Scar tissue after knee replacement

CHANGE OF TOPIC: GALLBLADDER SITUATION ALL DAY TODAY - ATTACK - PAIN - SYMPTOMS - POSSIBLE SURGERY? I have had gallstones for 6 months - started right before TKR. I have managed the few episodes "attacks" by eating smaller meals, few fats, recommended diet. HOWEVER, TODAY MY ATTACK HAS LASTED 8 HOURS. NOT GETTING BETTER. SOME CHILLS. A TINY BIT OF NAUSEA. NO APPETITE. TRIED TEA, TUMERIC, VEGGIES, CRACKERS. HAD SOME CHILLS. A LITTLE DISCOMFORT IN SHOULDERS. Every attack has seemed different - but they were ok. HOWEVER, THIS ONE IS NOT O.K. More intense; more symptoms. I do not fear surgery. But I have read many complications and problems in the Mayo Clinic forums. It is not as easy as people think. There can be complications post surgery. I am furious about losing a body part; especially when I am basically healthy and active. I do "admit" to being over 70 yrs. old, but let's not dwell on that as to me it is not an issue. I have seen 2 gastroenterologists. Both say "HAVE IT REMOVED". I am doing last-minute research on lining up potential surgeons. I found one, recommended by my TKR Dr., who, among other things, has Advanced Laparoscopic skills according to his Bio. He is young-ish (maybe 40???). Another is much older - has 30+ yrs. of related experience. Now, I am the last person to be age biased, but sorry to say, I am looking for middle aged - although experience is crucial I realize. Sorry to go on and on - but no surgeons I find on internet list "gallbladder" as a specialty. They list "abdominal or laparoscopic or pediatrics or other specialties. Any suggestions?
I would try to withstand the pain if there wasn't the threat of waiting too long when laparoscopic is no longer an option. (This is a crazy way to do medical research I know - all sort of last minute.) Not my style. (I have had 2 successful recent TKRs. Also abdominal surgery 35 years ago.) As you can see, I am not prepared for this.....

Hi @sandie2749 - Yes, I had it 3 weeks after my last TKR (Jan 2019). I only knew it because I developed a reaction to the Celebrex and had to go to the emergency room. My Orthopedic Surgeon said it was nothing to worry about that soon after surgery. How did you find out that you had an elevated level? Were you having other problems?

I’m three weeks postop has anyone had their platelets elevate after surgery .

@sandie2749 If my platelets were elevated I was not aware of it. I doubt they did because I have monthly lab work and I didn't notice any changes, and I always check my platelets because I had a low platelet problem for years before cirrhosis was diagnosed. Since my liver transplant it's low-normal or just under the range.

I'm happy to hear that your rehab is going well. I dropped using a walker and then a cane fairly quickly also. You have foot neuropathy now? I presume that is a temporary thing until you are fully healed. From what I have heard on here, it can be pretty painful.
JK

Hi I had total knee replacement 10 months ago. Lots of swelling. Went to PT had deep tissue massage. VERY painful I felt like I had a very tight band around my knee making it hard to move.. I used a recumbent cross trainer which helped a lot. Getting into the pool and walking had an immediate effect on bringing down the swelling. After 3 months I did fairly well. I was bothered for a long time with sciatic pain making it hard to sit and ride in a car. I had second knee replaced 8 weeks ago. Almost no swelling very good range of motion right after the operation. Doing exercises twice a day and icing 3 time a day. This time around so much better. Some stiffness in knee but nothing compared to last time. My only problem is the hip/butt pain is back but not as bad. Has anyone else had this problem???

Hi there .... yes, I've had scar tissue develop also. It developed slowly over time, but by the time I hit the 1 year mark, my surgeon went in - arthroscopically - and cleaned it up. But, it never was right, and in another year I had to have a revision - a totally new replacement. Since then, my knee could not be any better. I don't know why this happens to some and not to others ... but after several other options had been tried, including the arthroscopic surgery, I opted to just do the revision .... I'm glad I did.
abby

Hello Amberpep, I had bilateral knee replacement a little over a year ago and did very well at the time but now I seem to be losing more and more range of motion. I am just curious what your ROM was before your new replacement and what it is now? Just trying to figure out what my “new normal” may be! Thanks in advance!

Hi Cheris. I had my TKR 5 mths ago. Same results as you had...swelling, tight banding, stiffness and extreme locked spams of IT band, hip and SI joint in my butt. I've gone to PT for 5 mths now and I do the exercises on my own as well. I have had numerous "extreme" surgeries with instrumentation on my spine and rt. pelvis which went through total reconstruction at Mayo in 2003. I have never developed scar tissue and always diligently done my PT, and insisted on more to full range of motion was achieved. My knee surgery has also left me with a inbalanced state and I've fallen a number of times. I have a "popping' sound and feeling between my knee and my hip and it's constant when I take a walk. Knee and lower leg still very swollen and I ice 2-3 X day. Years ago, I locked my shoulder with a fall, and was scheduled to have the scar tissue broken by a surgeon. I was moving a very large painting and frame begain to twist and I couldn't just let it go so I held on. As my arm raised up and slightly back, I heard and felt a loud pop. That was it and I then had free range of movement in my shoulder again. I would do the same to break the scar tissue in my knee if I knew it would solve my full range of motion issue and was safe, but not certain how to accomplish. My surgeon is an older surgeon and he offers no advice on how to manage with the scar tissue and hasn't mentioned lazar treatments. Has anyone else experienced this and if so how did you rectify the situation and regain your full movement? Thank you for your suggestions....my life is on hold and I live alone and must manage caring for my home, dogs, property as well as my health. I'm very discouraged at this point and it only seems to be getting worse with the falls. I appreciate any advice. Thanks so much.