Revision total knee replacement after 5 yrs. of hell!

[Suejs14]

Lizbet - my PT gave me a new way to increase ROM, pretty slick, too.  If you have access to a leg press machine . . . move the back support/slide a notch closer than you would normally use, put the weight low (10#), put both feet on the pad and extend, bringing the pad back all the way.  If it is easy (on flex), then move your feet lower on the pad @ 3" (or 1/2 the non-slip tread strip) and repeat.  I do 10 - 12 reps at a challenging flex (meaning my feet are moving lower on the pad), until it is easy at that spot . . . then lower my feet another couple of inches.

Sue JS

[Lizbet]

Thanks for the info Sue,
     I will try the leg presses  at the gym today and let you know how it works.  I'm starting to get real sore when I push for more flexion so I'm wondering if I'm maxed out.  I'll talk with my OS next week when I go see him.
          I have a web site for Parla to check out.  I found an OR live showing a revision surgery using the stems.  The doctor talks about the knee and why the stems.  Also talks about the ingrowth of bone etc... Very informative for anyone thinking about revision.  He really makes it look easy if you can watch the video.  Kind of graphic but very positive and good information.   here's the site www.orlive.com/depuy/videos/rotating-platform-revision-knee-replacement

       If  I hadn't already had mine done I would think about going to this Doc for a revision.

Lizbet

[drmark]

Russ Nevins made a great viedo.  He is my Dr. Teitge for revision total knees.

[Lizbet]

Wow it's nice to know there's an ortho surgeon that reads some of these posts.  Thanks, Dr. Mark. I think it is really helpful when a Doctor chimes in with thoughts and advice.  Thanks for caring enough.
       I got on a horse today for the first time in 6 years.  Riding is my sport of choice and there were definitely times during the last years that I wasn't so sure I'd every be able to do it again.  I've had a smile on my face ever since I got off the critter.  Of course my husband is not so keen on the idea of me riding again.  He just sees dollar signs and crazy horses bucking me off.  He's got a point on the crazy horses part but I'll stick to the old geezer horses.  As for the money, I think when I stop PT and going to all these fancy Doctors and clinics I'll probably come out ahead paying for a horse!
      Enough rambling, I've got some hope to hang on to.

Lizbet

[Suejs14]

Lizbet - RIDING!  Yippee.  I am so happy for you.  Give the horsies some hugs for me.

Sue JS

[Lizbet]

Hello to all,
Haven't posted for awhile.  So a quick ubdate.  I saw the OS last week and he thinks I'll be ready to solo without PT in one month.  Wow I've been in PT almost constant for almost 6 years!!!  He did give me a script for massage therapy to try and work on the tight tendon issues.   That was a shock as every time before when I bring up massage the other Docs just said it wouldn't help.  It probably wouldn't have with the big knee but now this one seems to fit so I am hopeful that massage will stretch out the tissues a little more and get rid of more of the pain on the lateral side.  It is less but still gets sore when I walk very far.  I am doing more and more outdoors.  The OS said I have a big scar ball where all three tendons on the lateral side cross and parallel each other scared together with the trauma from the last knee.  Stretching on the stairs does loosen things and makes the pain go away temporarily so I'm still hopeful I'll get it stretched out enough to walk a mile.  That's my goal.  I was able to actively extend to 1 degree at my last PT.  I think the straightening is helping also.   So, will keep up the fight for life without pain.  Thanks for all the helpful responses.

Lizbet

[Suejs14]

Great news, Lizbet!  I think that therapeutic massage is a great idea!  Ask if you could do scar massage and if it would help the scar ball.  I did it on my incision (loaded with adhesions) beginning at 6 weeks and kept it up for at least 6 weeks -- my knee cap is now fully mobile.  I found it easiest to do when in the pool - wet fingers create better traction, I think.  Wow - what a new life ahead of you.  Yippee!

Sue JS

[Lizbet]

Thanks for the tip on scar massage Sue sort of.  I mentioned it to my PT guy's assistant.  ( my regular guy was out of town) It was kind of a mistake.  He really zeroed in on the painful area and kind of over did it.  Maybe in the long run it will be better but I had a painful weekend.  I'm going to try massaging the scarred area with a little less intensity.  I did go to a massage therapist Monday who worked all the muscles around the knee and not the painful scar ball and that was great.  I walked out pain free and pretty loose in the knee so I'm going to keep going to her.  The whole process is a lot of trial and error to find what works for your particular situation.  I haven't made any progress in flexion for a few weeks may have to be OK with less than 120 degrees.  Hope your move is going well. I'm heading out on a vacation to the San Juan Islands and Long beach Washington.  I'll post when I get back.

Happy Healing
Lizbet

[Lizbet]

I'm back after a relaxing vacation.  Actually walked about .5 mile to a lighthouse!!  Pretty stoked to be able to do this and some small bike rides near the beach.  When I got back my flexion was still pretty good about 115 so my PT was happy.  I really think I should just travel on vacation for awhile.  My leg seems to like that!!  I think you don't do as much when you are away from your home looking at all the to-dos.  I didn't ice it much while I was gone but now I'm back to the sore cycle at night.  Stop my whining already I know it is so much better that it was last year at this time.  I don't know where my cane or crutches are.

Just got finished writing two letters to my first two surgeons who dropped me like a hot potato when I didn't get better after their surgeries.  I'm sending them notes from my revision surgery and some questions for them about my care.  I'm pretty certain I won't get a reply from either of them but it felt good to write the letters.

I wish good recoveries to all

Lizbet

[Lizbet]

Hello all,
     Just had  my 5th month check up with my OS.  He is very pleased with my progress and am down to once a week PT and then I'll be done in a month.  Wow, pretty amazing that the body can heal after all this trauma.  I'm finally off all pain meds after 6 years.  I walk right by those electric carts in the grocery store.  My PT says he can barely detect a limp.  Overall a pretty good report.  Haven't heard from my first surgeon but didn't expect a response.  Oh, Well I'm just focusing on the positive side of things now.  I wish everyone good luck in your struggles and answers to your problems.

Lizbet

[Suejs14]

I love "graduation" stories.  What a long road you've travelled - but your perseverance has kept you going - all the way back to being healed.  That's such great news.  Take cte and enjoy!

Sue JS

[MamaAce]

I know this is kind of after the fact nkw, but my Physical Terrorist, I mean Physical Therapist suggested massaging the scar with vitamin E oil.  It worked pretty well for me in the past.

Jamee

[Lizbet]

Thanks Jamee and Sue for the notes.
    After a bad week I'm on the mend again.  My knee / lateral tendons keep reminding me that they were abused for the last 6 years and it is not going to be the traditional recovery most people with knee replacement have.  I have found some new ways to stretch my IT band on the arm of the couch that seem to not put pressure on the scarred area.  The more I stretch the better it moves as long as I don't over do.  That is the delicate balance.  I'm fighting with Aetna insurance to continue PT.  They think I've had enough.  We'll see how that goes.  I'd like to stop too but am afraid of the back slide as I am still trying to manage the recovery without overdoing. I can't get the degree of stretching that my PT guy does.   I will keep going even if they don't pay as this has been a long haul and I want to continue getting better.  Thanks to everyone who has responded to me.  I will give updates occasionally now as my progress has plateaued somewhat so there's not as much to talk about.

wishing everyone speedy healing,

Lizbet

[Suejs14]

Good luck, Lizbet, with the rehab and especially with Aetna

Sue JS

[Lizbet]

Just a quick update.  I was released from PT two weeks ago and now my husband is my stretcher guy.  So far so good.  I've been walking a fair amount Christmas shopping and being pretty active without too much pain.  Only a pain pill once in awhile at night.  I'm starting to believe that I will be  able to lead a relatively normal life soon.  It has been a long time since I've had those thoughts.  Pretty heady stuff.  I just hope it continues.  Good luck to everyone recovering.  Have a good holiday season with lots of friends and family!


Lizbet