PFR-Knee pain-Who has had this?

[Mr.F]

Hello everybody,

Well I went to my OS today and I have a story for you.  Before I get into this story I wish I wrote down what happened to me along the way.  I could have written a book and nobody would have believed this was a true story. I have not told anyone my age.  I am young to have the types, and amounts, of surgery on each knee.  Unfortunately doctors look at me as an age not as a person.  I am in "good" health (except my knees).  I do not complain, cry, or whine.  If my OS said run 3 miles I could do this.  I would be in tremendous pain, and he would not see me cry, complain, or whine.  Because of this I am looked as a hypochondriac.

So today I went to my OS.  I went into x-ray and had 4 different views of my knees.  One view was problematic.  After the 4th x-ray the person finally got the angle correct to see the back of the patella (the sun set view).  Actually this is my favorite since you can see the groove between the patella and the femur.  And yes the right knee had the smooth grove.

I was sent to the little examining room.  So here I was sitting and waiting.  And waiting.  And waiting.  Oh, did I mention waiting.  (I was the last person seen so how come I was kept waiting?)  When the OS came in he went right to the x-rays.  I tried to see them.  I noticed when I moved so did he.  (Everything is done electronically so they were on the computer).  I finally was able to see 2 of them.  (He knows that I can read an x-ray so he does not like me seeing them.  Which is the same of almost all OS I have ever seen). 

He asks me "It was the right knee that I operated on?"  Hello, you have my file, you are looking at my history electronically, and you have to ask me this.  Wow!  He tells me everything looks fine.  Any questions.  (He did not touch my leg, knee, bend anything, ask any questions).  Remember this is a follow up from surgery and a let's see what is going on with the left knee and prepare our plans for what is next (left knee). 

I have felt something not natural in the right knee (along the scar line).  I could not make out what it is (feels like bumps, almost knots).  My therapists felt this and said it was man made.  They were not sure what it is.  My OS felt the area and tells me they are sutures.  They will be in you the rest of your life.  Wow! Thanks for telling me this 6 months post op in a follow up visit.  Not before surgery, a week or two after, or one of my last 2 visits.  Also this area is sore and I have pain sleeping on it.

Well he tells me the pain in my knee could be short term (well if it was short term wouldn't have gone away already), last a couple of years, or I can have this the rest of my life.  Only time will tell.  WTF?  Are you kidding me.  (I am still calm and rational).

At this point he checks my left knee.  Again since I do not complain, whine, or cry (but he can see the look on my face and I am in pain as he manipulates the knee) he feels there is nothing wrong.  Anything else he says.  I tell him that the meds he gave me caused my acid reflux to kick in something fierce after 1 week and that I stopped taking them.  We talked about this and he said there are 5 meds and all have the same side effects. 

I was hoping he would get the hint and talk about my left knee and our new plan.  That was what this visit was for.  I decided on a new hint.  I told him that at physical therapy the left knee would catch and pop at 80 degrees so we worked around this.  He shook his head in agreement.  He said I guess you'll just have to live with this.  WTF?  "I GUESS YOU WILL JUST HAVE TO LIVE WITH THIS."  In other words I refuse to do anything since you are young, I have never seen this problem before, I do not want to deal with you, and/or I am afraid of a lawsuit.  (This is not the first OS to do something like this to me).

So I gathered my things together and head out to the front.  Remember to come back in 6 months he said as he left the room.  I went up to the front of the office, talked to the receptionist, and she gave me a card to call in May (his appointment book was not set up for that far in advance). 

I got home, told my wife about my ordeal, and threw away the card.  Why would I go back to this.  I need a second opinion.  Now the "fun" really begins.  I need to find an OS who will look at me not a number (my age).  The one thing I miss after this move was my OS, at least he listened to me.

And on a totally different event I would like to take my son to the Science Museum this weekend.  That is if my knees let me.  We already made it to our local library.  We saw the pictures they took of an event last weekend we went to.  And yes we made it in some of the pictures.

Take care and have an adventurous weekend,

Mr.F

[TwoBadKneesUSA]

No pun intended but I feel your pain.  Before I had my PFJR my prev OS suggested I take pain pills and come back in 10 years for a TKR.  At least he did say there was no more he could do surgically for me at this point in time.  So I went hunting for a new OS. 

My trouble is not that I found him, we have new insurance he does not take, so am waiting and trying to figure out what to do with my right knee.

Good luck finding anohter OS.

Milly

[Mr.F]

Hello everybody,

Sorry for not posting in awhile.  Work, work, work, and more work.  Also I was sick and running around with the family.  I still am enjoying my job.  I have been given 2, possibly, 3 more new charges.  One is working on a website (just got this charge yesterday).  Let the fun begin.

So I wanted to post some updates.  I am still on the hunt for a new OS.  After being blown off I am a little weary about recommendations (I am much younger than most people who had replacements so age is a factor).  I have talked to a couple of friends who are calling around for me.

This week we got hit by snow so I have had the fun of shoveling us out.  Not so bad this year.  Last year we had 3-4 feet of snow.  It is warming up so some of the snow melted and we are heading out soon.

Which brings me to the next update.  I have been waking up with terrible knee pain.  So today we are going mattress shopping.  Hopefully we can find a mattress that helps reduce knee pain.  (No recommendations for this).

Well I have to go breakfast is calling.....Take care,
Mr.F

[Mr.F]

Hello everybody,

Well let me see...where do I start.  I believe one of my supervisors must have felt pity for me.  He ended up falling at work.  We talked and he said it looks like the knee is bruised.  He gets his MRI results next week.  I guess he never realized I had both knees replaced, so he is waiting on the results and then we will meet again.

As for my need charges at work.  One never got started since the accident (mentioned above).  And the second one was postponed until Monday.  As for the third it has been hectic.  New work, presentations, and follow-up daily.  On top of this new programs and databases.  The fun never stops.

I have been so busy I have not had the opportunity to seek out a new OS.  And this is coming back to "kick" me in the knee.  (I am serious).  Today when I got home from work I was getting ready to go out to dinner with the family.  My wife was on the computer and I was walking towards our bedroom when "CRACK", and down I went.  I felt my left knee give and I could not put pressure on it.  (It felt like someone hit or kicked me in the knee).  So all night I have been dealing with the terrible pain.  (I had my son feel my knee when I tried to bend it and he was disgusted with all the cracking and popping in the knee).

The good news is we are getting our new bed tomorrow.  I will keep you posted on the type of bed and how it impacts my knees.  I do not want to post anything about the bed until I have slept on it for awhile.  Then I will tell you all about it.  (If it is as comfortable as it was in the store I will finally wake up with no knee, and related back, pain.

The excitement for this weekend so far is my knee pain, the bed being delivered tomorrow, and five loads of laundry (and 2-3 more loads waiting).  I did clean out what I take to work and lighten my load to a third of the weight.  My back, neck, and knees were thanking me.  Wow the stuff I carried around.  (I found at least 3 books, tons of paper, a serge protector (for the computer, LCD, speaker, and printer in my office), and 4-5 legal pads.  (Not to mention the laptop, power cord, 4 folders from trainings, paperwork on the new software and database, along with other miscellaneous items).

Well this is all for now.  To all of you who are reading this have a fantastic weekend.  Go out and enjoy so quality time with your family.

Take care,
Mr.F

[Mr.F]

Hello everybody,

Well I said I was not going to post any information about the new bed for awhile....But I had the best night's sleep in years.  Wow what a difference.  (I am not going to post the name of the company or anything like this...yet).  I know the bed is 1 day old but here are the ways it has helped: 1) Less, severely less, knee pain.  The major pain I have is in my right knee where my OS left stitches in my leg.  2) Lower back-wow no pain from pressure points in the mattress.  3) Ease of comfort and falling asleep.  4) Finally no tossing and turning.

I slept about 10 hours last night.  (Normally I sleep 5-6 hours).  What a difference a good night's sleep makes.  Oh, I forgot to mention one benefit for us knee people.  The foot of the bed is adjustable.  We moved our feet up and this impacts sleeping.  Also after surgery no pillows under the legs (which can be moved by tossing and turning).

Have a fantastic day...I am....

Mr. F

[Mr.F]

Hello everyone,

Well its been awhile since I posted.  I am still loving the new bed.  It is a memory foam bed.  I do not experience the pain of the regular mattress (not the same pressure points as a regular bed).  My back is feeling so much better.  No knee pain when I roll during the night.  And a much better night's sleep.

As for my left knee.  WOW I AM IN PAIN.  I have no idea what happened.  The other day at work I started to feel the pain level rise.  And today it new heights.  During lunch 2 people came to my office to talk.  One was telling me about his move in March and the other was checking on a lunch we are scheduling for next week.  I moved to my left and bent my left leg....pop, pop, pop went my left knee.  After his I have had difficulty walking and standing on my left leg.  (It got so bad I am using my cane).

I had a meeting after work Monday, Wednesday (a 13 and a half hour work day), and today.  It was difficult to remain focused and on task.  The pain is consuming my thoughts.  When I got home I was thinking about going to a hospital.  I hope I do not have trouble falling asleep.

I am going to call hospitals tomorrow to see if I can get a recommendation for an OS.

Take care,

Mr.F

[Mr.F]

Hello everybody....

I have a question for all of you out in cyber land.  I am going to get a second opinion on my left knee.  Unfortunately all the doctors that are recommended work out of the same practice.  (I have been told of 4 doctors that have operated on people who are younger with knee problems, talked to them, and had very good results).  Normally this would be fantastic news.  BUT I have already seen two doctors out of this practice.  I set up an appointment with one of these doctors (not for another month).  I am thinking about how I should approach these issues: 1)continuing knee problems, 2)bad advice from the doctor (play any sports, no limitations, no impact on implants), and 3)doctor's bedside manner (attitude towards himself and others).

Yes I am looking for another doctor outside of this practice.  Unfortunately this group has the best OSs in my area.  I am looking out of state and asking around.  I have been given the names of hospitals, not doctors.  I do not want to drive 2-4 hours (one way) to end up with the same doctor blowing me off attitude (age related) I can get here.

Thanks for the advice...
Mr.F

[Mr.F]

Hello everybody,

Well this week has taken a turn for the worse.  My left knee is now "going".  I am having a difficult time standing and walking.  During the week my knee popped 3 times when I moved my left leg during lunch.  Since then I have been in pain.  (Knowing that I have had 7 operations, 2 knee replacements, and dealing with knee issues almost 70% of my life this lets you know how bad it really is). 

Since my old OS told me "I will just have to deal with it", I have been on the hunt for a new OS.  I have been on-line, asking friends and family, and co-workers for recommendations.  I finally found a new OS.  The down side is that I have to wait another month for my appointment.

The pain in my knee has become so bad that I am passing out on the sofa when I get home from work.  On Friday I called my new OS about what he can do.  Unfortunately his office gave me the answer I thought they would.  "Since you have not seen the doctor we can not prescribe any medications".  (I figured this would be the case because he does not want a lawsuit).  I was hesitant, but caved and called my old OS.  After waiting over an hour I finally got a call back with the answer that he would call in an NSAID, Mobic.  (This is how "fantastic" my old OS is...He gave me Mobic in December and I had to stop taking it after 3 days...acid reflux.  What makes this even worse is that I had a January appointment and we talked about this.  Great listening skills, note taking, and keeping my records current).  So the nurse changed the meds to another NSAID.  (Not working)

Oh...I forgot to mention that I woke up at 2 am on Friday to find that I could not move my left leg (knee was stuck).  It took some time put I got a nice crack and pop out of the joint and I could not fall asleep after that.  (I call my left knee the rice crispy knee.  If you are not sure why go to youtube and play a rice crispy commercial, what is their catch line?  That is how my knee feels).

So here I am today in unbelievable pain.  I can not get comfortable.  Every time I move my leg I can feel the knee shake and pop.  It does not help that the weather is cold and somewhat overcast.  I am going to call an urgent care center today to see if I can make an appointment and see what they can do.

Fun...Fun...Fun...

I hope you have an enjoyable weekend...spent it with friends, family, or someone you love... Take care,

Mr.F

[TwoBadKneesUSA]

I am sorry to hear about your knee issues.  I hope the new OS can do something for you.  It's too bad you have to wait so long to see him. Maybe urgent care will be able to get you a stop gap of some kind.  Hope you get something positve soon.

Milly

[Mr.F]

Hi Milly,

How are you doing?  I am glad to see your post.  The pain meds I was given are a stop gap measure to make it through until I can be seen by a new OS.  It did take some of the edge off (for several hours).  The main downside is that you can not drive, work, or think on your feet when you are on this type of medication.  (Also you can become addicted, become reliant on them, and go through withdrawal if you are not careful.  This is why I take one a day).
Through all of this I try to keep a positive outlook.  I know that this is a temporary issue.  I will find an OS who will work with me and that I will get relief soon.

Take care,
Mr.F

[Mr.F]

Hello everybody,

Well yesterday I walked and walked and walked.  I do not know the actual miles I walked but it was amazing.  (Along with chasing buses).  I did enjoy a good meal with a co-worker, other people, and our boss.  It was great to get out and have so fun during the day.

Unfortunately I came home and could not walk.  I was stuck on the sofa with ice packs and pain meds.  It was very difficult to hold a conversation with my and son.  All I could hear was blah...blah...blah.  It was difficult sleeping.  I could not get comfortable.  Rolling to my left put pressure on my bad knee.  Rolling to my right and I put pressure on my recovering knee (bad news...I spent most of the day applying more pressure to my right knee to assist with taking some pain away from my left knee).

When I woke up today I was moving slow.  My right knee was feeling much better.  My left knee was still in pain.  Today I was moving slowly (feeling the pain).  I am looking forward to this weekend for some down time with my son.  We are going to build (hopefully) a water rock.  We are planning out our design and launcher.  Should be fun.  (Just need to find an open field to launch it...and away to store water so we can launch the rocket several times).

Have a fantastic day and a fun weekend...Enjoy your Friday,

Mr.F

[Mr.F]

Hello everybody,
Well I am sorry for not posting in awhile.  I have been very busy at work.  New presentations, databases, power points, ideas, trainings, etc.  On top of all of this my knee is killing me.  I passed out on the sofa today.  The pain in my left knee was unbarable.
Oh, I forgot I got a new toy.  Well I was loaned a new toy.  I am playing on right now.  My boss gave me an iPad to see what it is capable of, how we can use it at work, and reengage those who need motivation.  I am loving the iPad.  (And now the news that the new iPad 3 is coming out March 7).
Besides this nothing is new and exciting here.   Oh, do to inclement weather my son and I never had the opportunity to make a water rock, and possibly a launcher for the water rocket.
Take care,
Mr.F

[TwoBadKneesUSA]

New toys are fun!  I have a new laptop at home and am liking it so far.  What would the iPad be used for at your office.  Can you do word processing on it out of the box?  Just wondering as I have not had the chance to play with one.

Too bad you did not get to make the rocket.  Sounds like fun!

We are working on a big system conversion still.  Lots of leg work for me in the next few weeks.  Not sure how happy the back and right knee are going to be, but will find a way.  The new system sounds interesting, but will wait and see.

Hope you can get the rocket launched this weekend.

Milly

[Mr.F]

Hello everybody,
Milly it is great hearing from you.  Sounds like you will be busy at work.  Hopefully your knee and back wont let you down.  Which laptop did you get?

The iPad does not come with Microsoft products.  There is a great app called Docs to Go.  You get word, PowerPoint, excel, and access for about $17.  I have been playing with this for about two days and I have found out how to create useful documents and presentations.  I was at a traing yesterday using my iPad (while others were taking notes).  So I could research topics, create documents, take pictures or videos, and e mail them to all present.  (There are some slight differences between what a laptop can do and what the iPad can do).

Another app I purchased is for FileMaker Pro.  I can create a database and sync it with my iPad and run the database from my iPad. Or I can connect to a server and run the database.  Very cool app.

As for my knee that is another story.  I am sure anyone with knee problems is tired of hearing this (or feeling this), I hate arthritis.  My arthritis has kicked in something fierce.  I asked this all day, does anyone have a hacksaw?  I feel a very bad night coming on.  Either that or I will pass out in pain.

Since horrible weather is predicted this weekend it looks like the water rocket is put back on hold.  All we need is some sunny weather.  We do not care if it is cold or not.

Well have a fantastic weekend and enjoy some time with friends and family....

Take care,
Mr. F

[TwoBadKneesUSA]

I got a toshiba satellite with an AMD quad processor for a bit o101aming at home.  Love the backlight on the keyboard, makes typing in darker areas so much easier.  It also has the keypad.  The ipad apps sound pretty cool.  I can see some possibilities, but trying to convince folks that it it not magic right out of the box.  Got the basic conversion stuff worked out with the new windows server, next week we put all the PCs on the new domain.  Working on adjusting the meds for pain and been a bit more comfortable.  Just hope all the leg work does not kick up the arthritis.  Know how it goes, it really stinks.  The weather is quite cold and damp today so the pain is a bit more than usual.

Wonder if there is some sync process or app for Access and the iPad?

Milly