Scar tissue after knee replacement

Dear kneeproblem, marthajean, jk, and all -

In my own case (thankfully - not any of yours), I had an obviously "oversized" upper section
of the prosthetic... which was steadily denied by the original surgeon, but then he sort of
"pointed me in the direction" of the surgeon who ended up doing my revision (because of
the oversized upper component)... and later I learned that a significant amount of his business
was revisions of this surgeon's original surgeries. My wife (an RN) learned this from nursing
staff who are also members of the same local gym we go to. As I talked to others locally who
had these sorts of problems - requiring revision, I found it was common that local surgeons
had this sort of "arrangement" with other local sugeons. Around here (in Oregon), most of
the sirgeons don't do their own revisions - tending to insist nothing is really wrong... and that
it will eventually "get better".

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Compltely different subject.... I wonder if people who tend toward an overactive inflammation
response (which is the immune system) share a common genetic heritage. Per my previous,
there isn't much incentive for surgeons to learn more about how to spot higher risk patients
or persons who are genetically predisposed toward greater than usual inflammation response
(which would definitely complicate - if not prevent "a normal recovery").

The reason I bring this up is because I just did that 23&Me testing and have significant
Neanderthal inheritance (yes, I know that some gals think we are all "cavemen", but I'm
being serious). Just FYI - many Western Europeans do have significant Neanderthal
genetic inheritance (no eyebrow ridges, but ?). Anyway... I would be interested in any
person's further comments - once again... who has a greater stake in finding a solution,
than people who are having these problems ? Personally, I think at some point they will
isolate common characteristics which identify elevated risk - and maybe solutions. The
answers are probably in our genes, blood and other body chemistry. Discussion of this
can only help educate us all further... and thanks for your input, comments, or questions.
https://www.livescience.com/56567-your-ancestry-influences-inflammation-levels.html

Thanks - and best all,

John

Dear darkwingangel,

Not sure what you were agreeing to, but your user name is compelling.
Great imagery... I can almost hear the wings fluttering softly above...

Excuse my digression from the subject at hand...

John

Tell me about stem cell for you other knee. How did it help you. I sought stem cell therapy for my knee and was told by a stem cell doctor it would not help me because it does not grow cartilage.

Did u get arthroscopic surgery?

Yes could you please include me in this conversation I have looked into that but of course insurance will not pay for it ,but at this point if I knew it would really work I would be willing to try

I met with a stem cell doctor before my TKR and was told stem cells could not help because it doesn't grow cartilage. How did stem cells help you?

I got the same reply when I met with a stem cell doctor.

I also was told the same

I first watched a webinar from the Mayo Clinic on stem cells and how it works for arthritis and knees etc. I then bumped into a friend who had his knee done with stem cells and he was very happy with it. I did not want another tkr because of what i went through on my first one. In fact my surgeon, 6 years later, thinks i should redo the first one. If i had a do over i would have not had the first one.
Back to stem cells. I had my MRI and my surgeon wanted to do a tkr on that one. I took my chance on stem cells. They took the cells and fat from the hip, mixed it with my blood for three hours and then injected them into my knee. I laid around 2 weeks. , watched tv, read books, took no pain pills and then the adventure begins. Felt good, then pain, repeat. Meanwhile i had my back done with stem cells and its been 3 years and pain is gone.
Back to the knee. I did PT on the left leg and wore my stem cell brace every day. I followed up the stem cells a year later with PRP which is an injection of blood designed to take care of the arthritis. That really worked. I have not worn my brace and i garden and play golf, but no tennis. PRP is designed for a once a year if needed injection.
I also studied stem cells and what is going on in the industry. I advise anyone to read up on stem cells with Mayo, Regenexx , who i used. They have been very helpful. That is who my Dr studied , and they have a tremendous amount of information on what is good and what is bad in the profession. Bad actors out there who are using dead stem cells from babies and charging a lot of money.
In Toledo we are seeing more companies insurance paying for Regenexx stem sells. What i like about Regenexx is you can read up on their research, read about what success their patients are having and also where they are located. They are close to me so i did not want to travel to Mayo.
Now i read where Drs say it does not work. Who are the Drs? are they examining the research being done ? I know of Drs who hold seminars on stem cells, buy the dead stem cells and inject them and charge a high fee. Nurses, chiropractors etc have opened up shop and people are not aware and then have no luck.
I was examined by the Dr and he said i had a chance for it to work. It has. i have to be careful when i am out on ice and snow as i did twist it, back to the brace, but feeling good again.
What is interesting is to read the web and talk to the people on line at Regenexx. I signed up for weekly newsletters. My regular Dr is now sending his patients to Dr Kruse. Yes, some times it does not work. My tennis friend had it done and played tennis that night. Another one was shopping the next day. WRONG. Follow the advice.
Finally my current tkr was bad from the beginning. I worked out in water and the knee swelled, the knee has remained swollen for 6 years and now the surgeon says he thinks it loose. If the next one does not work, what is next , amputation? So i work on both legs three days a week. I am 77 by the way but feel younger.
So , do your homework, investigate on line and go to the professionals. It is expensive but i wish i had a do over for my tkr. I read about those who have had success and i am envious. I also read of those who suffer like i have. Good luck to all. Questions , let me know.

Was the Dr an actual stem cell Dr trained in stem cells? Did you ask where he got his training? Many drs have no clue on stem cells. I have educated my family DR and now he is a believer.