Author Topic: Question about reversal of lateral release (Read 675 times)

mypoorknee2 · « **on:** May 03, 2008, 09:10:16 PM »

Anyone who can advice please... am I dreaming to imagine that I could reverse my lateral release and get sensation back into my knee and also make it look less deformed? Would this be a major mistake to look into and only make my problems worse? I can feel the scar tissue inside my knee when I walk. I can't feel a large percentage of my knee which disgusts and freaks me out. I just know this was a big mistake that I made to do the lateral release in the first place. I feel physically defective and deformed. My family says that I just have to live with the choice that I made and no matter how my knee feels to be greatful that I am alive and keep going forward. I don't feel like myself anymore. Everyone can tell me that it's only been 4 weeks since my surgery but I know what I know and I know that I had a healthy knee before and coping with this is hard. Is there anyway to restore it or would it be a mistake to look into doing further which could damage my knee more?

Thank you.

brianne · « **Reply #1 on:** May 03, 2008, 09:43:23 PM »

The numbness is unfortunately a side effect from any surgery. Sometimes a nerve will get nicked and it will cause a large amount of numbness. I have numbness from the top of my knee all the way to my foot. It is very creepy and annoying, but it is harmless. Unfortunately I do not think that reversing the LR would solve this problem.

My advice, take a few deep breaths and relax. You are still so early into your recovery, way too soon to be thinking about more surgery.

Brianne

kimmyxs · « **Reply #2 on:** May 04, 2008, 01:19:09 AM »

My guess is that your OS won't do a reversal especially so early. Most people say it takes 6 months to feel near normal after a LR. I cannot really say because I had a bunch of other stuff going on after mine. In 4 months I was back in heels - not all day, but for several hours. At this time, doing further surgery would just compound what is already a problem. It won't eliminate the feeling of not feeling or numbness over the incision sites. 2 years after my surgery, I still have that problem. And yes, 4 weeks is way too soon. Are you doing PT? Are you icing after exercise? PT is the key to a successful surgery like this. Don't second guess yourself. Talk to your OS and PT about your concerns.

The physcial deformity is only in your head. Wear longer skirts, I don't like pants becauase they rub my scar and it feels wierd. Use vitamin E or a good lotion on the scars and they will go away. Swelling will eventually decrease, but good PT helps. Build the muscles back up. Wear your scars proudly. Count your blessings.

Now for reality. I doubt your surgeon would have done it had he/she not had a reason to do so. Give yourself time to heal physically and mentally.

doublemom · « **Reply #3 on:** May 04, 2008, 01:21:27 AM »

Try to hang in there and continue your current recovery before thinking of another operative procedure. If you feel scar tissue now, another surgery could possibly increase that. I'm facing meniscal tear surgery on May 13th with diagnostic scope to see how badly my kneecap cartilage is worn out (tilted and maltracking patella), and then will have to make the decision to live with the pain for a few more years or to ahead with a lateral release and TTT. I know that it's going to be a hard decision and that recovery will be long and not very fun, but it's part of my life and I'll have to deal with it.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that right now, you should put all of your energy and concentration on healing and getting your knee as strong as you can. The more you think "what if..." and stress out, the slower your knee will heal. It's tough, but it's a choice that you CAN make for yourself... you can spend time stressing and questioning yourself, or you can make a positive decision to put all of your energy and thought into healing and getting better. You can't change the fact that you've been through the lateral release, but you CAN make a conscious choice to focus on healing and strengthening from this point on and to make the best of it that you possibly can.

I'm sure once I have my surgery I'll be on this forum a lot more, and I'm sure I'll have "down" days as well. Though I haven't participated in the forum much to this point, I think this forum is going to be my sanity when I'm in recovery

Hang in there, and please keep us posted on how you're doing. Be strong!!!!

Andi

Silkncardcrafts · « **Reply #4 on:** May 04, 2008, 09:06:48 AM »

Hi there,

I totally agree with Andi. You need to focus on recovery and putting all your energy into that.

The only reason a OS would do a reversal is for medial instability, which I developed after my lateral releases on both knees. It wasn't due to my OS's misdiagnosis or ability. It is the sheer fact that my kneecaps are incredibly sensitive.

In just over 2 weeks I am having a trochleoplasty to salvage my left knee. I wouldn't wish this on anyone. At the moment I can't walk without my brace or sleep very well at night as my kneecap comes out both medially and laterally.

Your family are right, you are lucky to be alive and still have your leg.

Keep positive, it makes a real difference !!

Author Topic: Question about reversal of lateral release (Read 675 times)

mypoorknee2

Question about reversal of lateral release

brianne

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kimmyxs

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doublemom

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Silkncardcrafts

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