TKR What did I get myself into?

[Anniemof]

@WillB Sorry to hear you have all this spine compression going on, dealing with the knee alone is bad enough. I hope you get seen soon.

 

[WillB]

Will, I'm sorry to hear this news. You had been doing so well. Please try to get an earlier appointment. I know it's not easy but I would ask them to put you on a "wait list" in case someone cancels. You should stress that you need to see the specialist soon, and when doing this, be really nice to the scheduler. Or, yes, see if there is another specialist that you can see sooner.

In my opinion, I would forgo playing pickleball at this time, Will. Signed, Dr. Jammy.

Unfortunately no wait list. Call nearly every day hoping someone cancels! The “not knowing” is the worst.

 

[Jammy]

Hi Will, I'm wondering how your leg/knee are feeling these days? I'm glad you have an appointment for the 12th. It's something at least. You have always been very positive and I hope you can stay that way. I have noticed that my knee (5 months + post-op) has more stiffness these days. Makes it harder to walk well. Do you have the tight band feeling around the knee, like I do? Doc told me that could go on for a year. I just hope she didn't mean a year from when she said that, who knows. I guess I'd rather have stiffness than pain though.

Sounds really hot there! That's tough to miss out on going to WA for the summer. Next year you'll be there! I honestly can't wait for 2023 to be over with. What a mess. Please write and let us know what happens at the VA and best wishes.

 

[WillB]

Hi Will, I'm wondering how your leg/knee are feeling these days? I'm glad you have an appointment for the 12th. It's something at least. You have always been very positive and I hope you can stay that way. I have noticed that my knee (5 months + post-op) has more stiffness these days. Makes it harder to walk well. Do you have the tight band feeling around the knee, like I do? Doc told me that could go on for a year. I just hope she didn't mean a year from when she said that, who knows. I guess I'd rather have stiffness than pain though.

Sounds really hot there! That's tough to miss out on going to WA for the summer. Next year you'll be there! I honestly can't wait for 2023 to be over with. What a mess. Please write and let us know what happens at the VA and best wishes.

Thanks Jammy! Interesting since I am 5 months post op and my knee is actually stiffer than it was a month ago. And yes I have a tight band feeling just above my knee cap. As well as a quad muscle still weaker than it should be.
I had my VA appt yesterday and other than putting an order in for PT for the lumbar area, little new revelations. Spinal compression seems to be holding steady. I know what to do if I have a major setback. So just trying to stay positive awaiting my Aug 3rd appt with Desert Spine Institute

 

[sistersinhim]

I know you'll be glad to get that appointment over with!

 

[Jammy]

I know you are looking forward to that appointment. We'll be rooting for you! Meanwhile, if you somehow get down in the dumps because you're not playing enough pickleball, or want to chat, we'll be here. That stiffness you're experiencing seems "normal" -- other people here have talked about it. I really dislike that tight band feeling though. It reminds me that I am now part robot. My new knee is a stranger in a strange land, trying to make its way home.

 

[WillB]

Its been several weeks since I jumped into Bonesmart. Still struggling with my L5 compression but the good news is I was finally able to advance my spine appointment. I now see the specialist this coming Thursday the 6th. Hopefully I will get some clarity on my condition and a plan of action moving forward whether PT or surgery. My knee still is stiff and surprisingly still swollen above and below my knee. Not sure if that’s still normal at 5+ months since LTKR. Still playing some pickleball but only 2/3 times a week. Its gotten pretty hot in Arizona!
Will check back after my July 6th appointment

 

[Layla]

My knee still is stiff and surprisingly still swollen above and below my knee. Not sure if that’s still normal at 5+ months since LTKR

My OS explained there can be swelling up to one year post op with joint replacement, so I wouldn't worry about that, Will. It's not too late to take time to ice and elevate at this point.

I wish you luck with your appointment on Thursday and will look forward to your update.
I hope you have a nice holiday!

 

[EalingGran]

Good luck with your back appointment.
Keep us posted. I have back issues too and will be interested to hear what your specialist says.

 

[CricketHip]

@WillB Hi there! I was going through your thread and am wondering if you have any updates? Would love to know if you were able to schedule surgery or some other treatment for your spine. I'm sure you've been frustrated as can be, I know I would be. Hopefully things are beginning to move in the right direction.

 

[Jammy]

Will, did you see the specialist on July 6th? It is almost a month later, so I'm wondering how that went. I hope that you got good news. I still have swelling and the weird band feeling going on and it's over 7 months. Below the knee is not good. Feels stiff and achy. Waiting for my one-year anniversary to be all better. December 20, rah rah rah.

 

[Layla]

Hi @Jammy

Let’s tag @WillB
He may get email notifications, if not, he should catch your post next time he’s on the forum. Looks like he stopped by last Monday morning.

 

[WillB]

To those inquiring about my status as I approach 6 months since my LTKR, I am scheduled for L3, L4 and L5 spinal laminectomy which I’ve been assured by my surgeon should (will) eliminate all the weird feelings through my lower extremities. Weakness and mobility issues have been gradually ramping up as a result of spinal stenosis! But my quad muscle above knee has really been hurting more. Hopefully there’s a connection!! 4-6 week recovery for my back surgery. Wishing everyone all the best!!

 

[Layla]

Best Wishes, Will! I do hope the procedure is a success bringing you relief in all areas affected.
Please stay in touch and let us know how you're doing as you're recovering.
You know where we'll be. Happy Seven Month Anniversary a few days early!
@WillB

 

[EalingGran]

Good luck!
Hope all goes smoothly. I will be very interested to know how this surgery compares to your knee replacement.
I have spinal stenosis and worry that I may need surgery at some point.

 

[Anniemof]

Hope your back surgery on the 14th goes well and sorts out the problems you're having.

 

[Jammy]

Wow, Will. Well at least you know what you're facing now and hopefully it will help eliminate the weird feelings and your mobility issues. I hope it goes well and that you have a smooth recovery. I am crossing my fingers that this will help the pain you're having in your quad muscles, too. Please keep in touch if you can, we are all rooting for you!

 

[sistersinhim]

When is your back surgery? I pray it will be completely successful and allow you to get back to doing the things you love.

 

[WillB]

Just had my 9 month checkup on my LTKR. While my knee is strong and allowing me to play pickleball 4-5 times a week, I am a bit surprised that my knee is still stiff and flex is only 110. Not really any pain. Surgeon says I should use a hot compress and then, using a stretch band, work on bending my knee. Says dailey activities really won’t do much more. I can live with 110 and some stiffness but putting on socks and shoes is a bit of a challenge. He talked about an MUA, but those are done much earlier he said. But all in all everything is fine

 

[Jockette]

Says dailey activities really won’t do much more.

I respectfully disagree. By 9 months, and even way before, I wasn’t doing exercises or actively working on ROM, and my ROM continued to improve quite a bit in my second year, as my whole leg continued to relax and heal. I even had a bit more ROM in my third year.