What to say to doctor?

[mypoorknee2]

I know that my doc performed an unnecessary lateral release on me.  Although it was my choice to go through with the surgery I don't feel that i was informed of the lengthy rehabilitation, loss of feeling, other potential long term pains associated with the surgery which are huge in comparison to my original symptoms which were clicking only when fully flexed not while walking and pain after long activities or some pain in cold weather, it was really nothing compared to the outcome of a lateral release.  Do I keep my follow up appointment with him?  Schedule with someone else?  What should I say to him?  I feel so emotionally and physically ill right now.  My whole life is turned upside down.  My family has to watch me 24 hours because I am such an emotional wreck and I'm not working anymore.  They are paying for all of my hospital bills which now include psychiatric care.  They have families to support and I am becoming a burden to them although I know they would support me no matter what I just don't want this.  I feel ill from the lack of exercise.  I've lost my relationship and dreams for the future.  Being active was a large part of my life.  Be

When you were recovering did you eat?  How do you make yourself eat?  I cannot eat now.  Everyone says that I won't heal if I don't eat.  I don't know how to eat anymore.  How do you make yourself focus?  I tried distracting myself with other things but nothing works, movies, tv books, they all hold no interest for me anymore.  I'm scared they remind me of what I had before.  I don't want to take the psych meds they are trying to prescribe me.  Everytime I go to a doctor about my cough they listen to my lungs and tell me it's nothing.  I was a normal person before all this.  I loved going to the gym, walking my dogs.  I loved everything.  I felt so confident.  I never felt dependent on anyone.  My knee is blue and I think it's from lack of circulation from the lateral release not allowing it to move enough.  My hands and arms get numb now?  I know I keep posting on this forum and it must be extremely annoying.  I just want to thank everyone for the support and whatever replies you have provided.  I'm just going crazy and need to talk to people about it.  I feel too young for this.  What do I do with this?   
   

[Nettan]

Not long since you had your surgery right ?
Rehab is one of the toughest things you can go through, more tough then the surgery itself.
I doubt that you can tell that the lateral release was a big mistake after so short time.
What you need to do is to focus on the exercises and do like PT tell you to get better, because you probably doesn't want to be stuck in one corner for ages ?
Meanwhile try to treat yourself with something funny. Just because you recently had surgery, doesn't mean that you have to be stuck at home doing nothing.
Eat when you are hungry or when you find something you want to eat no matter what that is.
I have had 3 surgeries on my better leg in 6 months time, I have a spinal damage and my other knee is damaged so I never can use that anymore, I live with pain 24/7...but no way i would let my legs take over my life.
You need to get some goals, then you have something to work for. For me my goals usually is some trip or something fun to do. I hate PT and I hate being in pain always..but still I can't stop fighting, cause I know better time will come and I will get better.
Loss of feeling can come back, you probably have swelling that still makes the knee feel weird.
Get something to focus on and I am sure you will beat this..noone else can do the rehab for you.

[mypoorknee2]

Hi Nettan,

Thank you for you message.  Wow, you are so strong.  You have been through so much.  I don't know where people get their strength from.  I guess I am just a spoiled girl who took everything for granted.  I'm so angry inside right now and scared.  How do you still find love for life?  I feel like I've lost my identity.  I was someone who was into running, walking, gym, swimming, climbing where is that now?  I loved my beautiful legs which seems ugly now.  How do you find yourself when you don't regognize who you are with this anymore?

[Nettan]

Seems like you all the time forget that you recently had surgery. You will in time be back doing everything you enjoyed if you work hard with rehab.
I have found new interests that is as fun as the old ones. Sometimes we need to adapt for shorter periods in life, before we get back to the life we normally have. Instead of looking at what you can't do now..see the possibilities in what you can.

[Silkncardcrafts]

Hi there,

It is really important that you take your psych meds otherwise you won't get better. Are you seeing a psychologist or counsellor at the moment ? I think you need to in order to help you through this.

I wouldn't bother going back to the surgeon who did your surgery if you don't trust them. Seek out another opinion.

Nettan is right. If you have some other things to focus on your life will be so much easier. I took up some new hobbies including silk painting, card making and have begun to do some study too.

In addition to my knee problems, I have also had surgery on both shoulders and left ankle. In the last 3 years I have had 5 operations. It has not been easy but I have been able to get through with a positive attitude, keeping busy and taking up some other hobbies.

As soon as you are able I would encourage you to do some volunteer work or find another job to keep your mind occupied. Working has been my saviour.

It is really important to keep a positive attitude and give your rehab 100%.