Revision TKR Revision: Second Time Is the Charm

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Thanks @busylizzie for concern and support. My vocal chord problem is more of a nuisance than a problem at this point. I have grown a cyst on good side which allows paralyzed side contact with other side and makes for a soft horsy voice. It has changed the way people see me as I was a 'loud' person before first TKR and now am soft spoken and a bit quiet. Some of the docs while in hospital for revision suggested that metal allergy may have triggered the paralysis but no one following up. I see one of the top voice specialist in the world and he is recommending surgery but I'm not inclined one way or another. The revision so far is going very well. Pain is under control, appetite good, sleeping like an angel and stats really good (full extension and 113 ROM at 2 weeks)! PT is three times a week and very gentle focusing on stim and massage. Knee hasn't looked this good in years other than I have got to have longest and ugliest scar on this forum. So wishing you Lizzie 'green light' for new knee soon and wishing all fellow Bonesmarties healthy and active recoveries. TKR's are a hell of a thing!!!
 
Just thought I should update my progress at 3 week post revision: so glad I did it!!!! Following bonesmart mantra...icing, elevating and gentle exercise...with outstanding results. PT measured me yesterday and I have full extension and 128 ROM without any manipulation from therapist. My revision didn't really require any bone involvement since problem was significant soft tissue irritation triggered by metal allergy which I believe has made for easier than usual revision recovery. To sum it up I am sleeping like a baby; off the opioids and blood thinners; gained 5 pounds(oops!); very gentle outpatient therapy 3 times/week; elevating and icing about 6 hours per day. Got on stationary bike for first time yesterday and made full rotation. I don't see my revision doc until week 7 but I think he will be pleased. This revision took some blind faith as there are no guarantees when metal allergies are expected as cause for TKR failure but I'm thinking I finally found my outcome. Now on to left knee!!!
 
Fantastic news, well done I'm really pleased. What a difference an oxinium knee has made.
 
super 7.jpg
update, @spinfanatic!
 
Wow!!! That is the BEST report!!! I'm so glad you shared it with us. Onward to a full recovery now!!!
 
Wow, another fantastic revision!! I didn't read earlier in your thread till tonight. You sound so much like me. My original TKR was up to 135 ROM, was cycling outdoors 50 miles at a time, running short distances, then bam...I started going backwards. Scar tissue taking over my entire knee, swelling, stiffness, pain, loss of ROM, then a scope surgery to remove it all. So it didn't end there and you and I both got a revision. I never dreamed I'd have a revision, it sounded so terrible, but it's the best thing I ever could have done for myself and it sounds the same for you too. I hope your recovery continues as well as it has been...isn't it great that we can see the light at the end of the tunnel now!!!!
 
Week 6 and continue to follow Bonesmart mantra...ice, elevate and limited activity. Results are outstanding. Full extension and measured 145 ROM with no assist from PT on Friday. PT has been VERY gentle with focus on stretch and massage. Next week we start building back strength. Life has been VERY dull but learned from first go round that's how it has to be. Start back on stationary bike tomorrow and anxious to see what exercises will be added. Only go to PT twice a week as I don't want to be cut by insurance too early. Won't know if body likes new implant for a couple of months but feeling good about it. I dream of day that knee doesn't swell and feel tight! Any day now....right?
 
Spinfanatic,
Great report, I will plan for a very dull life, but that is OK.
Following the whirlwind of activity right now, I am looking forward to some quiet times.
Keep doing what you are doing and that tight rubber band feeling will go away,
(in it's own good time, I am sure :heehee:).
Any day now, :SUNsmile:.
 
Great report!!! I know it's difficult to be patient when you start feeling better, but you won't regret taking the slow and steady path. It can take a while for all those odd feelings to lessen. I'm just now coming up on my first anniversary for my second knee and I still have twinges now and then. But.....on the flip side, my 6 year old knee is just great! It will come.
 
Hi Spinfanactic, I have finished reading your thread! Luckily it wasn't as long as some. I have been having increasing pain and swelling and recently discovered the nickel allergy connection. I have had positive patch test for nickel and have never been able wear any jewelry except if it is at least 14 karat gold. Since the end of January I have had a downward course. Two weeks ago I thought the roller coaster was on the upside of the ride but have been having more pain and swelling. You have had a good start then problems I am so happy your problem was found and taken care of. I am really happy to see you are on the mend.

Could you give me the name of your doctor who did the testing and your revisionist. I live in northern New Jersey so New York would not be a problem for me. My OS had the question of nickel allergy on the initial paperwork but did not mention it and I never thought of it. Now I am worried that this could be my problem. I have the Zimmer knee. Take care and I will be following to see how you are doing. Take care, Charlotte
 
Just wondering how you are doing? Thanks for posting on my thread:friends:.
 
Hi @MS Char. So sorry your recovery has had its hiccups. In my experience, metal allergies will not be considered until one year anniversary and all other possibilities for pain and swelling have been considered. In terms of allergy testing, I went to a dermatologist associated with Cornell...Dr. Jonathan Zippin. I really hated the patch testing....invasive and tedious. I was surprised to find myself working with dermatologist and not allergist but area allergist could not test for full array of metals used in today's implants and things you might find in operating room. My revisionist is Dr. Matthias Bostrom at HSS. He has studied metal allergies and seems to be the go to doc for metal allergies at HSS. He was also highly recommended by my original surgeon whom I trust and respect.
I hope your knee starts to behave and you won't need to follow my path. If you have any other questions, please ask. Keep icing and elevating...the Bonesmart way!
 
I hope I never need it but this is great information.


RTKR - 9th December, 2013

Sent from my iPhone using BoneSmart®
 
Thank you all for asking for update. It's 9 weeks today and as for my recovery.....who knows!? It's wait and see for me. I have been reluctant to post as my numbers are outstanding...full extension and 150 ROM...and I don't want to seem like a bragger or complainer. The reality is that it will be 6 months plus post op until I have any idea on revision outcome. Surgeon is cautiously optimistic and hasn't limited my activities in any way. Therapist who I see twice a week is a little more concerned. Swelling and tenderness persist. I ice and elevate 4 times a day but knee is chronically big and fat although bendy. PT has suggested I go slowly and wants me to continue use of stationary bike/20 minute rides and take regular short walks. I am following Bonesmart way and lucky to have great PT and surgeon. The warm sun is shining in New York and I've set up my outdoor furniture. So thinking positive thoughts and looking forward to getting the courage to ride my bike outdoors(around the block)!
 
Wishing you the best.
 
I can understand being cautious, at 6 months you will have a better idea of your recovery.
So far so good!
 
Thanks so much for the information as it is something to have if I need it hopefully I won't. Last night tried moist heat on my knee and things are so much better. Maybe I was over icing? The pain has gone down considerably.

Glad to see you are doing so well, wow 150 ROM! Hope you are spinning around the block soon.
 
@spinfanatic

Just read on another thread that your knee is hot and inflammed although it is bendy. Are you in pain from it?
 
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