TKR serious burning inside of knee

Posted by bluesquirrel @bluesquirrel, Dec 1, 2021

I am 10 days out from my second TKR. About 4 or 5 days ago the inside of my knee started to burn and today it's like a hot coal sitting on my knee burning into it!
What is this burning and how can I get rid of it? It is going to mess up PT because I cant even do the exercises I need to do.
The area is a little warm but not excessive, it's not red except for a bruise near it. But the pain is unbearable and I end up in tears constantly!
Anyone have any knowledge about this and anything I can do to get rid of it. Ice helps some, but once the ice comes off the burn comes back. Not always full on, but still quite painful. I cant even narrow down what really brings it on or anything except the ice helps some.
I've seen other posts about this, but not any answers. I'll keep looking but hope someone can respond and help me out. Thanks!

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@bluesquirrel

@4tkr
I cant imagine having to go through 4 surgeries, especially on the same knee. I am so sorry to hear that! I hope it’s taken care of and you get back to “normal" soon.
As far as gabapenti goes, I am allergic to that medication so he tried using Elavil (?) but I only had that one night and that was the night before I ended up in the hospital so I’m not sure whether or not it would work for me.
Thanks for the encouragement! I have to keep moving forward, I've come this far so no turning back or giving up.
Thank you!

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Great attitude. Thank you for your reply.

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REPLY
@irish283

Hello, I just read your comment on your second TKR….IM SO SORRY YOU HAVE TO GO THROUGH THIS.
I have a question for you. Are you or did you ever have allergy testing done before either of your TKR.?
I was never allergic in all my years (which is over 70). It was after my TKR that I found out I am allergic to neomycin (antibiotic) and methyl methacrylate ( this is the composite which holds the glue together! I found out normally, if you have a good doctor then.(he/she ) dr. should have sent you for allergy testing.. I’m 16 mo. Post operative, saw 9 drs! 2 were out of state, all due due to pain that I still The #9;dr. Suggested that I take an LTT blood test which, isn’t covered by insurance.
My Dr. Found out that I’m Not allergic to ANYTHING, that was inside my knee. But I am allergic to the methyl methyl me but, only topically!. It might give you some insight as to what’s going on for you. My dr. also sent me for an
MRI and he took x rays,
I wish you good health in your future. I hope I have given you some insight and something to think about as you move forward. Good luck on this journey!
Irish283

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@irish283
Hello, thanks for contributing to my question.
I have never done any type of allergy test. That did go through my head though, with a panic, what would happen if that were the case? Ugh!
I had an xray right after the surgery, or I was hallucinating that they did that lol! But I go Tuesday for my post op and get xrays then. So far everyone has said the joint seems to be good. I think it’s this lump that appeared on the inside. Doc said it’s a hematoma and probably pressing on a nerve which causes the pain. He isnt concerned about it though, so I’m trying to not worry about that either.
(It’s just a strange and solid and sensitive lump)
Thanks again! All ideas and insight are very appreciated!

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@bluesquirrel

@artscaping
When I say the PT beat me up, its generally within reason to keep progress. It just feels so intense! But I know they arent there to cause harm. The PTs I deal with are all very nice and supportive and reassuring.
I will be looking into the Myofacial Realeae Therapy. Heck, I have some time to fill right now because the pain got so bad (the burning) yesterday that I was admitted to the hospital to get it under control. They are keeping me yet tonight.
The doctor said the lump in my leg is probably a hematoma and possibly pressing on a nerve, which is why the pain is so bad. I guess it will resolve itself. So far though the pain is better controlled. I had IV meds overnight, and now just oral meds so they can figure out the dosage and schedule I will need when I go home tomorrow.
I'll keep posting my adventure as I go.

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Good afternoon @bluesquirrel, Oh my goodness.......I am so sorry that your pain became uncontrollable at home. It does sound like the hospital folks are going to make sure you have the burning pain tolerable. Enjoy the pain-free time.

(Oh and by the way....I knew what you meant by "beat me up". No worries.).

It does seem that your pain is from nerve issues and that it can be controlled. What can be done about a hematoma pressing on a nerve? That may be something that MFR can tackle. I don't know about its ability to resolve itself. I will check with my therapist and see what she says.

There is quite a bit of information and discussion about MFR in groups dealing with "nerve pain". You may want to start with "Strolling under the Skin" a video on Youtube, It demonstrates quite well how fascia moves inside your body.

RE: MFR. Did I give you the site? myofascialrelease.com
And on Mayo Connect.....the discussion is headlined...."Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) for treating compression and pain". @jenniferhunter is acclaimed for her knowledge and understanding of the how and why of this medical treatment. Perhaps she will have a moment to connect with you. Don't tell her that I told you about her national acclaim as an artist.

Final inquiry for today. If you are going home, is there someone at home with you to make sure you take the right medications? Do you need help?

May you be safe, protected, and free from inner and outer harm.

Chris

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@bluesquirrel

I wondered if a tens unit would be beneficial, bit I'm always afraid to try something unless the doc says it would be ok. I see him Tuesday so maybe I'll ask him then. I've used it in the past for other things and its usually been benficial so it cant hurt to ask. Thanks for the suggestion.
When I'm not I the pain I was in, I do good. I was at 80 and 0 4 days after surgery, but with the pain and some added swelling that drastically dropped to I think 50.
I was hospitalized yesterday for the pain and I am now doing better, but cant go home until tomorrow. Still, I know i have to take this a day at a time and push myself a little, but not too much.

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God bless you….like you said day at a time… I would ask your dr. I am glad you got some relief sorry you had to go hospital to get it…. But whatever it takes …. Hope you are on your feet with less pain soon

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@artscaping

Good afternoon @bluesquirrel, Oh my goodness.......I am so sorry that your pain became uncontrollable at home. It does sound like the hospital folks are going to make sure you have the burning pain tolerable. Enjoy the pain-free time.

(Oh and by the way....I knew what you meant by "beat me up". No worries.).

It does seem that your pain is from nerve issues and that it can be controlled. What can be done about a hematoma pressing on a nerve? That may be something that MFR can tackle. I don't know about its ability to resolve itself. I will check with my therapist and see what she says.

There is quite a bit of information and discussion about MFR in groups dealing with "nerve pain". You may want to start with "Strolling under the Skin" a video on Youtube, It demonstrates quite well how fascia moves inside your body.

RE: MFR. Did I give you the site? myofascialrelease.com
And on Mayo Connect.....the discussion is headlined...."Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) for treating compression and pain". @jenniferhunter is acclaimed for her knowledge and understanding of the how and why of this medical treatment. Perhaps she will have a moment to connect with you. Don't tell her that I told you about her national acclaim as an artist.

Final inquiry for today. If you are going home, is there someone at home with you to make sure you take the right medications? Do you need help?

May you be safe, protected, and free from inner and outer harm.

Chris

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I was originally only supposed to be here for one night, but it turned into two. But I am doing a lot better.
I know the pain is better under control now, but I have this fear that as soon as I leave it's going to come back. Irrational fear, I know it is.
I have my wife at home taking care of me. She does a great job and is an amazing caregiver!
I will look at done of the videos and info about the mfr. Thanks again for sharing and help!

REPLY
@irish283

Hello, I just read your comment on your second TKR….IM SO SORRY YOU HAVE TO GO THROUGH THIS.
I have a question for you. Are you or did you ever have allergy testing done before either of your TKR.?
I was never allergic in all my years (which is over 70). It was after my TKR that I found out I am allergic to neomycin (antibiotic) and methyl methacrylate ( this is the composite which holds the glue together! I found out normally, if you have a good doctor then.(he/she ) dr. should have sent you for allergy testing.. I’m 16 mo. Post operative, saw 9 drs! 2 were out of state, all due due to pain that I still The #9;dr. Suggested that I take an LTT blood test which, isn’t covered by insurance.
My Dr. Found out that I’m Not allergic to ANYTHING, that was inside my knee. But I am allergic to the methyl methyl me but, only topically!. It might give you some insight as to what’s going on for you. My dr. also sent me for an
MRI and he took x rays,
I wish you good health in your future. I hope I have given you some insight and something to think about as you move forward. Good luck on this journey!
Irish283

Jump to this post

The MRI & x-ray were for possible allergy issues?
Thank you for the allergy data.

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I just came from my post op appointment after the surgery.
I posted an answer to my original question after I'd talked to professionals about it. Today, I received another answer to the possible cause.of the burning. I'll put a picture of my xray here.
The pin that is supposed to be in the joint has come out. The lump that showed up 5 days ago was probably the pin poking out. When I went into the ER last Friday, my wife specifically pointed this out to them, and I made sure the surgeon was aware when he saw me Saturday morning. He was not concerned.
The short version of the last 5 days is that the pain intensified on Friday and I ended up in the hospital to control pain. Others at the hospital questioned it, bit doc wasnt so it was bypassed so to speak. Released sunday and back in er that night, then sent home. Discomfort since then, but it's been bearable.
Today I found out about this pin issue.
Im sorry if I missed anything and there is more questions anyone may have, please ask!
I'm trying to stay positive and focus on moving forward, but it's very disappointing to have to go through this.
If someone has this and you go into the er or docs office, ask for an xray! Better it be nothing than to have to go through all of this!

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@bluesquirrel

I just came from my post op appointment after the surgery.
I posted an answer to my original question after I'd talked to professionals about it. Today, I received another answer to the possible cause.of the burning. I'll put a picture of my xray here.
The pin that is supposed to be in the joint has come out. The lump that showed up 5 days ago was probably the pin poking out. When I went into the ER last Friday, my wife specifically pointed this out to them, and I made sure the surgeon was aware when he saw me Saturday morning. He was not concerned.
The short version of the last 5 days is that the pain intensified on Friday and I ended up in the hospital to control pain. Others at the hospital questioned it, bit doc wasnt so it was bypassed so to speak. Released sunday and back in er that night, then sent home. Discomfort since then, but it's been bearable.
Today I found out about this pin issue.
Im sorry if I missed anything and there is more questions anyone may have, please ask!
I'm trying to stay positive and focus on moving forward, but it's very disappointing to have to go through this.
If someone has this and you go into the er or docs office, ask for an xray! Better it be nothing than to have to go through all of this!

Jump to this post

Good afternoon and thanks for the X-ray and an explanation of your pin issue. I guess you could get in a hizzy fit about this. Or just take as lesson #1. Always ask for an X-ray. Good advice. Will you need a revision surgery already? I can't even think about that but I will be here for you along with your other Connect friends.

May you have happiness and the causes of happiness.
Chris

REPLY
@artscaping

Good afternoon and thanks for the X-ray and an explanation of your pin issue. I guess you could get in a hizzy fit about this. Or just take as lesson #1. Always ask for an X-ray. Good advice. Will you need a revision surgery already? I can't even think about that but I will be here for you along with your other Connect friends.

May you have happiness and the causes of happiness.
Chris

Jump to this post

@artscaping
Sorry, I meant to put that in there. I have surgery on Friday to replace the pin.
I used to not worry about surgery, but I cant help but get anxiety about it. It will be good though, fix this and move forward with therapy and healing. Forward progress.

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@bluesquirrel

@artscaping
Sorry, I meant to put that in there. I have surgery on Friday to replace the pin.
I used to not worry about surgery, but I cant help but get anxiety about it. It will be good though, fix this and move forward with therapy and healing. Forward progress.

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Thanks. I am glad you don't worry about surgery anymore. Just anxiety, right. I have surgery on my hand on Thursday. I am realistic and a bit anxious myself. It is my dominant hand so lots of things I do depend
on some help from that hand. I have been practicing brushing my teeth with my other hand. Not very good
at it. Just for the info......most folks have the non-dominant hand go first because it is always the hand that holds things for the dominant hand. Whether it be sewing or digging one hand has to hold the object. And that hand will wear out first. I am going to be 80 in a few months and I will need both hands to blow out the candles.

Please check-in when you can on Friday. Hopefully, the little pin can be slipped right in where it belongs.

May you be physically healthy.
May you be mentally healthy.
Chris

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