TKR What I did on my summer vacation

[flyaway79]

I can tell you my TKR hurt for quite a while, especially while walking.

That is good to hear since I'm coming up on 3 months and mine still hurts while walking. I know I still have swelling which causes most of the pain/discomfort.

 

[KarriB]

Now 3 years out I've discovered the more I walk the easier it is to stand and do other things. I think my knee/leg was in such bad shape it just took longer. For 3 months before the TKR I was in major pain even while sitting.

 

[sistersinhim]

I agree with KarriB. The more I walked the better my knee felt the last few months. These new knees, when almost healed, want to be used! Now, that I can't used it, it's hurting. With your back problems, are you using your knee less than you were before? Maybe that will explain your increased knee pain. I hope your pain disappears quickly.

 

[birdwatchr]

How does one go about finding a revision surgeon "with no association with current surgeon, not even golf buddies"?

And how does one go about finding a surgeon who actually does revisions? It's not exactly listed with their credentials.

 

[Celle]

You can start by using the "Find a Clinic" tab at the top of the page. Once you have a list of several possibles, you'll need to phone their rooms and ask questions - does he/she specialise in knees? How many knee replacements done in a year? Does he/she have experience in doing revisions? If so, how many done in a year?

You may have to go out of your area to get an unbiased second opinion.

If you tag Jamie and give her your post code, she can sometimes suggest someone suitable.

 

[JennyLynne]

My surgeon's bio on the orthopedic practice's website notes his experience with revisions. Of course, you would want to find out the answers to the questions that Celle noted, but you may be at least be able to identify some to start with.


Sent from my iPhone using BoneSmart Forum

 

[birdwatchr]

@Celle @JennyLynne
Ok. Thank you. Was wondering how you could narrow them down when websites don't "announce" it.
@Jamie
Do you happen to know of any revision specialists in the Atlanta area? Thank you.

 

[Jamie]

I do have some recommendations. You want to pick those who do not practice at the hospital where your original surgeon works.

George N. Guild III, M.D.
Primary and revision hip and knee

Dr. Stephen Kim, MD
Resurgeons Orthopedics
5671 Peachtree Dunwoody Road
Atlanta, GA 30342
470-273-7999
Primary and revision hips and knees

 

[birdwatchr]

Thank you @Jamie
I've heard some good things about Dr Kim, but I thought he was only in trauma because he's also in the Resurgens trauma location. I think it might be time to get another opinion specifically on knees. Just not trusting the one who did original surgery so much anymore. Thanks again.

 

[sistersinhim]

I second opinion is always a good thing. I hope you can get some relief and satisfaction.

 

[birdwatchr]

Question for @PolarBear60 :
I read on someone else's thread that even though you are more mobile now after tkr, you had not lost any weight. I was able to keep the 10 pounds off for 11 months, then it all of a sudden it zoomed back. (I also had doctor permission to stop taking diuretics and weaned myself off them at about the same time.) I had upped my activity level a great deal and watched my calorie intake. I was wondering if you had been able to lose weight yet, and if this would be considered common? Cause I just don't understand why I can't lose weight. I understand that by stopping diuretics suddenly can increase my weight, but I didn't do it that way; I did it gradually. Even my doctor noticed and commented I had regained. I'm at my wits end with this. For 10-15 years I've not been able to lose weight, and I attributed it to the pain in the knees, but now I move so good most days, I just don't understand, especially when I watch what I eat so closely. I also don't understand how I kept it off for 11 months, then regained it all back in 1 month. Any comments? Thank you so much.

 

[PolarBear60]

Hi birdwatchr, I've been unsuccessful at losing weight. I chalk it up to me not doing what I need to do to lose it. Unfortunately, over the last couple months, I seem to have gained about 15 pounds. I'm beginning to suspect I'm retaining fluids and may need to check with my GP about it.

In your case, it's possibly related to stopping the diuretics -- I'm guessing, but you may need to explore the reasons you were on the diuretics in the first place and ensure the reason isn't still there or hasn't returned.

 

[KarriB]

It does seem the diuretics are related. If you're watching calorie intake and exercising, but recently stopped the diuretics that could be the problem. I know it's harder to lose weight with age. I have to eat much less and do a lot more to lose weight, but I've never had a problem that led to water retention.

 

[sistersinhim]

I'm struggling big time, too, with trying to lose weight. I can't seem to pass up the dark chocolate kisses and the mixed nuts. Both of a high in fat. It seems like when we were young the weight would come off so easily. Now, it certainly won't. But, it'll add on easy! Opposite of what we need and want.

@birdwatchr, how is that knee doing and your search for a new OS? I still have pain in mine sometimes. It seems to be activity related, just like when it was a new baby. One day, I hope, all the pain will be gone. Losing weight would help that, I'm sure!

 

[birdwatchr]

Had pcp Dr order xray of knee after I fell on hip (a week and a half before Thanksgiving) and developed hand sized bruise. Since it was done at hospital, I asked for a copy. Awesome! So cool to have my own copy I can look at any time I want. However, pain is still increasing. Am keeping an eye on it, so to speak. They said nothing is wrong with it, but they may not be the ones to really read it. And since the ortho office knew about it when I tried to get a prescription renewed, I wonder if maybe one of them read it. Or pcp let them know. (Haven't gotten bill for radiologist yet.) On vacation out of town right now, so may need to see ortho after holidays. Just one thing after another.

 

[Jordon6]

@sistersinhim @birdwatchr Dr Kim did my revision. I loved him. He’s very professional and knowledgeable. He will also be truthful with you which helped me a lot facing my odds!

 

[Jaycey]

@birdwatchr can you post your x-ray here. Josephine might be able to take a look. Be sure and remove any personal details on the image. Here's a thread about posting x-rays: A few tips on posting xrays

 

[birdwatchr]

@Jaycey I can try. Need my laptop for that.
@Jordon6 love your dog pic! My son was put back together by one of Dr Kim's associates after a bad car accident. I used a different Resurgens office that was closer by.

 

[birdwatchr]

@Jaycey ok - here goes:

 

[Celle]

I'll ask @Josephine to look at your X-Rays, birdwarchr.

I've merged your three posts, so that the X-Rays are all together.