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?
Liked by rwaller77, ssbionicknee, darkwingedangel, gmajudy
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?
Liked by JK, Alumna Mentor
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.
Liked by JK, Alumna Mentor
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
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!
Liked by JK, Alumna Mentor
Just had an appt with os at 12 weeks post op. He says he wants to do closed arthroscopy in 2 weeks to remove scar tissue. My patella is now fixed, immovable, surrounded in scar tissue. I have a lot of pain. I’ve tried to schedule 2nd opinion appts. but now the surgery is before any of them. My surgeon is adding a new partner who will see me before the procedure. If he disagrees with my initial surgeon, then he will refer me to yet another surgeon. All this is maddening, but I can almost not continue if I do nothing. My scar tissue causes so much pain. I’ve done a lot of research and made a list of drugs to help reduce adhesions. I asked my surgeon to consider them. He said he may consider collagenase. In the hospital, he wants me to have an epidural for 2 days while I use a cpm, followed by 3 consecutive days of pt. Thanks to a member of this group who shared this idea, I will use my stationary bike every 3 hours round the clock or some way to maintain constant movement. I think he will prescribe the cpm for home use too. But he warned me that he has patients who show up 6 months, 4 years, and even 8 years after tkr with new scar tissue growth. I want to give up, but I can’t. I know many of you have worked much harder along this scar tissue road than I have. I pray for you all.
Liked by JK, Alumna Mentor, damewocane
@katp
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.
Liked by JK, Alumna Mentor, zakcat