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Knee pain, swelling after surgery

Almost four months after surgery, I am still experiencing massive swelling and excruiating pain with inflammation. I was having a great recovery for the first ten days, then BAM!  My leg, knee and ankle swelled to gigantic proportions.   My doctor has said only that I have arthritis in my knee and I have to be patient.  On at least three occasions, I have been in tears in his office and asking what to do about it.  He still tells me be patient.  This is surely not normal.  I went to another doctor last week who sent in his PA to tell me that they "don't like to tread on another doctor's territory" and won't see me again, but the PA prescribed Prednisone 6 day dosage that seemed to give me some comfort while I was taking it.  The day after I completed the dosage, the pain and swelling was back in full force.  No one will see me without a referral because this certain doctor operated on me.  What am I to do?  I am so frustrated after four months of extreme pain, all I do is cry.  I've turned into a big crybaby and that is not me!  Help, somebody!  
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Avatar universal
I to am experiencing same issues 4 yrs later , I am retaining so much fluid around legs and hands I'm on a water pill . I wake up swollen but depending on the amount of activity I do it will sell to the point I'm unable to walk bend or sit with out severe pain . I've had injections over 4 yrs a second opinion with MRI pills and braces . No helpful answers to why I'm worse now than before discovering miniscus tear. I also get the arthritis answer . I have taken meloxicam and Celebrex no relief . Next option is going back into surgery possibly but I've become debilitated after first one and the truth is I've now gained weight and am depressed because no one understands the pain and unknown issue . All I want is my life back
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Fractured kneecap one life to go to the hospital if the medication affect my other medication in my hand swelled up which I feel love you sending this to my fingers and I can't stand under my part
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My therapist gave me the name of the second doctor, who was really nice!!
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I had total knee replacement nov 4, and had a great recovery. But in January, I started getting pain and stiffness. I was still doing PT, and acupuncture 3x week. I went tone doctor and he was so arrogant. Told me he Could have one of his colleagues open me up again and redo it. He told me there was nothing wrong everything looks fine on the x-ray. I was so upset with him that I went to another doctor. The doctor told me I had a lot of fluid buildup and it was arthritis. I have been diagnosed with or RA. I'm going back to have it drained by the second doctor. I'm so done with the first jerk. If you have swelling, it's most likely fluid buildup. And I feel your pain. Very frustrating!
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Three years ago I had the meniscus repaired.  Pain after surgery was just awful.  Doc said lets xray.  Before I new it my knee was bone on bone.  I had a partial knee replacement, before I had finished physical therapy the worst pain came back.  Six months later I was back in hospital.  Doc took out the partial and replaced that with a full knee replacement.  Seven months later my knee was stuck in the bent position.  Back into the hospital, the doc tried to straighten it.  Back into physical therapy, six months later the doc decided the the replacement was too big for my knee.  Once again I was back in the hospital.  Doc took out the oversized replacement and put a smaller one in.  Back to therapy, three times a week.  That was 2 years ago.  Now, I just wish you could see my knee today.  Three times the size of my other knee.  Knee is so swollen, and can barely walk.  I had a recent appointment with the surgeon because of the soreness and swelling.  Guess what?  He put me back into therapy.  I too went for a second opinion.  That doctor told me I should have come to him in the first place.  I left that doctor s office with so much anger, I almost went back and punched him out.  So, today January 6, Im still in as much pain as ever.  Wish I could find out exactly what's wrong.  Maybe time to see a lawyer.
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Avatar universal
I had arthroscopic surgery and lateral release on both knees in 1986 and 1989.  It took a year for each to heal, and another year to become dependable.  There was swelling and pain, and the surgery knee would buckle without warning.  Never actually fell, tho many times came very close.  All this did pass and both knees became 100%.  Then in 2009 started having pain below left kneecap.  Worked with exercise, chiropractors, and injections, all to no avail.  In spring of 2013, ex-rays showed hips and knees were arthritic, and pretty much bone on bone. Finally had total left knee replacement on 9-10-13.  After surgery it was very painful to extend leg straight out into thin air.  Used a CPM machine and got the knee bending to 95%.  Then something happened on 10-5-13.  Got a terrible sore throat, and was given Augmentin, which I think I was allergic to.  The entire surgery leg began to swell and become painful.  By January 2014, there was no improvement.  Between then and now, have gone to MD, ortho surgeon, back surgeon, chiropractor, neurologist, rheumatologist, vascular doctor, infectious diseases, all several times, and all without success.  Some doctors are suspicious of Lupus and/or Lymes, or even Myositis.  Have had many MRI's, with contrast and without, ex-rays, ct scans, ultrasounds, thyroid biopsy, and blood draws.  Blood tests are normal except for elevated ANA (antinuclear antibodies) and elevated sedentation rate.  I am told these indicate an infection, therefore, most surgeons do not want to operate.  Recently a laser back surgeon looked at some of my reports.  He states that my back at L2/3 and L4/5 show a herniated disk and a bulging disk.  He stated that my symptoms of pain and discomfort correlate with back problems in these areas.  Am waiting for him to collect all my numerous medical records to be certain if my problems are actually back related.  My current symptoms are extreme heaviness and weakness in both legs, tho its more pronounced in the knee replacement leg.  Have a lot of swelling in both legs from knee to ankle.  The only pain relief comes from sitting in a chair, in a Backjoy, and pressing feet to the floor. Unable to sit very long like this since it increases fluid retention and swelling.  Unable to sleep more than 3 hours at a time, since the pain wakes me.  Have to get up and sit in desk chair, with feet pressed to floor to obtain relief.  Have used two different water pills, tho they seem to make legs hurt more.  Have also tried Predisone, without much success.  Also have pain creams, Arnica, Gaba Pectin, and Canabis that give very short term mild relief.  Since I don't medicate well, I mostly use ibuprofen for pain.  Compression stockings are somewhat helpful for fluid retention and swelling.  Rising from a chair, getting in and out of a car, or even in and out of bed are major problems.  And the more I walk, the more the pain and swelling increase.  Am using a walker all the time now, putting 80% to 90% of my body weight on walker.  For longer distances need a wheelchair.  Should anyone here have elevated ANA and sed rate, and found a solution as to why, please contact me.  The laser back surgeon feels the elevated ANA and sed rate may be due to an allergy to the knee prosthetic..this would mean removal.  Like all of you, I am very frustrated.  I just want to be able to do routine activies like clean my house, get my groceries, and walk my doggie.  Any suggestions would be most greatly appreciated.  
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Avatar universal
I recently had knee surgery as well, and have more pain now than before. My doctor tells me to just take IB profen where I would like to cut the knee off Im in so much pain every time I take a step it kills me and Im starting to walk funny. He did a right knee arthoscopic medial and lateal meniscus debridement, rightknee artho plica excision, right knee medial femorial and condyle chondroplasty.  They wouldnt operate till I tore everything in my knee. Im very upset trying to work and everytime I get up which is all day Im in pain.  What do I do?
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Avatar universal
I recently had knee surgery as well, and have more pain now than before. My doctor tells me to just take IB profen where I would like to cut the knee off Im in so much pain every time I take a step it kills me and Im starting to walk funny. He did a right knee arthoscopic medial and lateal meniscus debridement, rightknee artho plica excision, right knee medial femorial and condyle chondroplasty.  They wouldnt operate till I tore everything in my knee. Im very upset trying to work and everytime I get up which is all day Im in pain.  What do I do?
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Avatar universal
I am so sorry for your pain.  I, too, have sharp pain ever since my surgery.  I had TKR in November, 2013.  I had lived with a torn ACL for over 40 years and had little trouble.  Then  the arthritis got so bad I decided to have the panacea.  It has not been so for me.  My PT was great - so good in fact that my surgeon stopped my prescription after 6 weeks (Medicare only gives so many hours, don't  you know).  It was better for a while, but now it is constant pain.
Rising and sitting are so difficult.  Getting into and out of any car that is low to the ground is almost impossible.  I have started trying to ride my stationary bike for exercise since I have gained weight since the surgery.  It just seems to make my pain worse.  
I will not go back to surgeon because he seems to be more interested in the surgery than the patient.  I do not want to have another surgery.  I take a rollator with me most places.  I know I can sit comfortably and get up easily from it.  I would NEVER have had this surgery if I had known about this result.
My question:  How are infections diagnosed?  Wouldn't my GP be able to do so by a blood test or are MRI's necessary?
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Hi I would buy a inversion table and lay on it upside down as long as  you can stand it everyday. this will help your back and relieve pressure on your knee some too. it also allows healing to the back and joints.. cant hurt to try it.. Tim
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I had knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus & clean out the arthritis.  It has been four months and for the last three weeks it has been swollen and now is also painful & warm to the touch not just in the surgical site but also the back of the knee.  I am assuming it is infected inside but since today is Christmas 2013 I will have to wait for a doctors' opinion.  In the past I have used compression stockings (and still do when the knee swells) with considerable success.  Now however there is definitely something more going on.  Also, acupuncture has been a great help in the healing stages right after the surgery but I failed to keep it up.  Probably that is why this has happened...should have listened to my gut rather than worrying about the expense of $67.00 per treatment.  Remember to post your experiences with each of those doctors who turned you away and especially with the one who is "blowing you off" on the internet to forewarn unwary patients.  You have the legal right to request all medical records, x-rays, diagnostic tests and opinions be sent directly to you so that you can take them anywhere you want.  No medical person or facility can deny you that right.  Many attorneys also can help without charging, especially if they see a possible lawsuit they can win and you may need the money to get better treatment..  There's no reason for arrogant or incompetent doctors to continue to treat patients without expecting a backlash.  Good luck!
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Avatar universal
hi years ago I had torn meniscus in my right knee it stayed swollen for a long time I was so upset and it. then I met a boy that came to fix my well. he told me that it would take a year before my knee would be like before. I did not want to believe him. but to the day it was a year before the swelling stopped and my knee was normal. The Chinese doctors say every injury takes a complete year to heal maybe there is something to that. Don't fret just be patient it did do well later. I just had surgery on my left knee now just a week ago my toes are turning black on that foot scared me but I called the nurse she said I went back to work too soon to keep it elevated and keep ice on it so I am trying to learn. wish you good luck Tim  oh p.s, maybe also it depends on how much damage was with your knee he took out all my meniscus and put in scar tissue to give me a cushion.
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I had a miniscus tear repaired nine days ago and was doing great. I noticed yesterday i have swelling from my knee down through my calf. Went back to surgeon and was sent directly to get ultra sound to rule out a blood clot. BE CAREFUL WITH MOBIC !  I 've been taking it for about 6 years for a shoulder injury as it was the only thing that really worked. Even better than the narcotics. MOBIC is really hard on your kidneys and can cause kidney failure. I'm seeing a specialist now to see why my kidneys are working 35% of what they should be. First thing he said was to quit taking Mobic which I had heard before but ignored because it worked so well. I still am still at a loss as to what to do about the pain with my knee...but no MOBIC for me
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Hi i have 9 arthroscopys on each knee i am an ex rugby player my last 2 opps have left me in so much pain i had my right done & i am waiting for an acl reconstruction & my left knee i had meniscus's repair & have grade 3 ware & tare this was 6 weeks ago & i am still limping my knee is swollen & due to my right knee been bad i cannot walk properly. I have tried pain killers physio & my surgeon is going to drain my knee & give a steroid injections. I am concerned because in the past i have played rugby 6 week's after an opp i am now feeling depressed & cannot sleep any ideas please?
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Fall #1:  Hit right Iliac Crest and low hip.  Syptoms, burning, stabbing, throbbing pain at iliac crest, burning at low hip, swelling and sharp stabbing pains in lower left quad pelvic area.  Feels like I am perforated in my lower intestines or bladder.  Light bladder incontinence occured not long after fall.  X-Rays and MRI showed no fractures.  MRI's with dye showed a little bursitis.  Hip surgeon says it is not my hip but my spine and spinal surgeon says it is not my shpine that it is my hip.  Third opinion said he was upset with other two Drs because it is both my hip and spine.  Nothing done.  7 months later PC finally tried injections in all areas without any relieft.  Went and had two Nerve conductivity test that were pretty much negative.  Can't drive for a 16 months, can't make bed, can barely cook and wash clothes.  I was on crutches for a year and the day I got off them I had fall #2.  Over 9 months after first fall I have them test me for a Labral Tear - waht an ordeal it took 3 weeks of phone calls back and forth with Imaging department to get all my special needs met, and when the day came the Dr said he knew nothing of my special needs and the dye test was a horrific experience due to their neglect.  I referred myself to an Orto pedic surgeon who only focused on the test that said I had a little bursitis.  His suggestion was injections.  i told him I have a history of a high tolerance to lidocaine and needed a stronger strength and if he needed to talk to my PC and prior surgeons for other matters that was fine.  The injections were unbearable, he only used 1% lidocaine and in the past I need 2-4% and extra or I could feel them cutting into my flesh.  At 16 months I found the North Penn Hernia Institute online and aske dmy PC to test me for that and guess what - I have a hernia and who know that all the other symptoms I have match the referred pain list.  Too afraid to have surgery, but am now having more pain as food travels down the desccending colon onthe side of my Inguinal hernia.  It is unacceptable with all those specialist that I was the one who correctly diagnosed my own condition after all that time.

Fall #2:  1 year and 4 days after first fall.  Injured right knee, right shoulder and left sternoclavicular joint.  My leg immediately swelled and was horribly bruised from knee to toes.  A trip to ER and multiple x-rays were taken at least nine of them.  Less than 10 minutes later I am told everything is fine I am just bruised.  I could hardly make it out the door on my own power, nobody even offered a wheel chair.  My PC was to afraid to touch my knee for 4 months.  Chiropracter used ultrasound and electrotherapy and cold laser therapy and later started Acupuncture.  I went back to the same Orthopedic surgeon who said my xrays show no breaks or fractures and he suggested an injection - I refused due the low dose of lidocaine, then he spoke to me like I have no idea what the difference is between lidocaine and the cortisone and said he could just use water!  Then he said I need to exercise the knee after I told him I can't even kneel down and put pressure on it.  Now I wonder if I shoudl ask my PC for an MRI to rule out tears or other injuries to the meniscus, Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL),  intra-articular cartilage / bone (fracture), Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL), Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL), quadriceps tendon or patellar tendon; since I still have swelling from 4 inches above the knee clear down to 6-8" below the knee.  I am a mess and at 50+ years, I feel my life is over for I have to quality of life.  I am not suicidal, but if God picked my number out of the jar I wouldn't put up a fight.
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Avatar universal
I had bilateral knee surgery to repair torn miniscus and this was almost two yreas ago! My knees are still painful and swell, not to mention my calves hurt so bad when I stand for very long. I have given up on ever getting any help. My surgeon passed away a couple of weeks ago.
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Avatar universal
Hi,I had tkr and it was a disaster.first I had arthroscopic,and when the doc came to the recovery room he said,it's not gunna work you have stage 4 arthrites you will need to get a total knee,so 6months later had a specialist do it,did everything right aggressive therapy I went 5days a week was there for 3hours a day,three months later had manipulation under anthestesia.well 9months later due to excessive scar tissue I had a revision,then10months later another revision the scar tissue loosened my knee up.so then 1year later I had a nerve release and all this time in severe pain and now still in crazy pain,he's testing me for metal allergys,so you are very lucky to have a smooth tkr.i am happy for you I wouldn't. Want anyone to go thru this
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I think you should keep looking for a doctor.I don't know what State you live in but if there is a city look there or the next state over,don't give up,sounds like you may need the knee replaced,but not by your current doctor.Doctors don't like fixing another doctors mess but there are doctors out there that will.i will pray for you to find one
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hey just wondering how you made out with your knee i walked like that for 8 months after my surgery infact i didnt think i would ever walk right again untill i got pissed one night cranked my knee hard around to the left and something went back in to place my back hasnt gone out sense the swelling went down and now the only time i have a problem is when its cold out my knee swells and i start limping again im working on getting second opion
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hey i was just wondering if you found anything out i had a meniscus surgery over a year ago my knee has hurt worse then the injury the pain and swelling has not gone away  if i go outside when its cold my knee swells so bad i start limping again and im in so much pain i gotta put the heat right back on it i can only be outside for 2 mins when its cold out do have the same problems have u found anything out yet
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Hi I Had a total knee replacement four years ago. And I keep having alittle pain but I could always take ibu an sora keep the swelling an inflammation. My knee was still slightly bigger then the other one.  I had blood work done three Weeks ago an my doctor told me my liver enzyms were really high an my cholesterol was 319 any way I have to get my liver enzymes down an one of the things she told me was no ibu no over the counter pain meds at all  so what the heck do I do for the pain now, I  have not taken anything for pain in three Weeks. I worked last night when I went to go home it was all I could do to get my knee bend to get it in the car. My knee is swollen the size od a grape friut  What do I do
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Avatar universal
To You and to Many of  the personal blogs I have read,
As an RN and a Patient I can empathize with your pain. For 6+ years I have had  continuous pain of my "knee-replacement knee" ~ Total of 4 surgeries and a possible 5th.
#1 > Partial right knee replacement in 9/2006
> 6mo later, in 3/2007 due to failure, I needed a #2 >Total Rt Knee Replm.

Due to acute/chronic knee pain > I sought a 2nd opinion with a highly recommended Knee Ortho Specialist from Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, MD  By physical exam he said I needed a Revision b/ c spacer was too small.
#3 surgery >Revision of Right Knee!.  After months of post-op PT and hoping to finally have Pain Relief....the same sharp knee pain Persisted!!

I consulted w/ my Physical Therapist to determine if more PT would relieve my pain > i had 3 months of PT without any pain relief. I returned to Specialist at Sinai Hospital b/c of increasing, sharp nerve-like pain. His diagnosis for my continuous pain was a Neuroma in knee area.  
#4 surgery > Removal of 3 nerves w/ neuroma.  Finally, hoping for pain relief >"Not" and so discouraged!

Along w/ Fibromyalgia, which was diagnosed years ago, and my knee pain,
I have been seeing a Pain Specialist for three years.  i have been treated for 3 herniated discs and bilateral hip pain. I have had many procedures for this issue.

(I was hoping that I should be able to condense my blog, but it seems somewhat therapeutic to mentally-verbalized all the pain I have had now for almost 7 yrs).

Recently, it was recommended by Pain Specialist that I have a Trial of Cortisone Injections for this knee pain. In retrospect, after 2nd cortisone injection in this knee, I realized that the increased pain & swelling started in mid-Oct. First Inj was mid-Sept and the 2nd Cortisone Inj was Oct 8th!  

(Before these Steroid Injections, it was confirmed by office that they "did not use the lab" that have recently had life-threatening infections from Steriods Injections)  So I proceeded...

SINCE MY 2nd CORTISONE INJ IN EARLY OCTOBER, I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING WORSENING PAIN AND SWELLING > so much pain that I have been needing to use a walker all the time :(

Early Dec I consulted w/ a Johns Hopkins Ortho Specialist.  He ordered a. BONE SCAN OF RT KNEE  to rule out loose prosthesis > done 12/26/12.  He also ordered an INDIUM WBC SCAN to rule out an infection > done on
Jan 3. I received both reports (per my Request) from the hospital where I had both scans done. It states : Probable Infection.

My Appt with Johns Hopkins Specialist is this Thurs Jan 10th
According to Indium Scan > I have an Infection.  Not sure what Rx will be??I I have been googling a lot & have found this blog site to be very helpful in allowing me to tell my story and...HOPE THAT MY SITUATION MAY BE HELPFUL TO YOU OR SOMEONE ELSE.

I will post after my Dr Appt in Re:what the follow-up treatment or possible surgery is needed.
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Avatar universal
thank you for posting this! i am giving this a try! I had surgery three months ago to repair torn meniscus and have been in pain since. Still can't walk without a walker, and only a few steps alot of days. my knee is still very swollen and stiff. It feels like a wooden leg. I have had the "three month" kne injection two weeks after surgery, and also the series of three injections within the last month. Still no results. I go back to the same doctor in two days, and something's got to be done, or I'm going to see someone else. God bless you too!
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Avatar universal
I had athroscopic surgery on March 9th of this year stemming from an accidental injury on November 29th of 2011.  The first orthopedic surgeon I saw determined that I had completely dislocated my left knee cap, torn my ACL, torn my MCL, fractured my left ankle, and severely sprained my right knee and right ankle.  The ER sent me home with crutches and an immobilizer and said I had "probably torn some ligaments."

The first surgeon wanted to treat my injuries coservatively through bracing and physical therapy.  The crutches were out of the question because both of my knees and ankles were injured.  My parents ended up renting a wheelchair and ramps.  I had to move home with them because they live in a ranch and I could do steps in my condo.  It's not handicap accessible.

After 3 months it became apparent that my knee was still badly dislocated.  The doctor wanted to wait until the swelling had gone down before he sent me for an MRI.  I had an MRI on February 9th, which confirmed the doctor's suspicions.  He said it was the worst knee he had seen in 31 years of practice.  Because he was retiring soon, he rederred me to one of his colleagues for surgery.  

I had surgery March 9th of this year.  I was kept in the hospital overnight because the surgery was difficult  (they had to us a donor ligament and 2 screws to keep the knee cap in place after a failed lateral release.  The had to shave the bone on my knee cap to make room for it).  I also reacted badly to the anesthesia.

I did five months of traditional physical therapy. They released me because it was no longer considered medically necessary because I had full range of motion.  But I still had crippling pain (6-7 daily on a scale of 10) and stiffness. And Instill hadn't met my goal of returning to work.

I was in a wheelchair for five months and had to use a walker for another 3 months.  I am now using a cane.  My surgeon says that at this point my pain was most likely due to arthritis and not the surgery, even though I've had the same type of pain since the surgery.

He recommended that I get 3 Euflexxa injections, which were supposed to help with pain and inflammation.  I'm done with the injections and they haven't touched the pain. I also had one cortisone injection, which didn't help much.  He then wanted me to do a work hardening program.

I researched work hardening programs, and could only find one that would take my insurance.  Most of them only deal with workmen's comp or auto insurance.  I've been doing that for a month now.

I'm still using a cane, and my employer won't allow me to return to work with a cane.  I've been out for almost a year now, and I'm scared they won't hold my job beyond a year.  I applied for SSDI in August, and it can take up to six months to find out if you get approved or not.  

So in spite of all the rehab, my pain level is still a 6-7 daily.  I still need a cane.  I seriously question if I'll be able to return at all, because I have to be on my feet for 8 hours a day.  I can't do a lot of major functions of my job.  I just wonder if I will ever recover at this long.

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