A little background info:
I have had both knees replaced. RTKR was in May of 2020, LTKR August 2023. I had severe Covid February 2021.
RTKR, prior to having Covid - no issues
LTKR, after having Covid - arthrofibrosis with 2 LOAs and it is returning, yet again.
Spinal fusion revision (L3-L5) and new level fused (L5-S1) August 2024 - am now dealing with “excessive scar tissue” resulting in FBSS
After having Covid, my body reacts differently to things and I’m just not the “same”. I also had a reaction to the vaccine and broke out in hives. I have never had an issue with vaccines.
After all of that info 😂 my question is this: Has there been any research regarding whether or not having Covid or Long Haul Covid increases the risk for AF? I can’t help but feel that there is a connection.
ANY input:info is greatly appreciated ❤️
Thanks, it's helpful to have these discussions and explore.
Hopefully arthrofibrosis is beginning to get the recognition that people need, so they have a diagnosis, rather than rates increasing.
It would make a very interesting research topic to look for associations between covid and arthrofibrosis, thanks for the idea! It would also make a lot of sense to screen people pre-operatively for recent covid infection and long covid, so they can have more careful monitoring and help with therapy.
Please feel free to ramble ☺️
Kayley
Thank you Kayley! I appreciate you responding. Definitely makes sense. It also seems like AF is a lot more prevalent now. I e known several people with issues after TKR.
Wonder if anyone has considered looking into the correlation. It would be great to identify a “marker” somehow and pre medicate with a suppressor or something before having surgery.
Just my brain rambling 🤪
Hi,
Thanks for your very interesting question, and apologies for the delay replying, I’ve been travelling internationally. Covid and long covid increase systemic (whole body) inflammation, and we know that inflammation is a powerful driver of fibrosis, so it makes sense that you have more of a fibrotic reaction to healing. However, associations between covid and arthrofibrosis hasn’t been a topic of research, so far as I’m aware.
I know of several people who caught the flu, and had their arthrofibrosis re-activate, or worsen, and covid will have the same effects. Anybody who knows me, knows that I wear a mask indoors in public, for this reason.
I hope that helps a little. All the very best with your health.
Kayley