch out here on the forum and find a few other BoneSmarties to talk with. Sometimes when you engage in helping others overcome their fears or concerns, your own challenges become less of a burden.

I think you'll feel more in control once you actually get a surgery date. I hope that comes soon for you. No matter what, though, we'll be here for you.

Hate to complain but my knee pain stinks!! Hopefully I will get a surgery date soon. I am guessing the way it feels is related to being loose plus the wearing of the plastic?? Its not that it is extreme pain but if you go by the pain scale I am either right at or close to a 6. Yes I have dealt with worse but dealing with this everyday 24/7 just gets to me. If I am not thinking of how it feels then I start worrying about an infection. Dealing with a PICC line for 2 months along with how the knee feels after surgery really drives me nuts. Today is just not a good day sorry for this.

 

[sistersinhim]

The sooner you can get that date, the better for you.

 

[DEL2021Feb-17]

Everyday I hurt, some days are worse than others. On those days it hurts more than usual, sometimes there is no rhyme or reason. If I walk too much, or if I do too much doing errands, or if the weather is about to change (I use to think that when I was told by someone they could tell when the weather was going to change by how they felt, I thought crazy. Not any more). Then there are days like today. Have not done much of anything and my knee feels like garbage. Currently have ice on it, but if I use one word to describe how it feels, the word is " sucks ".

 

[Celle]

Currently have ice on it but if I use one word to describe how it feels the word is " sucks "

It does suck - no two ways about it. Hugs -

I hope you get a surgery date real soon.

 

[DEL2021Feb-17]

This whole issue with my knee makes zero sense. When I first went to PT after my first surgery ( torn meniscus ) I saw some patients that had I think 6 or 7 knee surgeries and was thinking hope I never get to that point. Now I am looking at yet another surgery what!!!!!!!!!!! What bugs me why me what did I do to deserve this?? Who in their right mind would want to have as many surgeries as me?? I have yet to meet anyone who has had as many surgeries as me all on one knee. I can say for the past 16 years I have experienced knee pain and at this point even if this next revision goes well I am still going to experience pain no matter how great the outcome. It would be nice if my pain level were to get down to a 4 but in my case what are the odds? Just really frustrated.

 

[sistersinhim]

I've had 6 surgeries on my right knee and 5 on my left. Each knee has had it's kneecap removed and not replaced. My right TKR has not left me pain free, but better. I can do things that I hadn't been able to do for over 20 years. If my knee acts up, I rest it the next day or so. I was told I'd never be pain free, but I chose to go for less pain and am glad I did!

It would be nice if my pain level were to get down to a 4 but in my case what are the odds? Just really frustrated.

I completely understand your frustration. But, it's a very good chance that your next surgery will leave you much better.

 

[Celle]

What bugs me why me what did I do to deserve this?? Who in their right mind would want to have as many surgeries as me??

You didn't do anything to deserve this.

It's pure, unadulterated, unfair bad luck.

I wish there was a simple explanation, but there isn't, so don't waste time trying to find one. And, above all, don't go blaming yourself. You did nothing wrong.

 

[DEL2021Feb-17]

I've had 6 surgeries on my right knee and 5 on my left. Each knee has had it's kneecap removed and not replaced.

Glad your doing better but each time I was told this is going to fix it well it did not. At one time I was told a revision should last 10 to 20 years well I proved that wrong. For me at the most 2 possibly 3years this next revision is a new record 17 months. Since I live in Richmond the go to hospital for specialized care is VCU and the surgeon I am currently seeing is Dr. W Foster. He deals with primarily cancer patients. In the event the patient has bone loss due to a tumor he replaces the bone loss with different prosthetic devices. Unlike the other surgeons I have had he has been honest well maybe too honest he never said I was going to be pain free. The prosthetic that he is going to use on me will insure no more dislocating of the knee but the surgery involved is going to be major I already have a longer prosthetic going from the joint into the tibia. From what I understand it will be a somewhat lengthy surgery. Fingers crossed that this one will work but at this point I have my doubts. If in the event this does not work having the joint fused might be an option. Granted no more bending the leg but I was told that patients that have had that done have far less swelling pain level reduced quality of life is much better.
I need to stop thinking about all of this its driving me nuts maybe I will wake up tomorrow and no more knee problems YEAH RIGHT.

 

[Pumpkin]

The waiting game is frustrating, waiting to find out what is going on with your knees, waiting for a surgery date, and then waiting for your knees to heal.
You may benefit from writing down a list of your concerns and frustrations to help organize your thoughts, and help keep you focused on the next step, getting a surgery date.

Try listening to some Relaxation/Meditation Podcasts or apps to help you get through all of this.

Sending positive thoughts your way,

 

[sistersinhim]

I'm familiar with VCU. I'm from the same area. My replacement was done by Tuckahoe Ortho by Dr. Jason Hull. Have you seen a revision specialist? They deal with problem knees like yours. It doesn't sound like you've seen one yet. They could use the same implant, but would know how to deal with your revision.

I'm really sorry you're having all this pain. I wish we could help you more.

 

[Jamie]

If you want more reassurance that you're doing the right thing, the best thing for you to do would be to get some additional opinions by good revision specialists near you. Talk to more than just one surgeon and you may feel better about this.

 

[DEL2021Feb-17]

I'm familiar with VCU. I'm from the same area. My replacement was done by Tuckahoe Ortho by Dr. Jason Hull. Have you seen a revision specialist? They deal with problem knees like yours. It doesn't sound like you've seen one yet. They could use the same implant, but would know how to deal with your revision.

I'm really sorry you're having all this pain. I wish we could help you more.

Dr. Hull did my 2nd replacement. My current surgeon Dr. Foster @ VCU is considered to be one of the best. Sure it would be great if they could use the same implant but whats to stop the plastic from wearing out again?? Prior to seeing Dr. Foster I saw a Dr. Birmingham @ Ortho Va after looking at X-rays and bone scan he referred me to Dr. Foster due to the amount of bone loss from previous revisions. The new implant:
www.zimmerbiomet.com/medical-professionals/limb-salvage/orthopaedic-salvage-system.html
from what Dr. Foster told me is a hybrid of sorts, it is primarily used for tumor patients with bone loss for me its to prevent further issues with knee locking up.
The Dr.s I have seen are all good Dr. Nordt, Dr.Hull, Dr.Jessup, Dr.Wilson, Dr. Foster ( these did my revisions ). There are others that did scopes from what remember Dr.Myers, Dr. Zaslav.
From what I have gathered there are a select few ( I am in this group ) that for whatever the reason have problems. There are days like yesterday that looking back at previous surgeries plus dealing with constant pain it just gets to me and I apologize for my rant.

 

[sistersinhim]

I was really happy with Dr. Hull. I'm sorry you had to end with a revision from his surgery. Did he do your revision from your partial?

I pray that you can have a successful, permanent revision.

 

[DEL2021Feb-17]

Dr Nordt did some scopes and my first partial and then first TKR, Dr Hull did 2nd revision, Dr Jessup did 3rd, Dr Wilson did 4th and 5th ( dealt with an infection after 4th ) Dr Foster did 6th and now waiting on date for the 7th.
What is driving me nuts are the " what ifs ", the first major concern what if I get another infection?? From what I have been told once you have had one infection the odds of getting a second are greater then someone who has never had one. Having a PICC line is absolutely no fun and having a spacer on top of that really makes life blah!! Another concern not as much of a concern as the first will I have the surgery before or after Xmas? My surgeon Dr Foster is due to retire Jan 1 he will get with the replacement surgeon as to when they can do the surgery. Not trying to read into any of it but time is running out this is going to be a major ordeal ( YUCK ) the expected hospital stay 4 to 5 days. My best guess hopefully 3rd week in Dec. which means I should be home? One of my issues are lack of patience this waiting is driving me nuts.

 

[DEL2021Feb-17]

If you want more reassurance that you're doing the right thing, the best thing for you to do would be to get some additional opinions by good revision specialists near you. Talk to more than just one surgeon and you may feel better about this.

Good Morning
I have been looking and really I seem to be one of a kind?? Not trying to be negative but how can someone even begin to relate to what I have been thru?? Yes I have seen some that have had an infection others with a revision or two but none like me. I feel like this is a soap opera I am the star really dislike it. Its nice that others wish me well heck I need all the cheering I can get but even though my surgeon is one of the better ones in my area and I do trust him why do I feel like this next surgery is not going to be the last either. Other things I have read that scare me the first replacement should last between 10 and 20 years ( well I proved that wrong ) and any revision after that the life span of the prosthetic also decreases well since #7 is coming not looking good. Hate to say but this whole thing is bugging the ---- out of me. Even better lets throw Xmas into the equation My surgeon is scheduled to retire Jan1 and he wants to do the surgery and have his replacement with him so if it all happens I will either be in the hospital or at home hopefully dealing with pain and therapy fun fun

 

[Jaycey]

I know this is all horridly frustrating. Please don't feel pressured to have the op before your surgeon retires. You need to be mentally ready for this and if the holiday season is important to you then surely you can wait.

I have been looking and really I seem to be one of a kind??

Not sure about the knee side but one of our stars on the hip side has a very similar story. @Fractured hasn't been on the forum in awhile as he made the decision to go and live life as best as he can. Here's a link to his recovery thread THR from Hell.