Revision TKR Sondrals’ Revision

[sondrals]

Yeah I have those questions as well. I’m probably going to call my OS’ office and see if I can get some answers or at least make an appointment to talk to them again. I don’t want to do any damage to anything else on my knee and make things harder. And I really don’t want to fall and risk hurting myself. They did offer a brace for the time being but none of them fit me, either they were too big and slid down or too small and pinched so badly I’d never wear them. Apparently my leg is weirdly shaped. A custom one costs $1000+ and my insurance won’t cover it.

 

[Helizabug]

I had a custom brace after my ACL repair. It was very expensive, and all these years later I still can’t bring myself to toss it in the garbage because it cost more than my first car!

 

[sistersinhim]

I also tried a brace years ago and it hurt! What a waste of money.

 

[Momma-me]

@sondrols WOW girllllll.... I just read your thread. I literally could have written SO much of your story as well. You are NOT ALONE! I went into the deepest depression myself. Over this journey, I felt I was literally going insane; doctors kept telling me I had CRPS, I wasn't doing THIS correctly; wasn't doing THAT correctly... and the truth is, I was doing everything and anything I could to make this better and make me stronger and despite all of my efforts nothing worked. I was losing my mind and I know my family thought I was crazy. There were many days I thought... I can't live like this anymore and contemplated things that I won't mention here.
The last few months since my last surgery, I have FINALLY been able to get into great shape. My quad deficit has recovered and now I am stronger than ever. Yet STILL... my leg is wobbly. Again, I have been wracking my brain trying to figure out what I AM DOING WRONG. I go to a CrossFit type gym. I can do 15 inch step ups, squats, wall sits, etc etc ..... and I worked so hard thinking that if I can regain my strength, I will be able to walk again! NOPE!!!!!!! Despite how strong I am, my leg still feels like an alien; it wobbles around and does what it wants and I am thinking.... WHAT THE HECK?
As you know, I finally went back to the surgeon, expecting them to tell me all the things I am doing "wrong". I think I have PTSD from surgeons and PT's telling me that my knee "should" be doing this and "should" be doing that. No kidding!!! Do you think I don't know that???
Anyway, when the NP assessed me and told me that her opinion is that the spacer is too small and my ligaments are stretched out, it was bitter sweet. Do I want to have ANOTHER surgery? No way. But I FINALLY felt validated..,. that this is NOT MY FAULT and I am NOT losing my mind.
She wants me to see the surgeon next week to verify with his assessment so we shall see what he says. Again, I am nervous to see him, just from past experiences.,
But anyway.... blah blah blah..,, I hear you girl. I SEE you! I feel you! Stay STRONG my friend!!

 

[Jockette]

Sondrals and Momma-me, my heart goes out to both of you. I, too, know what it’s like to know something is wrong, but no one will look past my supposedly perfect X-ray to find out why my Patellofemoral partial feels so bad. If the doctors knees felt like mine does I’m sure they wouldn’t write it off, they’d find an answer.

I, too, have some PTSD from this experience. There’s a good chance I will eventually need a revision. When that comes up I honestly don’t know how I’m going to be able to go through with it.

 

[sondrals]

@sistersinhim I wore a brace for years and years when I was younger and played sports. It wasn't anything fancy but I learned a couple things from it.

1) They're pretty miserable and no matter how well they fit, they seem to restrict movement (which i guess is the point kinda)

2) I react to almost every material with a nice rash, I think its a heat rash but it's awful and makes me miserable.

So I am not exactly hopping at the idea of getting a really expensive brace, especially since I intend on having surgery anyway. I imagine if one they'd had in office fit me relatively well I would have tried it, but none of them did.

 

[sondrals]

@Momma-me I'm so sorry you're going through the same things! I think last time they measured my left leg was over 2 times as strong as might right leg, yet it's the one I don't trust. I think I originally thought it was in my head, it was just something I'd get used to, it was different because I'd never had "normal knees." When I had my right done in December I think is when I started to really suspect something was wrong, then I blamed it on overuse due to the 2nd surgery.

Yesterday was an eye opener, at 8 weeks I went up two steps into my house with my right leg with zero hesitation or fear. I still can't do that with my left, when I try to step onto a step it feels like it's going sideways on me.

Do I want to have ANOTHER surgery? No way. But I FINALLY felt validated..,. that this is NOT MY FAULT and I am NOT losing my mind.

This is EXACTLY how I feel. I really thought there was something wrong with my mind, that I was going crazy (my family members did NOT help, but that's another story).

 

[sondrals]

@Jockette I'm so sorry you're going through this too. I know if the doctor of physical therapist or anyone who I told could of felt it they would have known something wasn't right but it's SO incredibly hard to tell someone how something feels, especially when your knee has never been normal.

I'm gonna practice putting my head in the sand until surgery day comes so I don't totally freak out over it. Having to wait isn't making it any easier either.

 

[sondrals]

So called my OS office and have a message in for him to call me regarding some questions. Also tentatively scheduled for March 26th. That may have to change if my coworkers husband doesn’t get in as quick as we think he will. But it’s almost 2 months away as well so crossing fingers it’ll be ok.

Now to talk to my boss *whistles* better to ask for forgiveness than permission!

 

[Jockette]

I understand wanting to be considerate to your job, but you really can’t put your own welfare off for too long. For example, if something came up that you had to be hospitalized for, your job would have to get by without you.

 

[sondrals]

I'm actually glad I called them today because March 26th is the only day in March available because my insurance requires me to use the hospital here and will not pay for any of the surgery centers (though they're cheaper, makes NO sense!). So, I took the one day in March left rather than wait until April. I also talked to my boss who was totally cool about it, which I don't know why I was worried because he always has been and probably always will be. So huge sigh of relief. Next week I'll start working on getting appointments scheduled for my PCP to get my pre-op testing done, and I have my pre-op appointment for March 11th. I can't believe I'm doing this all over AGAIN.

 

[Celle]

I'm glad you took that March date, @sondrals .

Your co-worker's husband doesn't have a date for his surgery yet and, even if he did, she shouldn't have to be off work for very long. After about a week post-op, he should be able to manage on his own at home, as long as he can phone her. After all, some people who live alone have managed on theri own right from the start of their recoveries.

Is it likely to get better with exercise and physical therapy?

No, it's not.

Part of me wants to be selfish and demand I get this fixed ASAP but part of me knows I have to wait my turn now. I am probably going to call my surgeons office and talk about at least getting on the schedule.

I'm glad you did that.

Will waiting to replace that spacer create any wear and tear on the rest of you that will complicate your recovery? Does it expose you to fall risks, unnecessarily?

While your knee is loose, that could cause some irritation inside your knee capsule. That's why PT isn't a good idea for it.
And yes, until it's fixed, you are still at a slightly increased risk of falling.

I went up two steps into my house with my right leg with zero hesitation or fear. I still can't do that with my left, when I try to step onto a step it feels like it's going sideways on me.

That's a real positive achievement for your right leg.
And more proof that your left leg does need that larger spacer.

 

[sondrals]

While your knee is loose, that could cause some irritation inside your knee capsule. That's why PT isn't a good idea for it.
And yes, until it's fixed, you are still at a slightly increased risk of falling.

Could this be why my knee has felt more swollen? That irritation? I feel like I have a area of my leg that's not ever "settled down" despite icing and elevation.

 

[Helizabug]

Glad you have a date. You deserve a knee that works!

 

[Celle]

Could this be why my knee has felt more swollen? That irritation? I feel like I have a area of my leg that's not ever "settled down" despite icing and elevation.

Well, I can't say for sure,, but it's possible.

Have you considered a knee support such as sports people use - made of neoprene, so no hard, metal parts? - just a suggestion.

 

[sondrals]

@Celle I have but most give me a heat rash and I have yet to find one that truly fits me. It’s either too tight or slides down. Any suggestions on brands or styles?

 

[Celle]

No, I'm afraid not. I've never used one. It was just a thought.

 

[Julia1911]

My hubby and I are the exact opposite -- he thinks I'll get better and I think I'll never be out of pain again.

BTW, McD chocolate milkshakes are almost as good for pain as opioids -- and no nausea or constipation!

 

[sistersinhim]

Fantastic that you got a date for spacer exchange. You'll be so glad when it's over with.

 

[sondrals]

Spoke with the surgeon's assistant today to answer some questions. Yes I can continue PT, yes I'm at higher risk for falling until the spacer is replaced. Also we talked a bit about my spacer because just out of curiosity I asked if they'd used the same size in both legs. He said it's kind of irrelevant because every knee and how things fit is different. I said I knew, but was just curious. Both sides have a 11mm spacer, so the same. But... my right leg has a larger tibial plate because my bone on that side was larger and the larger plate would be thicker (at least I think that's what he said, I was too busy acting smart ). But anyways I found it pretty interesting.

I really wish I had a crystal ball and knew this would fix it, and how much it's going to hurt lol. I'm normally not such a big baby but I might be one this time