Quote:
Originally Posted by lindkaye
I'm not sure where I should post this, so forgive if its incorrect. I know I have posted here my RSD concerns and everyone has been so helpful.
Background - TKR 12/07 due to osteoarthritis - RSD diagnosed on knee 3/08, manipulation 4/08 for lack of motion - no help. Open debridement of knee 11/08 for adhesions and excessive "fat pad". Still am at only 70 flex, 20 extension. In 5/09 - diagnosed with MS and Ankylosing Spondylitis (form of arthritis to spine).
** Here is where I need your advice! I requested my med records as I am looking for new ortho dr. as the one who did surgery stated he does not know what else to do - must be the RSD. Going over my records I found a Xray report done in hospital during 11/08 operation. During this stay in the hospital, I fell the day after the open debridement and they took xrays and said all was well. In looking at this Xray report of this time, I can't believe what I read. It states that : "there is an ossified density inferior to the patella which was not seen on an prior xray compared with of 4/4/08". It states "It is unclear wheather this represents heterotopic ossification versus a small avulsion fracture." My dr just stated everything was fine after the fall and that is what was written in the main hospital report. No statement of a possible fracture or anything else! My main concern (besides being totally upset at this dr) is if it is the heterotopic ossification of the knee and this is what is making me not be able to move my knee. I have been going from dr to dr and they all state it must be from the RSD - but I keep telling them it feels like something else. I have the swelling, redness and warmth from the knee. Iknow RSD can do the same, but my range of motion is going downhill fast and I keep falling now. My RSD pain is so different - and is on the other side of my knee where I feel different. Who do I go to ??? My neurologist, rheumetalogist and pain dr are all with the same hospital my prior orth is with that did the surgery. Do I trust one of them to go see? Or do I find another ortho I don't know and try my luck? I am so upset by this. Please, I need your input and advice on this as I am so dumbfounded and not sure what to do - but know I need to see someone! Thanks!  |
Hi LindKaye,
In Portland is a well known hospital called Oregon Health Science. It has a good reputation. I don't know any RSD Drs there. 100 miles south of Portland is where I am from. Eugene, Or. I got RSD following surgery there, but wasn't diagnosed for 4 years. We had moved to Arizona and i was misdiagnosed in AZ. But I flew back to Oregon to a very good Sports Injury Group in Sacred Heart Hospital. About 10 years pre-RSD I went to the knee Dr. Jones. This group is well known nationwide. Athletes travel to see these Drs. Of course, Eugene, is a center for tract & field and prep. for the Olympics. I know Jones is very good on knees. But I had made appointment for hand and he diagnosed me in less than a minute, had nuclear med test there at the hospital and confirmed it. He got me started on therapy the next day and ordered a tens unit. If you want his name, I'll get it for you. Also, Portland will have a sports injury group of Drs.You can look on the internet and find the group and phone number and call and ask about RSD. Also Pain Management Groups ususally have experience.Litigation is very difficult and wearing, but a lifetime of pain and treatment is also. That is actually how we won our lawsuit for my mother's death was the hiding the truth of my mothers x-rays by her Dr. and the tech. suggesting a follow thru.
We didn't know about the hidden x-rays till pre-trial discovery and depositions
Wether you follow a legal route or not, I have found getting a 2nd medical opinion is usually best if they are not golfing buddies and belong to the same country club. If there is a glaring cover up, it's just usually best if the new Dr. doesn't practice at the same hospital. Take care and hope the best for you, loretta soft hugs
