TKR 2 weeks TKR

[benne68]

Sounds like you are doing well , @Bix. Resting, icing, elevating and managing your pain are still very important at this stage of recovery.

After "binging" on movies and some shows, I get board with the television and downloaded some books to read. I also started crocheting (although never finished any projects) because I could do it while icing and elevating my leg. Naps also help pass the time!

It is hard to deal with the boredom during the early weeks of the recovery, but you will get through it.

 

[Bix]

I’m really struggling tonight. It’s 3.30 am and bern awake since midnight in pain. Ive taken
2 paracetamol and 2 ibuprofen but it’s not helping at all. :(.
I haven’t done anything different so why is it so bad tonight ? I just want to be asleep
Sorry to sound so negative, I know it’s not helping anyone reading this ;(.

 

[Jockette]

You are in the angry tissue phase. We’ve all been there, too, we understand.

 

[Bix]

:( thank you.

 

[Jockette]

Are you icing for 45-60 minutes at a time? Ice is a natural pain reliever and you can have some sort of cold source on your leg as long as you want, as long as you keep a cloth between you and the cold source.

Ice (Cryotherapy) to control pain and swelling

Updated 22 November 2020 Please note that though this article primarily talks about knees and hips, the information applies equally to shoulders and other joints as well. Using ice (cryotherapy) is an excellent means of controlling pain and swelling after joint replacement surgery and it...

bonesmart.org

 

[Bix]

Here I am just over 3 weeks after my TKR, definitely feels longer! I’m pleased to say I’ve stopped needing the bathroom every 2 hours which is great! I’ve been to physio who was really nice. He just wanted to see what I could do and gave me a few more exercises to do this week. He didn’t push or pull my leg, phew! Next week might be different but so far so good .
I don’t take so many ibuprofen or paracetamol during the day, I forget so I guess that’s because it doesn’t hurt?
BUT as soon as I go to bed the pain starts :(
I take 2 ibuprofen and elevate with ice, I eventually go to sleep but wake up again an hour or so later. I take 2 paracetamol and again 2 hours later I’m awake again.
Next morning I’m like a zombie! I doze off and on all morning then seem to be ok again till nighttime. What I would give for a good nights sleep!!!

 

[Jockette]

Sleep deprivation is pretty much inevitable - but what causes it?

Time and again members complain about not being able to sleep and after a while, that it gets to making them feel frustrated, despairing, depressed and even ill. I thought perhaps a short treatise on the reasons for disturbance of sleep patterns was long overdue. It won't help you to sleep but...

bonesmart.org

 

[sistersinhim]

He didn’t push or pull my leg, phew! Next week might be different but so far so good .

You are in control of your PT. Don't let anyone push or pull your leg at any time. That is counterproductive to your healing. Your ROM will improve as time goes on. You can not force it but you can slow it down by being too aggressive.

BUT as soon as I go to bed the pain starts :(

Nighttime pain is an indication that you are doing too much during the day. I found when this happened if I got up and walked a little bit, the pain would diminish. It might work for you, too.

 

[Bix]

Sistersinhim. Thank you.
Lisabtkr. Thank you

 

[Bix]

I lost 4lbs in my first week due to no appetite and going to the loo every hour!! I’m eating now at 4 weeks and so far, keeping the weight off
I didn’t research TKR before I had my knee done so it was quite a shock how bad the pain was for the first few weeks! Thank goodness for the great people here, I’ve learnt loads- especially not to overdo it!
I’ve been writing down when I take ibuprofen and paracetamol so I don’t get mixed up and to take them at the right time. I don’t need quite so many during the day but at night time I’m still struggling. I added them up to find I’ve taken over 220 paracetamol in 4 weeks :(. Too scared to add up ibuprofen!!!

 

[Layla]

Hi @Bix
I'm sorry you struggled with heavy pain the first few weeks. Hopefully it's eased and continues to do so.
Please notice that we have moved this post from another's thread to your original recovery thread, since its mainly an update on your progress. Having your recovery information contained in one place will make it easier for you to reflect back on. It is also helpful for those stopping by to be able to review your history before advising or commenting. Please post any updates, questions or concerns about your recovery here.
I see you just passed your one month anniversary. A belated Happy Anniversary to you. May it only get better!

 

[Jamie]

Bix....it's good to use the paracetamol and ibuprofen to help with pain, but please do be sure you are staying withing the maximum daily dosages allowed for each. That would be 1000mg of paracetamol every 6 hours for a total of 4000mg in any 24 hour period and no more than 1200mg in 24 hours of ibuprofen taken in doses of 400mg or less. You want to really watch the ibuprofen as it can be hard on your stomach. Your GP can prescribe something to help protect your stomach if you ask.

 

[Bix]

Hi everyone, I just wanted to share my excitement today . I’ve got to 6 weeks after my TKR and last night I actually slept a solid 6 hours!!!! I thought I was going to look and feel like a zombie forever coz I’ve not slept for longer than 2hrs at a time since having my op.
To anyone that is struggling in the early days, honestly, I never thought I’d get to this point but I have , thanks to everyone’s encouragement and help. I’m so so pleased I found you all - thank you.
Not sure I want my other knee done tho (at least not for a while!) x

 

[kneeper]

Hi everyone, I just wanted to share my excitement today . I’ve got to 6 weeks after my TKR and last night I actually slept a solid 6 hours!!!!

 

[sistersinhim]

Oh, a good night's sleep. You can't buy that!

 

[Bix]

Well, after feeling so good with my progress and reaching 6 weeks, I went to see the consultant today for my follow up appointment.
He said I would benefit from a MUA as I’m not quite there yet!!
I was a bit shocked so he said think about it and come and see me in 2 weeks to see how I feel then :(
Please can anyone advise me,
Will I be in pain again ?
Will I have to go back on medication after? Will i be back to square one with exercises?Thank you.

 

[sistersinhim]

I think it's way too early to think about a MUA. All your knee needs is more TLC and time.

Will I be in pain again ?
Will I have to go back on medication after? Will i be back to square one with exercises?

A MUA puts your recovery back to the day of the MUA, not your TKR. Most don't really need them, just more healing time, but some do benefit from them. If it hurts now to try and bend further than your knee is ready for, think of how it will feel after being forced to its maximum bend. Swelling and pain is a normal thing afterward. The MUA inflames your knee more than it already is inflamed, especially at your early stage of recovery.

If I were I, I would tell the doctor that you want more time to heal and improve your bend. Swelling is what is keeping your knee from bending more. Adhesions, what most refer to as scar tissue, are very rare.

 

[Bix]

Sistersinhim thank you.

 

[Jockette]

He said I would benefit from a MUA as I’m not quite there yet!!

I agree with sistersinhim, you need more time. Your ROM will “get there” when it’s ready. An MUA this early in recovery will set you back. I don’t understand why medical teams don’t realize this.

Well, after feeling so good with my progress and reaching 6 weeks,

This is what is most important, how you feel about your recovery. You are coming along fine!

 

[Bix]

Hi all, well I’ve got to 9 weeks !! Went to see consultant again and this time he said my Rom was good so don’t need manipulation phew!! Although my leg wasn’t quite straight so he wants to see me again in 2 months.
I’ve been doing ok, haven’t needed many ibuprofen or paracetamol as my knee has felt ok but last few days and nights is been so painful again. :(.
I feel like there’s a brick in my knee and all around it is heavy. I can bend it but it hurts.
I was just starting to sleep better but I feel I’ve gone backwards as I’ve been up all night
I haven’t done many exercise last few days as I thought maybe I’ve been doing too much but don’t really think I have. I’ve walked quite a bit but that’s all. Feeling fed up!!
Any tips on what to try?
Thanks.