Connect
Scar tissue after knee replacement
I had knee replacement surgery 6 weeks ago . Through PT I have been working on breaking up the scar tissue only for it to regrow by the time I get back to PT two days later. I have been massaging at home, using a hand held massager and roller. It is painful and swollen. I am getting very disheartened. Any suggestions as to what else I can do. Has anyone had laser treatments to break up scar tissue? Were they effective?
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Joint Replacements Support Group.
Connect
Good luck with your recovery @dickiedo. I'm pulling for you on doing stairs - that is such a milestone! Hope the scar tissue stays away. Are you doing PT?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThanks. A couple more PT than south to Fl for winter.
Great having this site for all the help and encouragement.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsMine says up to and stop, thought i was only one creating tissue bands each night
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI wish i had found this site before i had mine done.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@gmajudy hi, Judy. Welcome to Connect.
It sounds as if you are having after TKR issues. How long ago was your TKR and what type of issues are you having? If your TKR was fairly recent, then have patience. The majority of people are eventually very happy with their new knee. It will never be quite as good as your natural knee was before having problems but it can be very good. I have had two TKRs and am happy with both. I wish I had a little more flex and that I could kneel comfortably, but those two things are a small price to pay for now being able to walk a lot and have no pain. I did have some severe pain for about six weeks after my second TKR but suddenly got better and it has been great ever since.
I would love to hear more from you if you do not mind sharing.
JK
@dickiedo - Maybe the warm weather will help out the recovery. I live in St. Augustine, FL and it was in the high 80's here yesterday! Best of luck...
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHi @gmajudy - Welcome to Connect. I'm glad you found this site. Lot's of great people and good information here. I'm guessing from your reply that you had a knee replacement and you've been having challenges with the recovery. Do you feel like sharing more about when you had the surgery and what you are dealing with now?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionGreat city. Love it at xmas. Short trip from Ocala. Thanks for support.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsTKR August, adjustment 2 weeks ago. Got to 80 degrees and it stopped bending. Seems I'm a 'prolific scar tissue' person. So yes, it grows back like bands on a Twister candy, if you wait until they are thick, a doc has to put you to sleep and break them. But if you CONSTANTLY move your knee, even a little, the bands break. To me it feels like a tiny electric shock when one breaks. Each am they are back and if I stay in recliner for more that 2 hours, they're back. Everyone is different. So I use 2 percocets before PT, home, eat, a Tramadol, stool softener, sleep an hour, then ice, then recliner BUT always moving-pressing down to stretch-lifting up to bend. But not severely after PT. i go to PT EVERY day. Doc says my body will eventually get the message that I don't need bands to help my knee and that the metal in me is ok. May take A YEAR. Keep a routine, figure your medicines out yourself and move. That's all I know.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reactionjust replied to list