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Revision TKR Totally recovered at last!

As I understand it my kneecap is off to the side so every step I take it rubs the soft tissue around it and that's what's causing the pain on one side. I also have pain on the inside side of my knee. I think the new OS didn't really want to tell me how bad the implant really was. I'm sure I just looked shocked at the news. He told me a number of times the only way to fix it was to do it over. I usually handle everything on my own but that was one time I wish I had someone there with me. I'll just have to just let things sink in and then I'm sure I'll be able to ask some other questions then.
 
I am so sorry you are going through all this, and I'm sure that facing this revision is overwhelming. It sounds like you're in very capable hands with your new OS, and I hope you find comfort knowing that. Wishing you the very best of everything!
 
Marian,

I am so sorry this is happening and I know it is so hard. Do call your doctor about the depression. I had to do that after I broke the knee and had to have the second surgery. I was so mentally prepared for the original TKR surgery, had the house in order and everything was set. The following surgeries and now the infection have set me in a loop. Talking to you and others on this forum has also helped a lot. Things will work out and we have a better New Year!!
 
Dear Marian, @newlybionic
I'm sorry to read that you need a revision. That must have been quite a shock! :console2:
However, it does sound as if this new surgeon is on the ball.
I think you should have the revision as soon as you can manage it financially. That off-centre kneecap is only going to keep on irritating everything.

I've had a revision and, although I was naturally apprehensive about it, the actual recovery was no harder than the recovery from my original operation. After all my worries about it, it turned out to be a bit of an anticlimax. It did the trick, though.

I sincerely hope that 2016 brings you better health for your knee - and less pain.
 
newlybionic said:
One was through my ribs to get to my esophagus and never experienced such pain before. I went home on Bayer aspirin for pain on that one.
Click to expand...
Oh my gosh! That's inhuman! That procedure is called a thoracotomy and is one of the most major surgical procedures you can have! No wonder you're stressed out.
newlybionic said:
That makes it May 2nd. Question is can I make it that long.
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That's the big question. Have you actually sat down and discussed all this with your manager to see what leeway the company can give you under these extraordinary circumstances? After all, it's not like you're choosing to have this surgery, like breast enlargement or something!
newlybionic said:
As I understand it my kneecap is off to the side so every step I take it rubs the soft tissue around it and that's what's causing the pain on one side.
Click to expand...
Actually it's more likely that the entire knee is out of alignment. Something the body just does not like, tolerate or cope with well.

I feel for you being caught in this Catch 22 trap. Beggared if you do it, beggared if you don't. I just urge all us praying types to get busy with God on your behalf!
 
Thank you all for your wonderful thoughts and prayers. I haven't talked to my boss as of yet about this problem since I only found out about it yesterday. I'll probably sit down with him when he's back in the office on Monday. He has been very caring up to now. He held this job open for me for 3 months. I didn't discuss a date with my new OS when I was there. I will be going back in 3 months so I'll talk to him then about his recommendations. I think it would be best for me if I can wait until at least May 2nd since I would totally be out of training by then and be eligible for short term disability at 60% of my salary. I would also have a few weeks of vacation time banked by then too. I'm so apprehensive after all the problems I had early on.
 
Oh Marian @newlybionic I am so sorry to hear this news! You said that at least you feel vindicated for insisting that something wasn't right - that is not much solace thoug, given that you now have to face more surgery. There are several stories here of revisions that turned out brilliantly, and we are all praying that you will be one of those. 2017 is going to be a great yea for you!

After my failed arthroscopy, I actually got 2 second opinions (approved by my PCP), and I found that hearing the same news from both helped me accept that replacement surgery was inevitable. I know you said you like this doctor, which is great news, but maybe a third objective opinion will help. It takes time and money, I know, but for me, it was very helpful mentally and emotionally.
 
Wow--Marian,
I am so sorry you are going through this.
Being proactive is probably a good thing, so get in touch with your psychiatrist and
with your boss and maybe even talk to a lawyer who has experience with this sort of malpractice.
In good faith you sought treatment for a recognized medical issue and you have a right to professional
guidance in this situation where the treatment is affecting you in a really negative way.

I'm not the praying sort, but I will try to keep in touch and be supportive.
 
Good morning Marian. Just stopping by to say "hi" and I hope you are having a good day. You are in my prayers.
 
I sent an email to my new OS asking him whether it is better to wait or to have it done as soon as possible. I'll have a lot more questions to ask before I proceed but this way I'll be able to talk to my boss and discuss the timing of this. I also have to go for a blood test my OS wants me to have to make sure that I don't have an infection present. He thinks it's unlikely but he wants to be sure. I'm hoping he's right about this.
 
Its probably been a good thing that you've had time to think this through and consider your options with the holiday and weekend. Praying for you as you make decisions.
 
I echo everyone else's horror and sympathy over your situation. What a royal mess!! You have to fix this and get relief. I trust that the second time around will be easier. You are in my prayers for peace and discernment. BIG hug coming your way.
 
Thanks all for your continuing support. My knee is constantly swollen and warm to touch even after icing and elevating it for hours at a time. I've read up on TKR failures and this is actually listed as a symptom of TKR failure. I made an appt to see my GP to see if I can get some tramadol to use at bedtime so maybe I can get some sleep when I'm hurting after work so much that it keeps me awake.
 
I'm sorry you'll need a revision, but this new OS sounds like a good find.
 
Marian just want you to know I will pray for you. There are many people here to give you support and understanding.


Sent from my iPad using BoneSmart Forum
 
Just catching up with your thread and am so sorry to hear the news. But to echo everyone else it sounds like your new OS is a keeper and very transparent. I am so mad at your former surgeon for not admiting his mistake. Hang in there.
 
I went for my blood test today to check for any possibility of an infection in my knee. If results are positive the OS will do an aspiration on it to check the fluid. I also have asked my new OS for my Xrays and they put a disk in the mail of them. I'll try to upload them if I can get my laptop to work.

The new OS said the timing of the surgery is up to me ( unless it's an infection). It depends upon how long I'm willing to go until I can't take it anymore. I'm now having problems bending my knee to 90. I have a crossover car. I have to have the seat all the way back and then I have to pull my leg into the car by my pants leg. I am having more problems walking everyday. I'm about to start using a cane again when I'm not working.

I told my boss what was going on. He would rather I did it sooner than later but I'm in a class the week of Jan 25th. My benefits start 1/30. I think I'm then also eligible for 60% disability at that time. I also have to see if any of my girls can come help me out. My youngest who came for a week and a half last time won't be able to because it's during tax season. The oldest just started a new job too. I'm not sure what my middle daughter can do. I'll be sending my H.R. office an email tomorrow to check on the disability.

I'm just worried I'll be even worse off then I am now. I'm 61 and I'm not ready to just sit in a chair for the rest of my life. :sad:
 
I'm glad your boss is being so understanding.

Of course, it's normal to worry about eventual outcomes, but it sounds to me as if you can trust this new surgeon, so I see no reason why you would end up worse off than you are now. If you don't have the revision, you'll always wonder if it might have improved your knee.
I know it's easy for me to say it sitting here, but I think you should go for the revision as soon as it's possible for you.

Even if none of your daughters can come to help you, it is possible to manage on your own at home. It takes some forward planning, though. There's a thread in the Knee Replacement Pre-op Area that gives some helpful ideas: Home Alone After Surgery
 
I did a week in transition care, but afterwards would probably have been ok by myself. My bestie came, stayed a few nights, then came and went off and on every day (we live 3 blocks from each other). I could've done some frozen meals etc. to be on my own.
So happy your boss is understanding. When my OS was thinking of another surgery 2 years ago I did think about m job and sick days. But I'm thinking the pain will get continually worse as the tissue gets more aggravated. M friend who needs a revision wears a hinged brace to help her knee stay on track until she has the revision.
 
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