Houston... we have a problem

[MakoMike]

Originally Posted by nightfighter

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/arthr...tantial%20pain.

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

[nightfighter]

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.

[MakoMike]

Originally Posted by nightfighter

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.