28 days post-op and frustrated

[btilelli]

I had a hard time with the pain meds and just had to stop taking them because I was sick all the time. Now I have my friends pain and stiffness keeping me company. It's been a long Minnesota winter already and the days are lonely when my husband and daughter are gone at work and school. I'm not getting out much because I still have a fair amount of pain and swelling with activity and P.T. sessions wear me out. I have 2 more months of leave time from work so I am hoping I'll make progress a little faster now. I had planned to be so much further along than I am at this time. I guess it feels a bit discouraging. Anyone else feel like they are missing out?
Bridget

 

[Jamie]

Bridget, I was on hydrocodone for the first three weeks after my knee replacement and started getting sick from them. My doctor switched to Darvoset and I was able to use them for the next 3 weeks. Have you talked to your OS or your GP about trying a different prescription pain med? Having no pain or at least less pain helps in your recovery.

 

[btilelli]

They had tried Vicodeine and Norco before the Fentanyl and I had the same reaction to them. They offered Ultram but that doesn't seem to help much. I might suggest Darvoset with them tomorrow and perhaps something to help me sleep at night. I'll let you know.
Bridget

 

[richfriz]

Hi Bridget

I am 10 weeks post op and I can tell you it does get better.

4 Weeks was one of my "low" times

I am now at 10 weeks and things are a whole bunch better! I can do so much more now than I could at 4 weeks

Hang in there. You will feel better in a few weeks

Richard

 

[Josephine]

Well, you need something, btilelli. Maybe just go along the drug store counter until you find something that works! I'd suggest maybe Tylenol 4hrly and Ibprofen 8 or 6 hrly. But a good discussion with your doctor is a must. You need to work at this to find a formula that does the biz.

 

[maggy]

I know how you feel btilelli. I am just starting Week 4 post-op and am feeling very frustrated. I started off gung-ho and had lots of energy and was doing so well in PT but now the meds are making me feel so unwell, with a cold feeling in my lower back and bladder area. I am on one Percocet (acetaminophen and oxycodone) and one 500 mg Tylenol every four hours. Yesterday I tried to cut it down to every six hours and ended up in agony and unable to exercise. I don't know how you stopped entirely!!!

We are experiencing yet another snowstorm in Toronto and, although it's very beautiful to watch from my warm and cozy family room, it is very confining. Have you tried going out for brunch or dinner btilelli? I did that on the weekend and it went better than I thought it would. I just got up and walked around a bit when I got restless (which is frequently).

I too have about two months left before it's back to work and was hoping to get so many little things done at home but just don't seem to be able to concentrate or sit long enough. I was looking forward to having time to do some reading but even writing coherent thank-you notes to friends has been a major effort. This is not like me at all, I usually have tons of energy.

I'm thinking of calling my OS for a change in meds but what I'm really hoping for is a breakthrough like I read about here on Bonesmart. Richfriz, thanks for the post! Maybe I'm just not patient enough and it's still too early.

I hate whining! Gotta get some postiive energy! My son is coming to give me an acupuncture treatment (I'm so lucky) this afternoon and I know that will help.

Maybe it's right around the corner for you btilelli. Let us know when you hit it.

Mag

 

[btilelli]

Hi Richard,
I was glad to hear that 4 weeks was also a low point for you but I was so happy to hear that at 10 weeks you are so much better. That gives me hope and I think that is what I need right now. I'll also call my M.D. about Darvoset. Thanks for the encouragement.
Bridget

 

[btilelli]

Hi Mag,
Thanks for articulating your frustrations. I can so relate to the lack of concentration and direction in trying to get things done. I am going to call my MD today about trying the Darvoset. I think chronic pain and lack of sleep takes a greater tole than most people realize. I also think it's difficult when you are aware that everyone around you is happy and pain free and they have zero understanding of your frustrations. I'm so glad I have this website of friends to help. Thanks for listening.
Bridget

 

[btilelli]

I am calling today to try to get this med situation under control. I, too, don't think I can make it without some kind of pain management. thanks for validating my concerns.
Bridget

 

[Jamie]

Bridget....that's what we're here for - to help and support each other!!! At 4 weeks, you are still very early in the recovery process. When you talk to your doctor, you might ask about the sleep medication too. I recall some on the forum taking that in addition to prescription pain meds. Sometimes a person does have to do a lot of experimenting to see what works. Once my pain levels allowed me to get off prescription meds, I found only Aleve worked for me. Tylenol was like taking nothing. Everyone is different! Hang in there....a couple of weeks (and warmer weather) will bring a new perspective for you. It sounds to me like you are doing really well - even if it doesn't seem like it to you right now.

 

[Linda2]

Four weeks is a difficult time for many. You think you should be sooooo much better than you are. I remember 3 months as really being a whole lot better--pretty close to ok. At least that's how it worked for me.