Revised PKR to TKR Patellofemoral PKR with Ehlers Danlos hypermobility

[Toothfairy]

The pain remains about the same but I am
Able to tolerate it. Can one get used to pain? I have been so weepy and emotionally spent though-phew! The surgery plus all aspects of life connected to being on my 10th orthopedic surgery, and so much else. Deep breaths!

It’s a lot. It’s understandable to feel weepy and emotionally spent. 10 orthopaedic surgeries is a lot. Hope it all starts to feel better very soon.

 

[mendogal]

@RJP - welcome to BoneSmart.
We don't get a lot of EDS folks here and appreciate hearing their perspectives.

A couple of us on staff don't have clinical EDS but do have a degree of hypermobility (I didn't realize it, just thought I was nicely stretchy, til I took up aikido at 41 and had some injuries).

What I'm leading up to is expressing a hope that you might start a thread of your own to share your history. I understand it's long and complicated and you might want to consider it, maybe do a brief introductory post on a thread of your own, and add to it as time permits.

If not, I know that your interacting on threads of members like mochapup will be valuable.

 

[sistersinhim]

@RJP, how about starting your own recovery thread and tell us all about yourself and your surgeries. You can list your surgeries and dates of them and we will create a signature for you.

 

[Layla]

Aww, big hugs, Mochapup.
The pain and discomfort we struggle with post op can be enough to affect our mood leading to frustration and sadness. Then there are the temporary limitations in mobility and independence which are emotionally challenging, especially in the moments we're feeling helpless. Pain meds or anesthesia may also be a contributing factor that's affecting your mood. You're brave and strong given all you've been through and we're here for support whenever you need someone to lean on. Remind yourself this is temporary and it will pass. Keep your mind distracted as much as possible as you continue your healing journey.
I have faith in you and know that "You Can Do This." I hope today feels a bit brighter.
@Mochapup

 

[Healingwell]

It is very early days since this recent surgery, and 4 procedures in 9 months. That’s a lot!

Thank you for the affirmation and for listening. Feels good not to feel alone.

 

[Healingwell]

we're here for support whenever you need someone to lean on

Thank you, Layla! I am grateful for your reply and encouragement. Today I am a bit lighter-not much but all the encouragement and a good cry help. I already have a history of major depression so am no stranger to mood sinks—but can’t use some of my coping tools like working up a sweat on the stationary cycle or walking the dog. But can still pet him!

 

[Healingwell]

Good luck and hang in there.

Thanks so much for your lengthy reply and encouragement-will reread it with a fresh brain later but want to say it sounds like you have been through a long trail through some painful surgeries. I also thank you for your Navy service.

 

[Jockette]

But can still pet him!

So nice you have a buddy there!

 

[mendogal]

Our critters are such good therapy!

 

[Healingwell]

Our critters are such good therapy!

My Jack Russell is wonderful therapy-he definitely encourages me to get walking!

 

[Healingwell]

Small update: Saw the surgeon today and he thinks the pain down the hip to ankle could be coming from the lumbar spine, I.e. sciatica. Am going to get an MRI and possibly an injection from a pain specialist if the MRI confirms.

I have kept the pain in check with icing, elevation, and the least amount of prescription medication I can take. I have been thinking that when I can’t get comfortable at night, maybe I should try to walk a very little bit. It’s nighttime that I really get the vice-like feeling and pain from hip to foot.

 

[Layla]

It sounds miserable, Mochapup. I am so sorry.
I wish you relief so you are able to get some restorative rest.
@Mochapup

 

[Healingwell]

wish you relief so you are able to get some restorative rest.

Thank you! I am so blessed my Dad is here helping me.

 

[Jamie]

If it is pain from your spine, this is something that happens quite often after surgery. So I’m glad you’re getting it checked out. The sooner it can be treated, the better.

 

[sistersinhim]

It’s nighttime that I really get the vice-like feeling and pain from hip to foot.

I have exactly the same thing at night. The sciatica is coming from some spine problems. I've yet to find permanent relief. When it hits at night, I get up and walk for a few minutes, and it eases up for an hour or so. I pray that you find permanent relief so you can get some good sleep. It is best that you do get it checked out. Let us know what you find out with the MRI.

 

[Healingwell]

pray that you find permanent relief so you can get some good sleep.

Thank you! Hope you do too! The home Pt today said it could be in part because I am lying in bed more than usual and even with my legs up on the wedge, could be getting compression on the spine that is aggravating. In other words, it might be a temporary issue that will fade as I get more upright more often. Let’s hope!

 

[sistersinhim]

When I lay on my back, I have no pain. Unfortunately, I have sleep apnea sometimes when sleeping on my back, so I mainly sleep on my sides. It doesn't matter which side, I still have that awful pain on my left side. Again, getting up and walking for a few minutes makes it go away.

I had two spinal injections at one appointment. They helped some for 3 days, but that's it. But, don't let that discourage you from getting them, there are tons of people that have had success with them.

Are you in more pain when you are up and moving around, or only at night? Have you asked your doctor about Gabapentin? It relieves my pain about 25%. That's better than nothing! I have to get up in the middle of the night to take it, and then I can sleep some better. It's longer between the times when the bad pain makes me get up and walk.

We care and are here for you! Please keep us informed about your journey.

 

[Healingwell]

Are you in more pain when you are up and moving around, or only at night?

I am in the most pain at night.I haven’t asked about Gabapentin-will keep that in mind!

 

[sistersinhim]

I hope you find something that works for you.

 

[Healingwell]

When I lay on my back, I have no pain. Unfortunately, I have sleep apnea sometimes when sleeping on my back, so I mainly sleep on my sides.

I am also moist comfortable right now on my back but long to return to my side sleeping!