Swelling and stiffness, 3 years after total knee replacement

Well, went to the pain doctor today. He said something about "Complex Regional Pain Syndrome" I think that's the term they use, when they can't figure it out ? Gave me Tylenol #3, and Gabapentin for now. He mentioned the Norco, but I said no. He ordered a bone scan. He also asked me what my Ortho doc said, or did he order an MRI. I said no, ect. He said I need another Orthopedic Doctor, he will give me a referral. I just want to get to the bottom of this. This is especially why I don't want the other knee done, I'm too scared of being incapacitated. I haven't been able to kneel for many years now. My cat knows that, so he goes under the bed when I want him, or am mad about something. If I ever got down on the ground somehow, no, I wouldn't be able to get up. I live alone, worry about that sometimes. It would be so nice to take a nice hot bath !!!

You are preparing me for my future. Your cat sounds very smart! Have you considered the Life Alert they advertise on TV in case you fall and can't get up. I believe it is worn on a cord. I wonder if a government program supports assistance in paying for this if needed. My grandmother fell in her shower and although my father called her every evening because of her age and living alone, she had to lay on the shower floor overnight with water running by then cold until the next evening when he called. When she didn't pick up he had a 30 minute drive to check on her. Poor dear Mimi. Her issue was different, she fell because of osteoporosis, her hip joint just gave way.

Yes, I think I’m going to look into that. I try to have my phone with me at all times, but sometimes I don’t. My father had similar situation, but I guess I should be thankful, he waited three hours before I got there when he didn’t answer the phone.
They have a service in my community where I would call them everyday, and if I don’t, they’d call me/check on me. My son (lives in another state), said, knowing me, I’d forget to call, lol.

@gardeningjunkie your poor grandmother. I don’t people realize just how serious osteoporosis is unless they have been confronted with it. Now that I know that I have it, I am quite concerned about falling.

@bengalady that’s a really great service to have. I knew a woman whose father had apparently been dead for two weeks in his home before anyone realized it. Shame on her for not being more in touch with her father.

I hope you do get to another orthopedic surgeon for another opinion. I just do not think a person should have to endure such pain following a surgery that is supposed to help. There has to be a cause, and when that cause is finally discovered, hopefully a fix.
JK

What does PRP stand for?

@msstoppainnagginme PRP is Plate Rich Plasma, an injection. More info here:
https://www.healthline.com/health/prp
I personally know nothing about it, I have had two TKRs. Are you considering a TKR or something else for knee arthritis? I have been very happy with my TKRs, particularly with the second one which was done with a Conformis knee. From what I hear the robotic method, MAKOplasty, is extremely successful also. Stem cell therapy and PRP are not generally covered by insurance.
JK

Thank you for this information. I looked up on the Conformis, and found a doctor in my area. Maybe he can see about what’s wrong with my current TKR. I’m thinking about stem cells, but although I know nothing is ever guaranteed, I’d hate to spend that money and have it not work.

Hi. I have had a similar problem with my knee re-replacent. I was 5 or 6 weeks out of surgery when i stumbled on uneven concrete. From then on I have had pain and swelling. X-ray shows no damage but Dr. Is sending me for an MRI. I think I may have messed up my knee all on my own. I would definitely ask for an MRI

Just joined and looking for help. Had tkr in May ‘19 and the outside of knee is constant pain. PT says it’s my IT band. I’ve actually lost mobility since returning to work. Pain lasts all day and wakes me up every night. It’s honestly getting old. I’ve heard you can surgically repair the IT band and wondering if anyone has had it done. Looking for the silver bullet. Any and all help is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Hi @jwademan and @dmr1271, welcome to Connect.

@dmr1271, there is another discussion in Joint Replacements you may find very helpful to read through and participate in. It focuses on IT band issues after knee replacements and is titled, "IT band syndrome after knee replacement." You can find that here, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/it-band-syndrome-after-knee-replacement/.

@jwademan, if you are comfortable sharing, is your MRI soon? How long ago was your fall? Did you land on your knee?