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Scar tissue after knee replacement

Posted by leithlane @leithlane, Jan 31, 2017

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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damewocane | @damewocane | May 5, 2019
In reply to @damewocane "Thanks gator- I really appreciate your input--I asked for insight Friday afternoon from the DO's office-re...." + (show)
@damewocane

Thanks gator- I really appreciate your input--I asked for insight Friday afternoon from the DO's office-re. the surgery timing-and have so far been ignored. I truly appreciate this forum as so many of us really Can help each other with pertinent info!

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Well coming up to Operation Date---Tomorrow- rightfully scared as my surgeon took a second look at my problem, ordered a hip/pelvic X-ray and there it was... what my first surgeon totally overlooked-above my damaged knee, my right hip is in extreme osteoporosis decay with a necrotic ball. THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN ADRESSED foremost- I am beyond anger and disbelief , having suffered for over two years with pain and unnecessary surgeries-Warning to All!

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3 replies
emb123 | @emb123 | May 5, 2019
In reply to @damewocane "Well coming up to Operation Date---Tomorrow- rightfully scared as my surgeon took a second look at..." + (show)
@damewocane

Well coming up to Operation Date---Tomorrow- rightfully scared as my surgeon took a second look at my problem, ordered a hip/pelvic X-ray and there it was... what my first surgeon totally overlooked-above my damaged knee, my right hip is in extreme osteoporosis decay with a necrotic ball. THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN ADRESSED foremost- I am beyond anger and disbelief , having suffered for over two years with pain and unnecessary surgeries-Warning to All!

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I will put you in my prayers for a very speedy and uncomplicated recovery.

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Debbra Williams, Alumna Mentor | @debbraw | May 5, 2019
In reply to @damewocane "Well coming up to Operation Date---Tomorrow- rightfully scared as my surgeon took a second look at..." + (show)
@damewocane

Well coming up to Operation Date---Tomorrow- rightfully scared as my surgeon took a second look at my problem, ordered a hip/pelvic X-ray and there it was... what my first surgeon totally overlooked-above my damaged knee, my right hip is in extreme osteoporosis decay with a necrotic ball. THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN ADRESSED foremost- I am beyond anger and disbelief , having suffered for over two years with pain and unnecessary surgeries-Warning to All!

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@damewocane - I hear your frustration and totally understand. Is this a new surgeon that just found the osteoporosis? I am wishing you the best and hope you'll keep us posted on how things are going. Maybe this will be the one that ends all the pain. Hope so.

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JK | @contentandwell | May 5, 2019
In reply to @damewocane "Well coming up to Operation Date---Tomorrow- rightfully scared as my surgeon took a second look at..." + (show)
@damewocane

Well coming up to Operation Date---Tomorrow- rightfully scared as my surgeon took a second look at my problem, ordered a hip/pelvic X-ray and there it was... what my first surgeon totally overlooked-above my damaged knee, my right hip is in extreme osteoporosis decay with a necrotic ball. THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN ADRESSED foremost- I am beyond anger and disbelief , having suffered for over two years with pain and unnecessary surgeries-Warning to All!

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@damewocane I can imagine how upsetting this must have been, to have no one recognize the hip problems after all of that time. That's great that it finally was recognized and being addressed. I am a big advocate of second opinions for that reason.
I hope all goes well tomorrow, please keep us posted.
JK

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damewocane | @damewocane | May 14, 2019

Hi All -Its Dame with a cane back among the limping ... my knee revision was the last of the day but 2 and a half hours later, my new,"wizard" surgeon found the problem- as was predicted, the original surgeon HAD put in a piece which was too large-which explains why I could never get the degree of bend and spent hours and days, months in pain . I'm out of tears and so tired of fighting, but I have been "fixed"...so far so good. I have a lot of PT to do and will diligently do all the steps all over again.

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2 replies
bevinauburn | @bevinauburn | May 14, 2019
In reply to @damewocane "Hi All -Its Dame with a cane back among the limping ... my knee revision was..." + (show)
@damewocane

Hi All -Its Dame with a cane back among the limping ... my knee revision was the last of the day but 2 and a half hours later, my new,"wizard" surgeon found the problem- as was predicted, the original surgeon HAD put in a piece which was too large-which explains why I could never get the degree of bend and spent hours and days, months in pain . I'm out of tears and so tired of fighting, but I have been "fixed"...so far so good. I have a lot of PT to do and will diligently do all the steps all over again.

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Wonderful news!!! As someone who experienced the same situation, i know the feeling. I am 4 months post op and as i know i will never get the range of motion i thought i would with first surgery, i am pain free and working hard daily to do what i have been told will help me after 3 sessions of PT and now on my own.

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JK | @contentandwell | May 14, 2019
In reply to @damewocane "Hi All -Its Dame with a cane back among the limping ... my knee revision was..." + (show)
@damewocane

Hi All -Its Dame with a cane back among the limping ... my knee revision was the last of the day but 2 and a half hours later, my new,"wizard" surgeon found the problem- as was predicted, the original surgeon HAD put in a piece which was too large-which explains why I could never get the degree of bend and spent hours and days, months in pain . I'm out of tears and so tired of fighting, but I have been "fixed"...so far so good. I have a lot of PT to do and will diligently do all the steps all over again.

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@damewocane I am so glad that your problem has been resolved. I had a friend with the same problem who limped around for two years in pain before she finally found a surgeon who diagnosed the problem. Hopefully, blue skies ahead.
JK

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sparky233 | @sparky233 | May 14, 2019
In reply to @colleenyoung "Hi @3737, welcome to Connect. You'll see that I moved your message to this existing discussion..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

Hi @3737, welcome to Connect. You'll see that I moved your message to this existing discussion about scar tissue and knee replacements where people are talking about dealing with scar tissue. Click VIEW & REPLY in the email notification to see the entire discussion and scroll through past messages.

You mention that you have had 3 knee replacements, but 5 knee operations. Did you have revision surgery due to scar tissue and nerve damage?

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I had total knee replacement March 15 and after one week started physical therapy which ended up being aggressive. Started at 56 degrees and got up to 95 degrees but was brutally painful and when PT bent my knee to try and get it further I was always ending up screaming and in tears. Finally went back to my surgeon who was the best and he took me off PT and has me doing three exercises every hour hoping more frequent movements will help. I know there is scar tissue and it doesn’t seem to be getting any more flexible and still very painful. I go back this Friday to see him again. Manual manipulation has been discussed. Pain pills don’t even phase it. Nurse told me manipulation is like starting over! Very down in the dumps! All I do every day is exercise and set and ice! Don’t think I’ll ever consider doing other knee...not worth the pain!

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4 replies
win sturgeon | @cobweb | May 14, 2019
In reply to @sparky233 "I had total knee replacement March 15 and after one week started physical therapy which ended..." + (show)
@sparky233

I had total knee replacement March 15 and after one week started physical therapy which ended up being aggressive. Started at 56 degrees and got up to 95 degrees but was brutally painful and when PT bent my knee to try and get it further I was always ending up screaming and in tears. Finally went back to my surgeon who was the best and he took me off PT and has me doing three exercises every hour hoping more frequent movements will help. I know there is scar tissue and it doesn’t seem to be getting any more flexible and still very painful. I go back this Friday to see him again. Manual manipulation has been discussed. Pain pills don’t even phase it. Nurse told me manipulation is like starting over! Very down in the dumps! All I do every day is exercise and set and ice! Don’t think I’ll ever consider doing other knee...not worth the pain!

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welcome to my world. i had my cane beside me and the therapist thought i was going to hit her. the drs office next door sent 2 nurses to investigate the screams . i got to 119 and quit. 5 years later i am not close to that. now it may be lose but i will put up with pain as long as i can. that is why i did stem cells for the other knee.

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1 reply
libertyusa | @libertyusa | May 14, 2019

Gosh. That sounds so painful and difficult. Is it appropriate to ask you where you had it done? If not the hospital then at least the city/state
Good luck with reaching the best point possible.

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