2 weeks after double TKR

[MelP]

Hi, I am a new poster. My double TKR was 7/20 and I am making great progress. I spent 4 days in the hospital and have been at home since. PT is going well and I am getting around with a cane. My BIG problem is sleep...I can't sleep. I have tried different beds, the couch, tylenol PM, daytime naps, etc. Last night I was awake and wandering until 4PM. Finally I settled until 7AM but I need 8 hours to be functional. Any suggestions? Is this a problem with others?
MelP

 

[Hope810]

Re: 2 weks after double TKR

Welcome, MelP. So glad you posted. You sound like you are doing well.

I did my knees one at a time so I've been through this twice. Sleep is a big problem for most of us at some time or other. Are you taking your full meds? I was able to take oxicodine at night that helped me sleep for the first 2 weeks. I also took Ambient for 4 weeks. I was worried that I'd get hooked but once the healing came I dropped all meds without much problem at all.

Many of us also use pillows to sleep with. Some like a body pillow but I found that a king size pillow worked best. I put it full length under my leg from thigh to foot while on my back. I'd wake up after 2-3 hours then slide over to my side. It seems funny but both times I was most comfortable laying on the side of the surgery knee under and good knee on top.

Try to get some sleep whenever and where-ever you can. It may take some time before you get a full and good night sleep again. Don't get discouraged. All get better in a few weeks. Many have had good results with a double or BTKR so don't second guess yourself. Everyone heals differently.

Best wishes,
Hope
LTKR Feb 23, 2009
RTKR June 8, 2009

 

[Texas]

Re: 2 weks after double TKR

Hi Mel welcome. Yes sleep is hard in the beginning. It took awhile till I could finally get a good night sleep. About 8 weeks for me. Try to nap during the day, anytime you can atleast for getting some sleep. Im glad you are doing well thought thats terrific....I used to say my husband and I looked like an I love lucy episode because a pillow here. no take one off. put 2 one...lol...what a mess....Good Luck to you post anytime...

 

[Josephine]

Re: 2 weks after double TKR

Hi Mel and welcome to BoneSmart! Is it just 'can't get to sleep' or are you in pain? Tylenol seems to be awfully low grade pain killer for a 2 weeks bilateral. You are taking something else, I trust?

 

[Sticker Lady]

Re: 2 weks after double TKR

Welcome Mel!
Sleep seems to be an almost universal problem. I find that Tynelol PM works great now but it didn't earlier on. Having BTKR just makes it harder to get comfortable and stay comfortable for the early weeks. As others have said, sleep when you can and try not to stress about it--it does get better with time. Good healing!
Blessings,
Irene

 

[Judles]

Re: 2 weks after double TKR

Sleep IS difficult after surgery! Try to drin a cup of soothing hot tea before you want to sleep for the night.....just relax! And never mind what time it is.....if you need to sleep....go for it! Schedules and routines go out the window during recup!

 

[Texas]

Re: 2 weks after double TKR

That is so true. I took what ever I could get, whenever I could get it........

 

[hollie9]

Re: 2 weks after double TKR

Do any of your pain meds have a side effect of insomnia? I kept changing my pain meds because many kept me awake. I also took Ambien and other sleep meds.

I slept well and made sure I did because I think that's when your body heals.

Vicodin, Darvocet, Ultram made me speedy and I couldn't sleep with those.

Hollie

 

[MelP]

Re: 2 weks after double TKR

Hi. Well, it's 3:42 EST and I am roaming the house again. I slept well from 10PM until 2:40, but here I am up again :( That said, I am so pleased to read your responses, support and ideas. I hadn't considered Ambien...have used it for long flights in the past, but not at home....might be a good idea now. Also, I am taking 5mg. oxycodone 6x per day or every 4 hours plus tylenol. The pain is under control, but swelling persists. Seems like my knees swell at night and that adds to the misery. Anyway, thanks for your ideas. I think I'll try calling my Dr. tomorrow for Ambien. MelP

 

[richfriz]

Re: 2 weks after double TKR

Hi

After my BTKR I needed at least 2 pillows between my knees for the first 6 weeks or so. I also could not sleep until I asked my GP for some sleeping pills

I took Stilnox and or Diazepam?. I could not see the purpose or staring at the ceiling when there are drugs out there that work effectively and are non addictive Especially in the short term)

8 months down the track I sleep like a baby :p

Good luck.....

 

[Jamie]

Re: 2 weks after double TKR

Hi, Mel...glad you decided to join us here at BoneSmart. Since you feel like your pain is generally under control at night, but you have swelling....why not do a major icing of your knees when you go to bed. I would get some big gel packs and just leave those babies on your knees as you sleep. Be sure and wrap them in a light towel so your skin is not damaged from the cold. Get at least 4 of them so you can always have some frozen to switch off to. I used to replace mine once during the night and keep them on all night long so I could sleep.

 

[kangaroo]

Re: 2 weks after double TKR

I'd talk to the doctor about sleep deprivation and get them to deal with it ....and worry about weaning yourself off medication when everything has settled down......

 

[Josephine]

Re: 2 weks after double TKR

The pain is under control, but swelling persists. Seems like my knees swell at night and that adds to the misery.

Are you icing lots? Ice is your best friend now it helps with pain and the swelling.