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My Knee Replacement Surgery Experience
Joint Replacements | Last Active: May 8, 2023 | Replies (40)Comment receiving replies
Hello. I am a 61 year old woman who just had a total knee replacement. I have peripheral neuropathy and fibromyalgia in addition to factor five Leiden, type 2 diabetes, hypothyroidism and I have had multiple surgeries in the past due to mostly genetic issues. In 2 years I had three shoulder surgeries with the last being a total replacement. I breezed through those surgeries. My left knee had been replaced in 2009. The surgeon that did my most recent surgery, while well known in this area as being one of the best sadly refuses to discuss my past history, my interactions physically with medications and issues that I am dealing with currently. I am feeling that I am alone in this healing process and do not have the support I am looking for. Because of new research dictating that physical therapy begin the day of surgery, I have experienced excessive swelling and extreme pain in the knee. I reacted to multiple medications prescribed to me and have finally found one that I don't react to and I'm holding off on taking it every 5 hours. My biggest issue is the extreme pain I experience when trying to bend my knee or lift my leg using my upper thigh. I cry out in pain even 12 days out of the surgery and I'm totally dependent on the Walker for Mobility. I have always wondered if my neuropathy and fibro may be a contributor to this excessive pain? I saw this feed online and wanted to join in hopes that others may have some suggestions that helped them if they experienced the same thing? As I mentioned I have repeatedly expressed my concerns to my surgeon but he's telling me that the pain stems from a mental anxiety which I know is not true. My physical therapists are wonderful and working with me but I cannot seem to get past the simple Act of bending my knee without it causing me to feel physically sick. I would so welcome any stories of success you may have if your story reflects mine and what you did to get Mobility back. Thank you so much ahead of time.
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Greetings @laurajrc1961 and welcome to Connect. My goodness, you have what to me seems like a frightful medical history. I thought mine was pretty involved with 14 orthopedic surgeries due to falls and injuries. That also includes 3 right shoulder surgeries that ended with a Reverse Replacement. I have started with the first surgery on the left shoulder and it appears that I may be looking at another reverse soon. I am glad your shoulder surgery was successful.
Last year I had my second TKR for the right knee. It was quite a "dream" experience compared to the first one 10 years ago. I attributed the recent positive recovery to pre-surgery exercise, Mako Robotic processing, and the combination of post-surgery PT and MFR, myofascial release therapy. Are you familiar with my "success" list? If not, I will be more thorough for you.
Does "bending my knee" mean ROM to you? Have you achieved the recommended 120 degrees? Are you able to do any "Sit to Stand" exercises? Some folks call them squats. I guess I better ask how long ago you had your surgery. Sometimes, we tend to get ahead of ourselves before our bodies are ready.
What have your PTs told you about the discomfort/pain in your knee at this time? My PT managed the physical exercises and left the pain resolution up to my MFR therapist. They actually chatted with each other and presented a pretty supportive program. I don't know if that is possible for you. However, it is worth looking into.
It amazes me that anxiety is called the culprit, especially when you have already recovered positively from a previous TKR. However, I take anti-anxiety medication for my SFN (small fiber neuropathy) and MCI (mild cognitive decline) so maybe that did help.
I put together some posts from my recent TKR that may have some clues. Let me see if I can provide the link for you.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tkr-2-lessons-i-am-learning/
I want to make sure you are icing and elevating as needed. Those two suggestions are really mandatory much longer than the first two or three weeks.
Hopefully, this response will get you started. And remember, I am here for you......so don't hesitate to ask for clarification. I do need an idea of your time since surgery and your home support activities.
May you be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.
Chris