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?
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katp
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@shermann I had TKR back in January 2019. I continue to build scar tissue that comes back right back. My PT claims "I lay scar tissue down faster than he has ever seen it. I'm working with my Doc ..mostly with NSAI's with on and off reduced tightness. I'm very active bikeing and Yoga all have made my leg strong but not without a lot of warming up to get it moving.
I'm sorry your are having do much trouble and I hope they solve the problem soon. Mine is minor in comparison if my blood work is clean no infection or bone problem I get ND MRI as I do have other issues a Burser, tendonites, AC issues. Again so sorry I can well imagine how hard it is. Hope you get ANSWERS SOON.
I grow scar tissue just like you. I hope the “why” is discovered soon. Also, how to reduce it. So on that note, does anyone really know why surgeons make us wait to have arthroscopic surgery for 6 months? I’m just about at 3 months. I haven’t walked properly since my initial tkr. My muscles are atrophying and you can see it. I dont know how much more scar tissue can fill my knee. It seems to be growing up my thigh and down my calf, even feeling it it my foot. My mind just needs to understand why. And as a patient, doctors owe us this.
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dduke
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I was told that the risk of infection is the reason to wait. After six months, the TKR is more healed and not as prone to being infected?
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sarastafford
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@zakcat it's all pretty awful. I can only relate a little because a girlfriend of mine suffers a similar pain, after being shot in the leg during a mass shooting at our local township meeting. She had to learn to control the pain with her mind, and it wasn't easy. She did say that after awhile, the mind does adjust and learns to minimize the pain. But it takes a long time. Have you had anyone check your veins/arteries (Popliteal especially) to make sure there is no constriction:?
No checks on veins / arteries.
They wouldn’t give your g/f pain meds. Sorry that happened to her.
katp
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@dduke I was told that the risk of infection is the reason to wait. After six months, the TKR is more healed and not as prone to being infected?
I think I read that somewhere, so, thanks. Which is worse, infection or insanity? Seriously, the pain, restriction, isolation, inactivity. I get it that the hardware must heal-in and the incisions heal. I’m so eager to make some progress. I can not even entertain the idea that it may not be the answer. Can’t go there.
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sarastafford
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@katp I think I read that somewhere, so, thanks. Which is worse, infection or insanity? Seriously, the pain, restriction, isolation, inactivity. I get it that the hardware must heal-in and the incisions heal. I’m so eager to make some progress. I can not even entertain the idea that it may not be the answer. Can’t go there.
Hi,
You really want to know what insanity is my friend? Doing the same thing over and over again ( 8 TKR) snd expecting different results.
katp
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@sarastafford Hi,
You really want to know what insanity is my friend? Doing the same thing over and over again ( 8 TKR) snd expecting different results.
I can’t imagine how you have managed. We only have a hope of walking normally someday, being whole. My prayers for you.
zakcat
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@sarastafford Hi,
You really want to know what insanity is my friend? Doing the same thing over and over again ( 8 TKR) snd expecting different results.
It sounds like its past time to talk with a medical malpractice lawyer.
sarastafford
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sarastafford
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@katp I can’t imagine how you have managed. We only have a hope of walking normally someday, being whole. My prayers for you.
Thank you, it has left no quality of life and that is what’s so upsetting and the fact they don’t seem to care
zakcat
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@sarastafford you might be right . Any familiarity or advice. In who to use? I live in Tacoma
Wa
if you know any local lawyers, ask one. Or go online. Doing 8 TKR is just unbelievable ! All by the same doctor???
sarastafford
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@zakcat if you know any local lawyers, ask one. Or go online. Doing 8 TKR is just unbelievable ! All by the same doctor???
20”9. Hit knee on coffee table
1st doctor Arthroscopic surgery ( torn meniscus). Would not get better. Very slow to heal plus swelling.
3 weeks later he says I need a TKR. Hind site 3 weeks not long enough recovery time. Performed TKR. Scar tissue poor range of motion . Got second opinion. Was told last doctor gave me a Volkswagen implant. He would give me a Cadillac. His exact words. The rest is history TKR surgery every year ,manipulations etc. same doctor . Had one get infected spent two months in wheelchair with pic-line. Last surgery was a hinged knee surgery.
zakcat
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JK, Volunteer Mentor
@contentandwell
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@sarastafford 20”9. Hit knee on coffee table
1st doctor Arthroscopic surgery ( torn meniscus). Would not get better. Very slow to heal plus swelling.
3 weeks later he says I need a TKR. Hind site 3 weeks not long enough recovery time. Performed TKR. Scar tissue poor range of motion . Got second opinion. Was told last doctor gave me a Volkswagen implant. He would give me a Cadillac. His exact words. The rest is history TKR surgery every year ,manipulations etc. same doctor . Had one get infected spent two months in wheelchair with pic-line. Last surgery was a hinged knee surgery.
@sarastafford Oh my goodness, I can't believe what you have been through! I sincerely hope you are able to find a great doctor who can help this whole situation. I am not a litigious person, but that doctor should be sued, in my opinion.
JK
dkapustin
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You may want to find a new surgeon because it doesn't seem like you are having much luck with this one. I am not sure how a lawsuit will work for you since you elected to use the same surgeon over and over again but it's worth a shot. I am hope you are feeling better soon!
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@shermann
I had TKR back in January 2019. I continue to build scar tissue that comes back right back. My PT claims "I lay scar tissue down faster than he has ever seen it. I'm working with my Doc ..mostly with NSAI's with on and off reduced tightness. I'm very active bikeing and Yoga all have made my leg strong but not without a lot of warming up to get it moving.
I'm sorry your are having do much trouble and I hope they solve the problem soon. Mine is minor in comparison if my blood work is clean no infection or bone problem I get ND MRI as I do have other issues a Burser, tendonites, AC issues. Again so sorry I can well imagine how hard it is. Hope you get ANSWERS SOON.