1. < Joint Replacements

TKR revision surgery and problems

Posted by szqyoung @szqyoung, Jan 17, 2019

I fell and hurt my knee in March 2017. MRI showed meniscus damage. DR did surgery to repair meniscus in June of 2017 - removed most of left meniscus and removed affected area of right meniscus. Knee continued to swell and was very painful. Tried more PT, cortisone shot = no improvement. Had a TKR on 9/26/17. Right after surgery my knee would buckle while still in the hospital. DR said PT would take care of it. Knee continued to swell and buckle and be painful. In December of 2017 I returned to DR and he ordered more PT. Unsuccessful in correcting buckling, swelling and pain. DR did revision surgery on 2/19/18 - replaced 4mm liner with 10mm liner. Buckling greatly improved, however, I still have pain, kneecap pain, swelling and stiffness. Returned to DR and he said that recovery can take a year and to continue to elevate and ice my knee as needed. I’m now 11 months out from the revision surgery and am no better off. My regular Dr did X-rays and bone looks good. 2 years of limping has caused tendon issues in my hip (hip MRI done in Dec). Before the original injury I walked 3 miles every day. I’m now lucky to walk 1 mile without stiffness, pain and swelling. Consequently I’ve put on a lot of weight. I’m 69 years old, frustrated, fat and wondering what, if anything can be done. My yellow lab is also frustrated with my lack of mobility:-)

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Mentor
Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Aug 7, 2021
In reply to @irish283 "Hi, Naturegirl5. Thank you so very much for those words of encouragement and understanding. I actually..." + (show)
@irish283

Hi, Naturegirl5. Thank you so very much for those words of encouragement and understanding. I actually saw 6 other doctors, including two from No. Carolina! Everyone of those drs. Had a different reason for my pain. It was the 7th doctor who listened. So I’m going to have to do a revision, but I’m not in a rush and I’m a bit skeptical .
But I liked the way your retired doctor spoke….listen to your body.
Again, thank you for your message. I’m truly appreciative. Good luck also with your issue. Stay well. Irish283

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Hi again, @irish283. Wow, it took seven doctors before you got an answer that set you in a good direction? Thank goodness for doctor #7. I'm happy to hear that you'll pursue a revision and hope that you will have less pain in your future. I had a total hip replacement in 2019 and was so afraid that the outcome would be worse! than what I was already experiencing. I had two consults and the second at Mayo Clinic was the one that convinced me it was time to consider surgery. It's been almost two years and it's not like I have the hip of a 20-year-old but it's way better than it was before surgery. So, yes. No rush in making your decision. You'll know when it's the right time as you listen to your body.

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1 reply
ardis3 | @ardis3 | Sep 16, 2021

What to expect after having knee replacement revision. How much longer to heal then just a knee replacement. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you

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1 reply
Amanda Burnett | @amandaa | Sep 16, 2021

Hi @ardis3, You'll see I moved your post to a previous post you participated in about revisions. I wanted to keep the discussion going and make sure members like @irish283 and @naturegirl5 saw your question.

Here is an article you may like to read:
"The length of recovery after revision knee surgery varies in comparison to a person's first knee replacement. Some individuals take longer to recover from revision surgery, while others recover more rapidly and experience less discomfort than during the initial TKR."
Knee Replacement Revision Surgery: What You Need to Know: https://www.healthline.com/health/total-knee-replacement-surgery/revision#Recovery-and-rehabilitation

When is your revision scheduled for?

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1 reply
ardis3 | @ardis3 | Sep 16, 2021
In reply to @amandaa "Hi @ardis3, You'll see I moved your post to a previous post you participated in about..." + (show)
@amandaa

Hi @ardis3, You'll see I moved your post to a previous post you participated in about revisions. I wanted to keep the discussion going and make sure members like @irish283 and @naturegirl5 saw your question.

Here is an article you may like to read:
"The length of recovery after revision knee surgery varies in comparison to a person's first knee replacement. Some individuals take longer to recover from revision surgery, while others recover more rapidly and experience less discomfort than during the initial TKR."
Knee Replacement Revision Surgery: What You Need to Know: https://www.healthline.com/health/total-knee-replacement-surgery/revision#Recovery-and-rehabilitation

When is your revision scheduled for?

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October 26 , 2021

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irish283 | @irish283 | Sep 16, 2021

Hello @ardis3, I haven’t done revision yet. Still waiting on some additional testing. I am having a special blood panel LTT test done late next week and results won’t be in until 7-10 days later. So sometime in early October I MIGHT have an idea which way my life will be headed. This special test covers all metal particles and cements. It’s not covered by insurance. Good luck to you.

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1 reply
irish283 | @irish283 | Sep 16, 2021
In reply to @naturegirl5 "Hi again, @irish283. Wow, it took seven doctors before you got an answer that set you..." + (show)
@naturegirl5

Hi again, @irish283. Wow, it took seven doctors before you got an answer that set you in a good direction? Thank goodness for doctor #7. I'm happy to hear that you'll pursue a revision and hope that you will have less pain in your future. I had a total hip replacement in 2019 and was so afraid that the outcome would be worse! than what I was already experiencing. I had two consults and the second at Mayo Clinic was the one that convinced me it was time to consider surgery. It's been almost two years and it's not like I have the hip of a 20-year-old but it's way better than it was before surgery. So, yes. No rush in making your decision. You'll know when it's the right time as you listen to your body.

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Hello, @naturegirl5 it was actually #9 doctor who has at least listened and sent me for additional testing. So far CT scan looks normal. The regular blood test doesn’t show any infection…so on we go for a blood test that isn’t covered by insurance, it’s a LTT blood kit I had to order a d pay for. I go to his office later next week to have blood drawn for this kit. Which tests for all metal particles and cements. It takes 7-10 days for results to get back. Even after that he might want an MRI done.

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1 reply
ardis3 | @ardis3 | Sep 17, 2021
In reply to @irish283 "Hello @ardis3, I haven’t done revision yet. Still waiting on some additional testing. I am having..." + (show)
@irish283

Hello @ardis3, I haven’t done revision yet. Still waiting on some additional testing. I am having a special blood panel LTT test done late next week and results won’t be in until 7-10 days later. So sometime in early October I MIGHT have an idea which way my life will be headed. This special test covers all metal particles and cements. It’s not covered by insurance. Good luck to you.

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Thank you

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Mentor
Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Sep 19, 2021
In reply to @irish283 "Hello, @naturegirl5 it was actually #9 doctor who has at least listened and sent me for..." + (show)
@irish283

Hello, @naturegirl5 it was actually #9 doctor who has at least listened and sent me for additional testing. So far CT scan looks normal. The regular blood test doesn’t show any infection…so on we go for a blood test that isn’t covered by insurance, it’s a LTT blood kit I had to order a d pay for. I go to his office later next week to have blood drawn for this kit. Which tests for all metal particles and cements. It takes 7-10 days for results to get back. Even after that he might want an MRI done.

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Hello, @irish283 This is wonderful news! Your persistence and tenacity all the way to doctor#9 has finally resulted in blood tests that hopefully will reveal the information this doctor needs to proceed. Yet, how disappointing that your insurance will pay for the basic blood test and not for the information that your doctor needs to make the best decisions for you and your revision. This is my big audible sigh <Sigh> about the insurance. It sounds like your doctor is being so conscientious before proceeding with the surgery and making certain the revision will produce the best possible outcome for you.

Please return to Mayo Clinic Connect and let us know about your test results (if you are comfortable with that suggestion. It's totally up to you). You have certainly advocated for your own well-being and health. Blessings to you as you move forward, irish283. Your posts are an encouragement to all of us here on Mayo Clinic Connect.

Helen

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ardis3 | @ardis3 | Sep 20, 2021
In reply to @vicki1234 "First knee operation on January 2019. 2nd knee operation on August 14, 2020. Scar tissue developed..." + (show)
@vicki1234

First knee operation on January 2019. 2nd knee operation on August 14, 2020. Scar tissue developed a short time later—or that’s what they say it is? Third operation scheduled May 4th of 2021.

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How did your knee surgery go?

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nana001 | @nana001 | Sep 25, 2021

I had total knee revision surgery in October last year, I still get striking knee pain
I just found out a rod was placed above and below my knee in surgery and I don’t understand why. Can someone please advise me on this. Thank you

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