14 days post-op

[Mayberry]

Well gang 14 days and no change in pain. My swelling is still out of control,I use my Iceman about every 4-6 hrs,and my CPM about 8 hrs. total throughout the day. I am going to therapy 3 times a week. My pain is strange it is like just below the Patella and to the inside of my shin. I don't go back to the DR. until April 8. I know I am supposed to use the knee and walk on it, so I do then I pay for it like crazy with pain later, pain that makes me cry and the swelling is terrible. The pain is sometimes dull nagging pain and sometimes like right now it is a stabbing, shooting pain that takes my breath away. I don't sleep as you can see it is 5:30 in the morning here. Any help and or advice would be wonderful. Thank You, Mayberry

 

[Max Wallace]

MAYBERRY

you did not mention what pain meds you are taking. It's very important to stay ahead of the pain as not to let it take control. Most use ice and elevation but in my case a heating pad wrapped around my knee helped me more than ice. Walking, excercising and activity will help to discipate the swelling if you stay still alot your knee will get stiff and you will loose mobility. I had BI-TKR and at 14 days all of my pain was muscle and soft tissue related with no swelling but I had stayed ahead of any possible pain by taking the pain meds even when there was no pain.

GOOD LUCK!

Max

 

[Josephine]

You use ice every 4-6hrs? So how long are you using ice for? I had mixed messages when I was in hospital - some people told me not to keep it on for more than 15mins whilst others told me to use it as much as I wanted for as long as I wanted; which is what I do. In fact, I keep the cuff on until the water begins to lose its chill and then I might refill it and apply it again.

For the swelling, have you any compression stockings or support hose you could wear? They don't have to be TEDs. And you don't mention elevation but I am supposing you do that - don't you?

Finally, what about your pain meds? Did you get them sorted and do they work? If not, why haven't you gone back to your doctor and told him?

 

[Mayberry]

Icing for as along as I want to. I was told it didnt matter if it was all day or for 20 minutes. As for my pain meds. I am taking 30mg OXI every 12 hours(long lasting) and 5mg OXI every 4 hours. It doesnt work.
Mayberry

 

[Jamie]

Then Mayberry, you need to contact your doctor and tell him the pain meds are not working. You are on a lot of medications so be sure whoever is prescribing your pain meds knows everything you are taking. If you don't get results from your surgeon, talk to your family doctor.

As Jo suggests, I would ice and elevate almost constantly given the swelling you are experiencing.

 

[Judles]

So sorry to hear that you're still in pain 2 weeks
Out! Definitely talk to your OS today! You should
NOT be suffering like that! :( Do you have
Access to a pool? As soon as your incision is closed,
Aqua therapy will work magic for you!

 

[Hope810]

Gee Mayberry - I'm 5 weeks LTKR. You state that you are going out to PT 3 times a week. I had PT at home for 3 weeks before going out. When I finally got to the office PT session, it was pretty painful and exhausting. If you are out and about that much you may be exhausted. You do need to keep movement and I found exercising and stretching on my own really lowered the pain experienced at my PT sessions. What is your extension and ROM at? Maybe others can help with expectations. Sorry you are having such a hard time. My best to you.

Hope

 

[calling_all_angels]

Tomorrow I will be 4 weeks out from the Left knee and it still is a big pain in the hinney!!! I still have trouble putting weight on it. And I am still having tourniquet pain!!! in my thigh. Which makes riding the 9 miles in to town for PT so much fun!!!
But hey other then the consent pain I am doing just GREATTTTTTTT!!!
^i^

 

[lizzie]

I as some might know am 5 months on after my TKR. I am doing okay but still having to take medication while at work. Even though I do just 20 hours a week. I totally agree you must keep on top of the pain meds. If they dont work see your doc. I know by the next year my other knee might need doing. Its already getting those familiar pains. But I hope and pray I might be wrong. Its so nice though to catch up with you all. Josephine hope you are okay. Sounds like you wont give in. Lizzie.

 

[Judles]

Oh shucks, Calling!!!! So sorry you are still
Experiencing pain still.... :( I hope you are taking
Enough pain medication & not killing yourself
Doing your PT! Feel better! It's STILL early out yet for you!

 

[Marty]

Hi Mayberry, I had my surgery March 10, I take Percocet, after 2 weeks the Dr. cut it down to 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours. I usually take it right before I go on the machine (I'm supposed to use it 3 times a day for 2 hours, but don't always get that in) and to help with the swelling, I take Advil after I exercise and use ice. I don't have an ice machine, but a few years ago I had a problem with my foot, and I have a gel boot, so I place that over my knee, take a couple of advil and nap for a bit after exercise. Once in a while, I place a heating pad under the back of my knee, or on the outside (I have a tender spot there), and it is a bit soothing, but I don't use it for too long. My home therapist said not to put heat over the cut until it was completely healed. someitmes just a few minutes (a very few) of warmth feels good. Hope this helps. good luck.
Marty

 

[GaryM]

Hey Mayberry Had BLTKR in July 08. I hear what your saying. Like Jo and the others said. I used ice on both knees most of the day. Most of my pain was soft tissue. Ligs and mus. Try a different pain medication. My OS and his PA were great. Tried several different meds until I found one that worked.

Don't give up. Keep moving. We know how you feel. It just keeps getting better from here.

Gary

 

[Nana55]

Mayberry,
I went to PT 3 x week after being discharged on day eight from the hospital. I had extreme swelling from mid upper thigh to mid lower calf for over 10 weeks and I lived with the ice machine wrapped around my leg at home. After about 6 weeks, I used heat just before I did my home program and then iced right after and for the rest of the day if I was laying or sitting.

At three weeks post op I did get into the water after my OS was sure that I didn't even have an opening the size of a pin hole. It was wonderful and 103 degrees like having heat so I stongly recommend it if you have that option at PT.

Unlike you, the ice and just regular Percodan the 4 hour med helped me. If none of the suggestions here help, I agree that you must talk to your OS or your MD. Hope you get some relief soon.
Blessings Nana

 

[Mayberry]

I am miserable, tired of hurting, I know it will get better. Go to first post op appt with Doc tomorrow, I am being a whining crybaby but it is what it is tonight. Thanks to all of you for your support.

Mayberry

 

[Jamie]

So sorry you are still feeling bad tonight, but tomorrow you'll have an opportunity to discuss everything with your doctor. Be sure and write out some questions or bullets to be sure you don't forget anything.

 

[Judles]

Chin up, Mayberry! You're on the right path! Good Luck tomorrow!!!

 

[Mayberry]

Jaimie, Like the bullets comment I know it is a joke,but it is the first time I have laughed today. Thanks

Mayberry

 

[Jamie]

Jaimie, Like the bullets comment I know it is a joke,but it is the first time I have laughed today. Thanks

Mayberry

You know....it actually wasn't a joke, but I suppose it must have sounded kind of strange. I guess you probably might like to take a shot at someone for all the pain you've been in. LOL

But I honestly meant a list of topics with little bullet dots in front of them.....you know:

* Why do I hurt?
* Why aren't the pain meds working?
* What can we do about it?

That kind of stuff. Some people prefer that to questions.

 

[Josephine]

Also known as "computer speak"!