 post meniscus surgery - PAIN
In July I had a cortisone injection in my right knee for pain and swelling. The very next day the meniscus tore. I had an MRI to confirm and had anthroscopic removal on August 22 (and he "scraped" due to arthritis). I have done the exercising, been to P/T. P/T explained that pain would be present with the "manipulation of the knee cap from "scraping" I explained to my OS last week that there is still significant pain, more so than pre op pain. The swelling at the end of the day is significant, and at the end of a 5 day stretch, swells from the knee to the ankle. He gave me a lubricating shot and I am scheduled for another next week and one the following week for a total of 3. I already missed too much work and fell behind so I can't afford to not work. The stiffness after a nights sleep I expected. However, every time I move in my sleep it wakes me up. I am not a back sleeper but have to sleep in that position so I'm not sleeping well. There is significant pulling in front and back of the knee. I can't sit for long with a bent knee as I can hardly stand up again. I am a nursing assistant, so I am always on my feet. This pain is getting old and the limping is awful. My right hip is starting to "catch" and it feels like I am being stabbed by an ice pik from the inside of my knee cap. Any suggestions? I have a high pain tolerance. I've had teeth filled without novicane, I gave birth to both babies (10 lbs and 23" long) with no pain meds. My only pain has ever been migraine. I don't want to come across as whining but this HURTS. My OS seems to think its due to weak muscles in the leg. I disagree. Its good after a couple days rest, then if I work 5 - 8 hr shifts my right knee is twice the size of the left. Even with icing and ibuprophen. My employer is very patient but this has got to get better, right? It's been 3 months and I would think there would be some relief by now but I'm beginning to think surgery was a huge mistake (at the time the OS made it sound like I would be pain free and ready to go in a month)........ideas? Thanks in advance!!
| 
