View Full Version : Houston... we have a problem


nightfighter
04-26-2021, 07:16 PM
I am throwing in the hat, crying uncle, and scheduling another knee surgery. Going to ask for their first available slot and have it scoped to remove the scar tissue that is restricting me from walking without pain, most recently for the past five consecutive days. I am just done with the pain and am willing to risk missing out on a third summer in a row. I am just over 23 months since the replacement and went back into PT two months ago as it was starting to cause me difficulty. And it has gone downhill since, despite the PT. So will decide about launching date, if at all, once it gets scheduled. I could sit and say it sucks, but there are others who struggle with much worse conditions and prospects. Lets pray for them. I will be fine, if not what I had hoped to be physically.

But I am still jonseing to get some of the boat projects done.

Of course we have to wait for insurance approval...

Carry on...

bloocrab
04-26-2021, 07:37 PM
Sorry to hear that buddy.... sounds like you did everything right, :mad:
Best of Luck Ross -

Nebe
04-26-2021, 07:54 PM
Ouch Ross.. I’m really sorry to hear this. I’d be willling to loose a summer if I thought it would free me up in the future.
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PaulS
04-26-2021, 09:05 PM
That stinks Ross. Hope you're going to a different Dr.

Clammer
04-26-2021, 09:12 PM
best of luck Ross .but that scares me ..

I,ve met alot of people that said it was the best thing & a few too many that it was worse down the rode & even the ones that said its great ,,,,,,,have limited molbility

I been planing on going for 1 or 2 after the season ............now I,m thinking to just hire someone to pick me up when I fall ><>

Got Stripers
04-27-2021, 05:13 AM
Ross I feel for you, missing a season is hard to take, especially since you had surgery to get back in the game, Call Morgan and Morgan, maybe they can pay for those boat projects.

Guppy
04-27-2021, 05:27 AM
Ross, that sucks... sorry to hear ,,, hopefully it’s not as big a deal to fix it as it was to install it... hang tough ....

Rappin Mikey
04-27-2021, 07:19 AM
Good luck and speedy recovery!!

pbadad
04-27-2021, 07:43 AM
Ross I know what going thru. I had my rt knee replaced year and a half ago. Yes its better than before which was painful but now I have pain walking and the clicking has gotten constant. Saw the surgeon a month ago and casually he said its clearance causing the clicking and possible scar tissue causing pain. Its at the area where the clicking is. I have to get my left knee done soon but I have reservations. Keep us updated once u have surgery. I particularly am interested . Knowing the joint is artificial I wonder how scar tissue effects the artificial joint. Good luck Ross.
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Rockfish9
04-27-2021, 08:07 AM
sorry to hear that Ross... my company makes knees and hips for Smith and nephew, J& J ,DJO and a few others, we haven't been real busy since this whole thing ( Covid) started, our workforce has been cut by 2/3, not a lot of people going in for replacements. I know several people that have had knees and hips replaced, seems like the hips worked out well, the knees , not so much...My neighbor had his knees replaced a few years back, and he's about where you are at now... I hope it all goes well, you NEED to get back on the water..if for no other reason.. peace of mind!

nightfighter
04-27-2021, 08:24 AM
Ross I know what going thru. I had my rt knee replaced year and a half ago. Yes its better than before which was painful but now I have pain walking and the clicking has gotten constant. Saw the surgeon a month ago and casually he said its clearance causing the clicking and possible scar tissue causing pain. Its at the area where the clicking is. I have to get my left knee done soon but I have reservations. Keep us updated once u have surgery. I particularly am interested . Knowing the joint is artificial I wonder how scar tissue effects the artificial joint. Good luck Ross.
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Ugh. This surgery (total knee replacement) clearly is not the silver bullet we were hoping it would be.... I am fortunate that my left is in great condition so I do not have to consider making that decision. I realize I brought him a trainwreck, but am obviously willing to go to the next level by having yet another surgery. I believe in the science and am thrilled when I see others who get the ride I was hoping for. Much respect for anyone who has gone through this. I guess results are as mixed as with covid patients. Much of the outcome can be determined by pre existing conditions?

nightfighter
04-27-2021, 08:29 AM
sorry to hear that Ross... my company makes knees and hips for Smith and nephew, J& J ,DJO and a few others, we haven't been real busy since this whole thing ( Covid) started, our workforce has been cut by 2/3, not a lot of people going in for replacements. I know several people that have had knees and hips replaced, seems like the hips worked out well, the knees , not so much...My neighbor had his knees replaced a few years back, and he's about where you are at now... I hope it all goes well, you NEED to get back on the water..if for no other reason.. peace of mind!

Thanks Joe. My implant is from Zimmer Biomet.

Rockfish9
04-27-2021, 10:01 AM
Thanks Joe. My implant is from Zimmer Biomet.

We used to make a lot of Zimmer parts.. I haven't seen any in quite awhile..

pbadad
04-27-2021, 01:37 PM
Ross have u experienced any clicking while walking ?
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MAKAI
04-27-2021, 02:18 PM
That blows !
Good luck.
I have a revision in my future also, gonna put it off as long as I can. Pain will be my guide the surgeon tells me.
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nightfighter
04-27-2021, 03:45 PM
Ross have u experienced any clicking while walking ?
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Negative.

pbadad
04-27-2021, 05:17 PM
Well thats good. U hear me coming into a quiet room.
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wdmso
04-27-2021, 06:12 PM
That’s horrible wish you well and speedy recovery when you get it Done
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nightfighter
04-27-2021, 06:21 PM
That’s horrible wish you well and speedy recovery when you get it Done
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Thank you all. Wayne, I will have to get in on BSB with you and Guppy next year... Hope to be good for albies this year with any luck.

JohnR
04-28-2021, 07:48 AM
Ouch - this sucks Ross. Pain in the knees (surgeries in my 20s), back, and now wrist (typing, FFS) are daily

piemma
04-29-2021, 05:26 AM
Ugh. This surgery (total knee replacement) clearly is not the silver bullet we were hoping it would be.... I am fortunate that my left is in great condition so I do not have to consider making that decision. I realize I brought him a trainwreck, but am obviously willing to go to the next level by having yet another surgery. I believe in the science and am thrilled when I see others who get the ride I was hoping for. Much respect for anyone who has gone through this. I guess results are as mixed as with covid patients. Much of the outcome can be determined by pre existing conditions?

...and this is why I have opted not to have it done. I am bone on bone in both knees but dropping 40 pounds and some stuff called Zoltaren has been the ticket. No pain.

Slipknot
04-29-2021, 09:11 AM
:( that sucks, hopefully it will go well and quick recovery. Good luck

nightfighter
04-30-2021, 08:33 PM
I am confirmed for the arthroscope on May 7, a week from today. The paperwork lists Knee Arthrofibrosis as the diagnosis. Which is connective tissue, or scar tissue. I am just looking forward to some relief, hopefully.


What is sticking in my craw is that the Physicians Assistant, who is in the OR and I have had dealings with before, seemed like this was kind of expected...? Do they do the surgeries hoping for the best and then dealing with follow up care to those who need it? I wish I had known a lot more, or had dug deeper. My fault. But the patient education on what to expect and how to deal with issues if you get the not so good results should be made more available... I have waited too long to make this move. I wonder if they would have checked on me if I had not made the appointment to see the doc...?

https://www.verywellhealth.com/arthrofibrosis-2548476#:~:text=Arthrofibrosis%20is%20a%20conditio n%20in,motion%20and%20causing%20substantial%20pain .

pbadad
05-01-2021, 07:21 AM
Like i mention Ross to u , my knee surgeon ( reknown replacement surgeon) in the New Haven area just told me scar tissue and clearances in joint. Thats it. No recommendations on relief. So now I have ammunition which u given me to proceed into looking into this.
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MakoMike
05-02-2021, 11:50 AM
I am confirmed for the arthroscope on May 7, a week from today. The paperwork lists Knee Arthrofibrosis as the diagnosis. Which is connective tissue, or scar tissue. I am just looking forward to some relief, hopefully.


What is sticking in my craw is that the Physicians Assistant, who is in the OR and I have had dealings with before, seemed like this was kind of expected...? Do they do the surgeries hoping for the best and then dealing with follow up care to those who need it? I wish I had known a lot more, or had dug deeper. My fault. But the patient education on what to expect and how to deal with issues if you get the not so good results should be made more available... I have waited too long to make this move. I wonder if they would have checked on me if I had not made the appointment to see the doc...?

https://www.verywellhealth.com/arthrofibrosis-2548476#:~:text=Arthrofibrosis%20is%20a%20conditio n%20in,motion%20and%20causing%20substantial%20pain .

That is exactly why I have been putting of the recommended knee replacement for years now. Best of luck to you.

nightfighter
05-03-2021, 05:00 PM
MakoMike, I get where you are coming from. But if we were to have been in normal times, I firmly believe I would have likely pressed this issue (arthroscope) a year ago. I don't know what the percentages are, but lets just say they are 50/50. Half get a knee replacement and have immediate relief from pain and are resuming their daily life in 6 months, telling all it is the best thing they ever did... And then there is the other half of the knee replacement population, of which I am one. First, let me say much respect to anyone who has had a joint replacement. It is pretty amazing technology. Despite my prolonged journey to get here, I am pleased to have a diagnosis and hopefully a quick recovery after the scope. The work on my part will be the PT. If there was a way to limit the body from producing scar tissue, that would be awesome. Unfortunately, it is part of the healing process and doesn't have an on/off switch.
So if you are in pain and are considering a knee replacement, I still would say go for it. Just be aware that there may well be a need for future surgical procedures to fine tune the inner working of the new knee. I did not have an infection. I did the work. It just didn't heal the way I was hoping. I want to be able to trust the leg when I walk. I don't currently. But I am free of the arthritis and the bone on bone. And that is a big thumbs up when I wake up on a damp rainy day... Plus, I quit a forty year smoking habit.

pbadad
05-03-2021, 07:38 PM
Ross very true. I got thevrelief of the bone on bone pain and it still is free moving. As we spoke I'll need to get a fine tuning eventually too.
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doc
05-04-2021, 06:31 PM
this sucks ross...hope the scope works...

Linesider82
05-05-2021, 01:28 PM
Good luck Ross!
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nightfighter
05-08-2021, 07:25 AM
Surgery (#7) went well. He told wife he thought this would be last on this knee. Pre op discussion about it being much more invasive and necessary healing than a normal "scope", of which I have had a few....
But this morning I am very happy to report no pain, although still heavily wrapped. Last oxy was at 0100 last night. Slept well. Up at 6ish. Coffee, ice, golf and motorsports on TV from Europe.... Able to bend without pain as much as dressing will allow. No oxys needed at this juncture. Very happy for the morning after!

Rockfish9
05-08-2021, 08:37 AM
Surgery (#7) went well. He told wife he thought this would be last on this knee. Pre op discussion about it being much more invasive and necessary healing than a normal "scope", of which I have had a few....
But this morning I am very happy to report no pain, although still heavily wrapped. Last oxy was at 0100 last night. Slept well. Up at 6ish. Coffee, ice, golf and motorsports on TV from Europe.... Able to bend without pain as much as dressing will allow. No oxys needed at this juncture. Very happy for the morning after!
Congrats.. glad all seems well
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fishgolf
05-08-2021, 09:28 AM
Well that's good news!

MAKAI
05-08-2021, 10:35 AM
Curious.
Is the scope a tune up on an existing TKR ?
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Got Stripers
05-08-2021, 04:33 PM
I hope it goes well for you, not sure how people get hooked on that crap, I couldn’t wait to get off the oxy after my back surgery so I could have a GD bowel movement.

nightfighter
05-08-2021, 05:14 PM
Curious.
Is the scope a tune up on an existing TKR ?
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Yes. Had replacement done 5/22/19. Had issues recovering over ten months before I was really walking without a cane. Then Covid hit and no one was going to consider elective surgery, including me. I have been trying to work through it and had to get a new script for PT this year. The result was it got worse with pain. So the diagnosis was arthrofibrosis and the treatment was a scope, with lysis of adhesions, and manipulation. Googling those will answer better than I can relate here. I also copied a very good article in an earlier post.

The docs aren't rock stars anymore. The offices are run as a business with a business plan they have to adhere to in order to make money. So you might only be allocated ten minutes with a doc, who spent two minutes reviewing your chart, moments before he entered the room you have been waiting in for him/her. You have to be educated and advocate for yourself or your family member.

Clammer
05-08-2021, 08:26 PM
WHEN i HAD MY CANCER SURgery my doctor only said it went great ..................I didn,t find out until years later when he retired & doctors started asking me why my operation was done this way ??/

What way ??? that,s not started // not at all ..................it wasn,t until a doctors & some guessing .. that they concluded ..it was done this wT BECAUSE YOU WERE on {K} blood thinners & in [MAY| have been less inveysive [SP} maybe //

better late than never I,ve told a few doctors since then GFY with some of the things or answers I received from them ......and went elsewhere ;;

If you have a doctor / that,s in a small place & they merge or he goes someplace bigger ......be careful ........ like Ross said ,then its become about the money ..

seriously If you have a trade .try bartering with them instead of insurance .. even at worse case see if you can get a [Cash] price :fury:

Guppy
05-09-2021, 06:06 AM
Yes. Had replacement done 5/22/19. Had issues recovering over ten months before I was really walking without a cane. Then Covid hit and no one was going to consider elective surgery, including me. I have been trying to work through it and had to get a new script for PT this year. The result was it got worse with pain. So the diagnosis was arthrofibrosis and the treatment was a scope, with lysis of adhesions, and manipulation. Googling those will answer better than I can relate here. I also copied a very good article in an earlier post.

The docs aren't rock stars anymore. The offices are run as a business with a business plan they have to adhere to in order to make money. So you might only be allocated ten minutes with a doc, who spent two minutes reviewing your chart, moments before he entered the room you have been waiting in for him/her. You have to be educated and advocate for yourself or your family member.

Sounds like it went well, good news Ross

Google the hell out of whatever is ailing ya...
I write down all my questions and just before they rush me out,,, I pull them out, then things slow down...

MAKAI
05-09-2021, 07:42 AM
Very interesting reading what you referenced, Ross. Definitely going to dig deeper into this. Keep up with progress reports. Wishing you an outstanding recovery.
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nightfighter
05-09-2021, 08:33 AM
After seven procedures, I feel obligated to share experiences so others can make more educated decisions. They have to hurt you in order to help you... No glory in this game. Day two here is weaning from oxys and getting bowels moving. Not pleasant, but necessary on both using the pain pills properly and getting off them early enough and toughing out that consequence.
Makai, I would pay particular attention to the dates on the articles and keep in mind you are reading off the internet... Don't take anything as gospel. The recovery ebbs and flows, even in the past day for me. I am extremely lucky to be set up with one level living and a superbly understanding supportive wife. The work and resulting pain ahead of me in PT(as well as just getting through the days with small exercising) is an investment in my future function. Again, no glory...

nightfighter
05-11-2021, 06:05 PM
Post op day four. Swelling went down. Joint feels good, when I take off the compression dressing. Can bend it just less than 90 degrees. The great majority of pain presently is from where they used a tourniquet, and it is turning deep purple with bruising. Ice. Tylenol. Off oxys long enough to get my plumbing moving again. I am optimistic that the worst is past now.

Nebe
05-11-2021, 06:14 PM
Get well soon!! The bass will be there waiting !
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MakoMike
05-16-2021, 12:53 PM
MakoMike, I get where you are coming from. But if we were to have been in normal times, I firmly believe I would have likely pressed this issue (arthroscope) a year ago. I don't know what the percentages are, but lets just say they are 50/50. Half get a knee replacement and have immediate relief from pain and are resuming their daily life in 6 months, telling all it is the best thing they ever did... And then there is the other half of the knee replacement population, of which I am one. First, let me say much respect to anyone who has had a joint replacement. It is pretty amazing technology. Despite my prolonged journey to get here, I am pleased to have a diagnosis and hopefully a quick recovery after the scope. The work on my part will be the PT. If there was a way to limit the body from producing scar tissue, that would be awesome. Unfortunately, it is part of the healing process and doesn't have an on/off switch.
So if you are in pain and are considering a knee replacement, I still would say go for it. Just be aware that there may well be a need for future surgical procedures to fine tune the inner working of the new knee. I did not have an infection. I did the work. It just didn't heal the way I was hoping. I want to be able to trust the leg when I walk. I don't currently. But I am free of the arthritis and the bone on bone. And that is a big thumbs up when I wake up on a damp rainy day... Plus, I quit a forty year smoking habit.

My kids are pushing me together the replacement. I have had arthroscopy on both knees already and from what I understand its a piece of cake compared to the replacement surgery. I'm going to start to seriously look into it when I get back, but I won't have surgery before next winter.

pbadad
05-16-2021, 04:51 PM
Mike i had my rt knee replaced 18 mths ago. Basically rehab was key. While healing 2 months used a cold water therapy machine. That to me is the savior. Better than ice and ice cooler therapy units even when using frozen water bottles .
Today the knee is ok. Some residue pain from scar tissue. Ill be getting an opinion on scar tissue scoping. Talked to Ross on this matter. Hes been thru alot. Way more than me. I need the left one replaced. Im waiting first if I get the rt one scoped. Today its killin me. Overdid it yesterday. But the replacement one is ok.
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saltyric
05-17-2021, 01:55 PM
Surgery (#7) went well. He told wife he thought this would be last on this knee. Pre op discussion about it being much more invasive and necessary healing than a normal "scope", of which I have had a few....
But this morning I am very happy to report no pain, although still heavily wrapped. Last oxy was at 0100 last night. Slept well. Up at 6ish. Coffee, ice, golf and motorsports on TV from Europe.... Able to bend without pain as much as dressing will allow. No oxys needed at this juncture. Very happy for the morning after!

Heal up fast ross!

rphud
05-19-2021, 09:04 PM
Well that certainly sucks. Hope you can get healed up in time for some MV albies. Shack is on again! Sure there will be room.

JohnR
05-20-2021, 08:47 AM
And 5 days post op, Da Bride is ready to toss you out yet? :huh:

How is it feeling now?

nightfighter
05-20-2021, 09:55 AM
I am actually 13 days post op. Had a set back last weekend due to complications from tourniquet. Saturday five hour round trip to ER for ultrasound to be sure swelling not caused by a blood clot. Bruising from tourniquet has been the monster. Quad was a black and blue knot of hate and pain. Have had to re-set my head a couple times....A lot of suckage... I go back in to see him Tuesday so all I can hope/expect is small improvements daily. Need swelling to go down and bruising to heal in order to start, yes start, PT on the knee.... Is why I have been quiet.

pbadad
05-20-2021, 12:14 PM
Geez Ross sorry to hear of these complications. I wouldnt guessed the scope surgery would give u these issues. Hope this get behind u very soon.
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JohnR
05-21-2021, 06:28 AM
I am actually 13 days post op. Had a set back last weekend due to complications from tourniquet. Saturday five hour round trip to ER for ultrasound to be sure swelling not caused by a blood clot. Bruising from tourniquet has been the monster. Quad was a black and blue knot of hate and pain. Have had to re-set my head a couple times....A lot of suckage... I go back in to see him Tuesday so all I can hope/expect is small improvements daily. Need swelling to go down and bruising to heal in order to start, yes start, PT on the knee.... Is why I have been quiet.

Damn, son.

Rockfish9
05-21-2021, 08:31 AM
I am actually 13 days post op. Had a set back last weekend due to complications from tourniquet. Saturday five hour round trip to ER for ultrasound to be sure swelling not caused by a blood clot. Bruising from tourniquet has been the monster. Quad was a black and blue knot of hate and pain. Have had to re-set my head a couple times....A lot of suckage... I go back in to see him Tuesday so all I can hope/expect is small improvements daily. Need swelling to go down and bruising to heal in order to start, yes start, PT on the knee.... Is why I have been quiet.

talk about buzzards luck.. you just cant catch a break...stay positive my friend, it's the most powerful medicine you can take right now.

nightfighter
05-28-2021, 05:22 PM
Three weeks today. Still using a cane but less and less every day. Just takes time, but it will be much better than before this surgery. That I can already tell. As long as I re-set my own head when needed, it is OK.

Started with new PT group. Very prim and proper thirty something doctor of PT did assessment and I have once a week with her for six weeks. We were oil and water first meeting.... Maybe that is what I need. (I was told I made an inappropriate comment) This ought to be good... And begin once a week aqua therapy with a different PT this week too.

pbadad
05-28-2021, 06:12 PM
Sounds positive. Feels like its better already.
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Got Stripers
06-03-2021, 03:05 PM
Ross can you doctor write you a prescription for a Hobie peddle drive kayak, kill two birds with one stone, rehab on the knee and fish while you do it.