I fell on my already damaged knee

Posted by tom1970 @tom1970, 6 days ago

Hello, I tore my ACL many years ago, resulting in surgery plus three scopes over the years. My knee is a real mess, constantly sliding out of socket, then it locks up so I must hold on tight until it SNAPS! back onto socket. Last year I came down with Lymphedema causing additional swelling in both legs and up into ny abdomen. After 12 procedures, therapy, compression socks, etc.. both legs look much better. 5 years ago I almost agreed to have my knee replaced BUT I have a damaged spine that has had multi surgeries and I can no longer stand for more than 10 minutes with the assistance of a caneor walker. All spine "Specialist" say there is nothing they can do. I apologize for taking so long to get to my question.
**Last week I stumbled and fell Directly straight down onto my bad knee. One week later my knee down to my ankle is so swollen, very red above my ankle and exceptionally painful. So painful to the touch. There is no way I can put my compression sock on which I'm required to do for 12 hrs a day to keep lymphedema swelling down. If this was my "good" knee I would call my Dr. but since my right knee is already in such bad condition I don't want yet another Dr. visit, xrays, etc... I appreciate any thoughts, suggestions. Between my spine injury, knee, multipal hernia's, Adrenal Insufficiently *immune disease, Chronic fibromyalgia, Chronic pain from every joint from my TMJ down to my toe joints. Recent blood test show a liver problem which may explain why I have such a distended abdomen. I'm feeling a bit sorry for myself.
Thank you for your time. I really appreciate it any thoughts as to "Should I contact my Dr?
Thank you and God Bless.

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@tom1970, I'm feeling more than a little bit of empathy.
You do need the xray. Your physician should order one for you by phone, without a visit to see them. Really difficult to get around, I understand. If the knee is disjointed by the fall, it would be difficult to resolve the swelling without care. It may be perfectly aligned, then you could wait for the swelling to subside before venturing into the round of appointments. If bones of the knee have shattered, you'll prolong your discomfort by waiting.
There are moble radiology units that might come to your home. I don't know if insurance coverage would cooperate.
You are probably already raising the leg and icing, though it may be too painful for even that.
At least call your physician. They may have advice that you won't want to take.

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Thank you Very much for taking the time to share. I will contact my Dr. Thank you.

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@tom1970
You definitely should have an X-ray, ultrasound and/or mri to see what is going on in your knee/joints with bone and soft tissues. Swelling could be from clotting so you should get checked (seems your circulation is affected and nerves/blood vessels injured like in vascular/neurogenic claudication). I, too, have spine issues and multiple surgeries (I’m 55) and I would get to a doctor right away to preserve your leg function as much as possible. Delaying care will only make things worse.

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Thank you for your response and suggestion. I see my Dr. this afternoon.
God Bless,
Tom

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Hello, my prayers go out to you..... you've sure been thru the wringer!! I pray you start having better luck with all your issues. I think you should contact your doctor....

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Hi Tom,
Prayers are with you today when you go to your doctor. May he or she, have the
empathy and understanding as your 'new' friends (supporters). Of course, may
the doctor have the knowledge to help you. Go safely. Take care. I know it's
not easy. Blessings to you Tom to have strength and be grateful to welcome
each new day with hope. Good Luck.

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I agree with all the others! You need to get X-rays and see a doctor. I have many of the things you do and have to be very honest: Squeaky wheel gets the oil. The healthcare industry has a shortage of professionals, and I can't tell you how much of my day is spent fighting for them to focus on my complicated situation! I hate it. Seems so stupid, but it is what it is, and you must be your own advocate. Sometimes, you need a break and to roll up in a little ball and make the world go away so you can once again get up and fight for resolution and accuracy in diagnosis as well as treatments. I have MANY doctors, and they are different in their capabilities and interest in me and my ongoing needs, which change. I am extremely mobile, but only because I have to get in their faces, I have to be patient, and I have to fight for care. I also have to wait to see if certain things will be healing or further deteriorating! Big hug to you @tom1970 feel sorry is okay for today but get back in the ring tomorrow!

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@cindisue

Hello, my prayers go out to you..... you've sure been thru the wringer!! I pray you start having better luck with all your issues. I think you should contact your doctor....

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Thank you so much.

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@loriesco

I agree with all the others! You need to get X-rays and see a doctor. I have many of the things you do and have to be very honest: Squeaky wheel gets the oil. The healthcare industry has a shortage of professionals, and I can't tell you how much of my day is spent fighting for them to focus on my complicated situation! I hate it. Seems so stupid, but it is what it is, and you must be your own advocate. Sometimes, you need a break and to roll up in a little ball and make the world go away so you can once again get up and fight for resolution and accuracy in diagnosis as well as treatments. I have MANY doctors, and they are different in their capabilities and interest in me and my ongoing needs, which change. I am extremely mobile, but only because I have to get in their faces, I have to be patient, and I have to fight for care. I also have to wait to see if certain things will be healing or further deteriorating! Big hug to you @tom1970 feel sorry is okay for today but get back in the ring tomorrow!

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Thank you so much. When I can, I will try to give an update. Thank you to Everyone for your Kindness. Test in the morning stomach, Praying it isn't my liver but if it is, I'll ask God what he want's me to do. God Bless everyone and be with you on your journeys.

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@tom1970

Thank you so much. When I can, I will try to give an update. Thank you to Everyone for your Kindness. Test in the morning stomach, Praying it isn't my liver but if it is, I'll ask God what he want's me to do. God Bless everyone and be with you on your journeys.

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Saying a prayer all goes well with the test. I had liver issues (Hep C) There is great stuff out there today. Don't get ahead of your skis! Stay grounded in the moment. You will deal with whatever you need to. Nothing is ever as bad as we worry it might be. Take a bubble bath. 😉 and watch a funny movie tonight!

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