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Submitted by PatientsEngage on 8 January 2018
Profile picture of Gita Kantawala

Gita Kantawala, 72 from Mumbai had a complete knee replacement of left knee preceded by arthroscopy due to a meniscus tear. She talks of the failures and successes of her surgeries and the recovery and rehabilitation process. And the need for a second opinion.

I was diagnosed with Meniscus tear in my left knee in April 2016. One day the knee just locked and I buckled while trying to walk. Consulted an Orthopaedic surgeon who after seeing my X-ray and MRI reports, suggested Arthroscopy the next day. I had the arthroscopy done immediately. After the arthroscopy, I was prescribed medications and some minimal knee flexion exercises. No physiotherapy was recommended by my doctor and I feel my recovery was not very successful because even till September that year my knee kept feeling warm and I started limping again.

You can also read in Hindi: मुझे दूसरी राय लेनी चाहिए थी।

When I told my GP about it, he asked why I had an arthroscocpy so soon and that too without seeking a 2nd opinion. I met another Orthopedic surgeon then for my limping and was diagnosed with a second meniscus tear on same knee. The doctor provided me with options but said that a knee replacement was inevitable now or later in life. At the time, I was suffering with a UTI, so the surgery had to wait till my UTI cleared. Finally in Feb, 2017 I had the knee replacement surgery.

What were the early symptoms?

My knee would keep getting locked and I was unable to walk. With my second tear, I had warmth around the knee and limping.

Is there a history of this in your family?

I have a family history oि arthritis and rheumatism.

Do you have any other medical history that may be connected to your knee?

My medical history includes:

  • Ankle pain during teenage years. I would tie my ankles and do massage on some nights for relief.
  • Rheumatism since childhood.
  • Wrist fractures (twice).
  • Osteoporosis in hip. Started with my right hip but I have pain on both hips. Some days, I find it difficult to sit on a stool for a shower.
  • Pyoderma gangrene (ulcers on right shin) started in 2011.
  • Hypertension
  • Macular degeneration in both eyes.

What is your present condition?

I’m comfortable. Some days when I don’t exercise, my knee does hurt.

Please describe your post op recovery experience?

After the first surgery in April 2016, I followed instructions of my doctor but did not get much result.

After my 2nd Knee surgery (the knee replacement) in February 2017, my doctor had given me detailed rehabilitation advice. I started off with seeing a Physiotherapist for an hour daily for 12 sessions. After the session, I was to do the exercises twice on my own each day.

I was strict with my exercise routine at the gym and recommended water therapy. This included walking in the swimming pool regularly for about 30-40 minutes. I would often look up exercises on Youtube and follow them in the pool. Favourable results were soon seen.

Any related complications?

No

What medications are you on?

  • Gemcal (calcium supplement)
  • Saaz (for autoimmune disorder)
  • Nebicard 2.5 (for high blood pressure)
  • Risofos 35 once a week (for osteoporosis)

Were there any side-effects of the medicines?

No

What were some of the challenges you faced and what is your advice to patients who face similar challenges?

I experienced immense pain when exercising initially (especially on climbing up and down the stairs). However, with support of excellent physiotherapists and determination and discipline succeeded in faster recovery. My advice to others would be to be persistent and not give up.

Was knee rehab prescribed by your doctor?

Yes, after the second surgery around.

What did it entail?

  • Physiotherapy with a Physiotherapist. Exercises included knee bends, standing and sitting sets, knee flexion, climbing stairs, lifting knee while lying down and watertherapy.
  • Prescribed exercises at least 3 times a day.
  • Ice pack.

The rehab all happens at home/apartment complex.

How long did you have to do it?

6 weeks initially but continuing the exercises for the lifetime is recommended. I still exercise almost daily.

What benefits did you notice from this rehab?

I noticed decrease in pain and increase in mobility.

Have you learnt anything in managing in your condition that you wish you knew before?

Yes, I have realized that regular exercise and checkups are essential. Also I feel that if I had done my exercises before, I may not have need the arthroscopy so early on.

What kind of specialists do you consult and how often?

My family physician and a specialist as and when needed.

Have you had to make some changes to your lifestyle because of your condition?

Slowing down to some extent and not over straining.

Have you tried complementary medicine or therapies, like homeopathy or yoga?

Yes but not pursued. I do try some meditation time and again. I found listening to Brahmakumari lectures to be quite encouraging.

Has it been difficult emotionally to cope with your condition?

To a certain extent, not much. I keep myself busy and enjoy my origami a lot. Also I love listening to music. Both these hobbies have helped me through the rough times. I have also been reading this very inspirational book by Louise Hay titled “ You can heal your life”.

How have your family and friends supported you?

Yes, very much so in every way. My daughter motivated me to not stop cycling at the gym. All my friends were very supportive. I never felt isolated.

What was the hardest part of the treatment ? What kept you going? How has this changed your life perspectives and ambitions?

Nothing was too hard as I was mentally prepared for it and had heard of successful surgeries of others. I was very positive even when I went in for my surgery.

I try to be in good health as far as possible, worry less and live from day to day. I continue to pursue my hobbies and interests and would advise others to do the same.

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What is your advice to someone in a similar situation?

Seek a second opinion before rushing into any surgery.
Do your homework, talk to medically affiliated friends before taking an appointment with a doctor.
Find a knee specialist and not a general Orthopedic doctor.
I would suggest that you go ahead with the surgery when confident with your doctor. Once that decision has been taken, make sure to give full cooperation and be positive!
Additionally, a frank dialogue with the doctor is very important. One needs to be comfortable with him and he should be able to satisfactorily answer all your queries and clear all doubt.
Surgery also depends on the person’s attitude and acceptance of one’s condition.