After knee replacement surgery

Posted by beatricefay @beatricefay, Jun 16, 2016

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.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Joint Replacements Support Group.

@cobweb

yes, it helped me. I had friends who did not listen to the dr and were out playing tennis the day they had the stem cells injected in the knee. Did not work for them. Nice thing is the recovery. No pain pills and lay around for 10 days. I had mri done and took that t the dr. He said i was a candidate. I did not want the experience i had with the tkr. 5 years later i still have pain and now dr thinks it may be fractured and wants to do it again.

Jump to this post

@cobweb, @dkapustin -- I'd like to chime in on Regenexx: I have used a local Regenexx clinic for lower back and knee pain. I didn't have stem cells for either. I had PRP in the knee and Platelet Lysate in the back. I did have great results! However, if the doctor recommends it, I am planning on doing the stem cell treatment on the (same) knee, because I have now torn the meniscus and if I can prevent another meniscus surgery, I will sure try to do so! Anyway, I am going for a consult on Thu, 4 Apr to address the knee and other "parts". If anyone is interested to hear about the consultation I am having on Thu, let me know and I will write something about it in this group.
Stay well!
--Dee

REPLY
@johnbishop

What I have learned is that I have advanced degenerative arthritis with bone on bone and no cartilage left so my hope is slim and none for stem cell therapy treatment for the knees. I wished it were different but it is what it is so I am having a TKR this Friday at Mayo.

Jump to this post

@johnbishop -- John, have you been seen by a Regenexx clinic? PLEASE don't have the surgery YET. Check with them FIRST. Is your knee "blocked" (cannot move)?
--Dee

REPLY
@danielad

@cobweb, @dkapustin -- I'd like to chime in on Regenexx: I have used a local Regenexx clinic for lower back and knee pain. I didn't have stem cells for either. I had PRP in the knee and Platelet Lysate in the back. I did have great results! However, if the doctor recommends it, I am planning on doing the stem cell treatment on the (same) knee, because I have now torn the meniscus and if I can prevent another meniscus surgery, I will sure try to do so! Anyway, I am going for a consult on Thu, 4 Apr to address the knee and other "parts". If anyone is interested to hear about the consultation I am having on Thu, let me know and I will write something about it in this group.
Stay well!
--Dee

Jump to this post

I'm definitely interested in going to Regenexx for my other knee. I'm thinking of trying the PRP to avoid another surgery. Is there downtime with PRP? Does it hurt? Will they use conscious sedation for those afraid of needles? (I'll deal with it if not but..) Lots of questions I'm sure they'll answer but it's good to go straight to the source!

REPLY

dkapustin For any needle - I keep my own tube of EMAL which is Lidocane. I prefer script, cause it is stronger. I put it on where they may inject or draw, then cover with plastic wrap at least 45 min. before shot. It helps.

REPLY
@mari

dkapustin For any needle - I keep my own tube of EMAL which is Lidocane. I prefer script, cause it is stronger. I put it on where they may inject or draw, then cover with plastic wrap at least 45 min. before shot. It helps.

Jump to this post

Good advice. I'll ask about a script for that. My OS has a spray that he uses for injections (he used it when he tried to drain fluid from my knee and I didn't feel a thing).

REPLY
@dkapustin

I'm definitely interested in going to Regenexx for my other knee. I'm thinking of trying the PRP to avoid another surgery. Is there downtime with PRP? Does it hurt? Will they use conscious sedation for those afraid of needles? (I'll deal with it if not but..) Lots of questions I'm sure they'll answer but it's good to go straight to the source!

Jump to this post

@dkapustin -- I did PRP and you could as well, I would guess. However, I would go with the recommendation of the doctor you will be seeing because each situation is unique. In reality, I was going to get the "stem cell" treatment, but I was on Atorvastatin -- You can't be on Cholesterol-lowering drugs because stem cells do not do well with statins. I couldn't at that time, but now I could be off Statins for a period of time, so I would be a good candidate for Stem Cell treatment. In any event, I will not know until Thursday. About your questions, below are the answers (as they apply to me):
1. Downtime -- Not really. I am retired, so I just took it easy for the rest of the afternoon.
2. Does it hurt -- Yep, but it is NOT an extreme pain. Just think of how much better your knee will feel when the healing starts!!! 😉
3. Conscious Sedation -- I didn't ask! You may want to ask the doctor you will see, during the consultation. I suspect different clinics may have different rules, based on the facilities and personnel available at the clinic.

REPLY
@dkapustin

I'm definitely interested in going to Regenexx for my other knee. I'm thinking of trying the PRP to avoid another surgery. Is there downtime with PRP? Does it hurt? Will they use conscious sedation for those afraid of needles? (I'll deal with it if not but..) Lots of questions I'm sure they'll answer but it's good to go straight to the source!

Jump to this post

i did prp with regenexx. took several weeks but really worked. Been told they can do prp once a year if needed. Some small pain the first week.

REPLY
@danielad

@cobweb, @dkapustin -- I'd like to chime in on Regenexx: I have used a local Regenexx clinic for lower back and knee pain. I didn't have stem cells for either. I had PRP in the knee and Platelet Lysate in the back. I did have great results! However, if the doctor recommends it, I am planning on doing the stem cell treatment on the (same) knee, because I have now torn the meniscus and if I can prevent another meniscus surgery, I will sure try to do so! Anyway, I am going for a consult on Thu, 4 Apr to address the knee and other "parts". If anyone is interested to hear about the consultation I am having on Thu, let me know and I will write something about it in this group.
Stay well!
--Dee

Jump to this post

i know regenexx does not believe in scoping the knee.

REPLY
@cobweb

i know regenexx does not believe in scoping the knee.

Jump to this post

@cobweb -- No surgeries are involved. What they do is use a Fluoroscope so to visualize EXACTLY where the needles and liquids go. I was looking at the "monitor" during the various procedures; it is quite fascinating to see the precision of these procedures!
--Dee

REPLY
@dkapustin

Good advice. I'll ask about a script for that. My OS has a spray that he uses for injections (he used it when he tried to drain fluid from my knee and I didn't feel a thing).

Jump to this post

@dkapustin -- No need to do that if you go to a Regenexx office. They do use local pain relieving meds before doing any procedure; however, you should ask the doctor you will see for the consultation. Knowing you fear needles, he/she may even prescribe a mild sedative ... but that would mean you will need someone to drive you back home. Mind you, I don't know what that particular office may offer to patients, but you should certainly discuss anything on your mind, so your needs and preferences are well known to the doctor.
Tomorrow I see my doctor ... I am wondering what he will tell me -- Is it going to be PRP or Stem Cell? Or something else?
Stay well! --Dee

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.