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After knee replacement surgery
Had left knee replaced 9 days ago. Right knee two years ago. Having a problem with inflammation so hard to bend knee and exercise. Trying to ice and raise knee above heart. Doctor suggested getting compression hose. Anybody have this experience and can offer suggestions. So tired all the time from pain interrupting my sleep and painkillers. My insurance refused to pay for the painkiller recommended by surgeon so have to take one with more opiates. That's frustrating. Two years ago it was covered but now too expensive for me to use. Seems the drug companies, not our doctors are determining what we use.
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To all recipients of stem cells: I'd like to know TOO MUCH INFO re stem cells? Where did they get cells from? Who did it - full name? and city?
How much $? After u got cells - how long b4 u were doing all normal activities? How many shots? Heard of Dr. that gives prp, then cells, then maybe more cells in 6 - 10 days. How does that sound to u? Marian
The stem cells came from my hip. They took a drill and pull stem cells from hip and then mixed them with my blood. That took 3 hours. Then it was injected into my knee. Cost was $7000. Nancy Lopez, the pro golfer had hers done right before me. It took her 10 days to recover as she said that in her press conference. She went back to golf. My pain let up in 13 days. Had it done in the winter. Was riding an airdyne in 3 weeks. No hospital stay, no pain. Dr Roger J, Kruse at Wildwood hospital in Toledo.
I also had my back done, L4, L5 rubbing on nerve. Cost $1200. Laid around 2-4 weeks and had no pain. The exercise and stretching i do every day is what helps it. Same hospital. My friends have had 2 surgeries with no help. Pick your poison.
I have had no more shots. I do know this. With what i went through in TKR i will not do it again. By the way the knee brace they give you is great. I have heard it called a stem cell brace. I will wear it when i play golf and if i plan to bike long distance. They did advise me to quti tennis but i do have several friends who returned to tennis. Probably my age which is in upper 70's, but feel like 50. I have lost 10 pounds in last month and drs have said for each pound you lose its like losing 5 pounds on the knee. Any questions? Just played golf tody and finished a 10 mile bike ride and i have the old fashion bike. Good luck.
When I had my TKRs back in 2004 and 2006, they used the passive motion machine, but they no longer use it. I never thought to ask my surgeon the other day this question...if a patient requested its use ...would they pull one out of mothballs and let the patient have access to it? I for sure would ask for it. I have a walking project at the retirement facility I live at, where I have measured (with a measuring wheel) my walks and I just past 100 miles! X-rays last week as a followup, show no signs of wear ....yet, anyway. I got to 134 degrees within 2-3 week of surgery with little or no pain. But I understand that they think the machine shortens the life of the replacement.
@cobweb Do you know if Medicare pays for this type of treatment? I googled the doctor you mention and he is a family practicioner and regenerative medicine doctor, so I assume this procedure is not done by ortho doctors. It sure would be wonderful to get relief knee relief without having to endure surgery. My right knee has already been replaced but it still hurts now, four years after replacement.
Who advised you to go see someone about this type of treatment, I doubt your ortho surgeon.
JK
@gailfaith I used the passive motion for a short time following surgery but felt it was not helping at all so I turned it back in early. I find it interesting that they no longer use it. My immediate thought on seeing this was because they stopped using it because the machine did not help. I wonder what makes them suspect it shortens the life of the replacement.
JK
Found no insurance to pay for it. Dr Kruse is also sports doctor for the U of Toledo. I talked with people who had it done and they were satisfied. I was looking for options and felt i was running out of time. I know they use REGENEXX as their company who provides information and training. They have an interesting web site . Check it out.
Surprisingly my ortho surgeon was interested in this and is now sending people to the doctor to try it out. Other surgeons are saying it doesn't work. If it would cost me a new boat i waould probably say the same thing.
@cobweb Win, that's a lot of money to spend for a treatment that may not work. I think I will go the traditional route unless something changes in the meantime.
I just googled regenerative medicine and it turns out that one of the proponents of it lives in my town! Dean Kamen also invented the segway, a portable dialysis machine, a wearable insulin pump, and a wheel chair that can go up and down steps. We see him around town occasionally and in local restaurants. He seems like a really good guy, not friendly, but overall the type who looks for things to invent that will help people. My son met him a number of times around when he was much younger and he has always been nice to him.
http://www.unionleader.com/business/kamen-to-lead-294m-effort-in-manchester-millyard-to-grow-human-organs-on-industrial-scale-20161222
http://www.unionleader.com/Kamen-predicts-Millyard-will-be-a-hotbed-of-regenerative-medicine
JK
your right about the money but i am a gardener and i can get on my left knee. I went through a lot of pain to find out it was not working for me. I still have pain in my TKR. I see it as a coin flip. I made the decision to not have TKR and it has worked out for now. Good luck.
Thanks for info. The gamble is - pay $4500. - maybe live happily ever after, or go through tkr; long recovery and hope all goes well - recuperate (how long) then maybe live happily ever after or NOT!