I had a total knee replacement part 2
By Loverbear
@Loverbear (4918)
United States
March 12, 2010 2:48am CST
In my previous discussion I explained that I had a total knee replacement eight months ago and I am currently having pain and swelling in the leg and knee. I didn't bother with the ER, as it seems like when I go to the ER I come home in worse shape than when I went in. Plus I had an appointment with my primary physician Thursday anyhow.
We went through the normal stuff, and then I dropped the bombshell about the knee pain and swelling. I hadn't seen a doctor get that active ever! He checked out my knee and leg and didn't act like it was something trivial. I got my referral to the orthopedic surgeon immediately and he also immobilized my knee and the area around it. I was prescribed a more potent pain killer (which I am taking only when the pain is so awful that I can't stand it). I went to the orthopedic surgeon and my primary doctor must have called the office because they already contacted the insurance for authorization. Apparently the glue that holds the prosthetic in place didn't hold and the new knee is slipping around in the bone. From the description of the pain areas and what I told the primary was the cause of the diagnosis. So, I am more than likely looking at another surgery soon. I don't think they'll appreciate my asking if they can wait until June 9th. (Between college and working the California gubernatorial election -gee, I never realized that the "Governor" is really a Goober! LOL- I am kind of tied up until then. I can just see the doctor's faces!)
I promised an update as soon as I had one, and as I was told today not everyone has the kind of problems that I have. It's just that I didn't sit on my butt and let the knee like I was supposed to.
2 responses
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
12 Mar 10
Well Loverbear... As I was one of those who insisted you go to the ER, I was glad to know you saw the doctor. Im glad that he took it seriously and actually listened to you. Its hard to find a doctor that does that these days. I wouldnt wait for the surgery though. Knee replacement is one of those things that dont do well with waiting. Im sure you know that. Just becareful my friend ok? Happy MyLotting dl
@Loverbear (4918)
• United States
12 Mar 10
I laid it on the doctor yesterday that if something didn't happen quickly I would go to the ER and insist that they call the surgeon in immediately. Of course there was no need to state that because the primary physician I have right now is SO WONDERFUL! He actually listens and actually cares. He talks to you in a way that you understand. As soon as he saw that the replacement was acting up he started checking it out. I told him that it kept me awake the night before last and was throbbing so bad that on a scale of 1 to 10 on pain the leg hit a 30! I was treated like royalty... and given a stronger pain medication, the leg brace and instructions to keep it elevated and use ice on it when the swelling was too bad.
Thank you so much for the insistence. Although I didn't go to the ER, I wouldn't have brought up the knee without urging. I'm the kind of person that figures that the pain will go away and if they check things it will turn out that there isn't anything wrong. I still hope it isn't so serious that I have to have surgery, but I am ready for it if that's what it will take. Thank you again for your insisting! LoverBear
1 person likes this
@vandana7 (102698)
• India
12 Mar 10
Yes Loverbear, I was there at your first discussion, and if I recollect right, I'd asked you to see your surgeon immediately. Hope you will feel better soon enough. Please dont neglect. Nothing can be as important as your mobility in comparison to other agenda on hand. :) Take care. :)
@Loverbear (4918)
• United States
12 Mar 10
If it will take surgery to fix the leg, I won't put it off. I just have to wait for authorization to see the surgeon now. He was so concerned that as soon as I had called last Monday he had put in for the authorization...he just needed the referral to back up the request. They will be calling me as soon as the authorization comes in. In the mean time I am wearing the brace and trying to keep off my leg. Unfortunately with the beautiful weather I want to be outside planting my garden, clearing up the weeds, and doing all the spring chores. I'm doing them a little at a time and will come in and prop my leg up for half an hour and then go out and do some more. It slows things down a lot, but I can live with it.
Thank you so much for your concern. To add a light note to the situation, I usually will put my feet up and kick off my shoes while I am waiting for the doctor to come in. I did that yesterday and discovered to my horror and delight, that I had put on odd socks. I sat there and giggled through the pain. The doctor even got a big kick out of it.
