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Author Topic: New problems  (Read 178 times)

Offline opal

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New problems
« on: May 11, 2012, 02:02:23 PM »
I'm back after quite a few years, having had a TTT in 2002, but now have new problems.  My ortho has told me that "at some point" I will have to have TKR in both knees, but they still have some life left in them.  (Experienced, well-respected Boston ortho).  Last weekend, I was sitting "indian style" on the floor working on a craft project, when the medial side of my "good" knee began to ache.  I decided to change positions and began to get up.  My knee got 'stuck' and as I rose, something snapped on the medial side and hurt like nothing I've ever felt before.  Since, it's very swollen all around the medial side and kneecap.  It swells more as the day goes on.  I cannot take time off from work.  The other complicating factor is that I have lost my health insurance as of Jan. 1 and won't be able to get it until Medicare kicks in, years from now.  My DH is ill and totally disabled, so I'm the only one working.  (Yes, he has health ins. thank goodness). 

I suspect I've probably torn the meniscus (been there, done that years ago and have had arthroscopy x3 on this knee).  It's been stable for at least 12 years.  My question to all you experts is this.  If I do nothing, given my history of meniscus tears, osteoarthritis, etc. will this 'injury' progress to something more?  I definitely do not have $$ for uninsured surgery!  Thanks to anyone who might be able to help.

Opal
7 arthroscopies on both knees since 1991; many torn menesci and plica syndrome; TTT 5/23/02 for maltracking patella.  Screws removed on 4/16/03!!!

Offline kneepaincure

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Re: New problems
« Reply #1 on: May 14, 2012, 06:10:38 AM »
Sorry to hear about your continuing troubles. I'm not very knowledgeable about cartilage issues but maybe someone else here can help, although the 'snap' and swelling does sound like a cartilage injury. Hopefully it won't progress but I don't see how the pain can go away, except maybe with steroids?.

Can you somehow get on your husband's insurance as a dependent ? (Insurance rules confuse the heck out of me..)
Have had tilted kneecaps for many years, and occasional patellar tendinitis.