TKR A Matching Set.

[Dragoness]

Had my right TKR last Monday (15th May). Same implant as before and came home on Thursday 18th. All went well. Only detriment I'm finding is that the pain is not as controllable. I am using the same medication regime as last time and spreading things out so I am taking something every 3 hours, but it's just not as effective as before. I am keeping my leg elevated when ever possible and using a Cryo Cuff as well. I know it's very early days - but I was wondering if other people have had more pain after their 2nd TKR.

 

[Jennszoo]

Curious about this too. I've heard immunity to narcotics builds up after 3 months of use. I got off daytime narcotics by 3w and I'm hoping that means they work when I get my next surgery done next month.

 

[Dragoness]

Had cut right down before my op and was only on 50mgs of tramadol 3 times a day, but now I'm back on 100mgs 4 times a day, 60 mgs nefopam 3 times a day + taking 2 x 5mls oramorph to get me through the night

 

[KarriB]

It would be a good idea to let your OS know Monday morning. He may be able to help with an add on or something entirely different. My OS said no pain meds except Tylenol 2 weeks pre-op. Although you've been here for your LTKR, I'll leave you with a new set of guidelines.

Knee Recovery: The Guidelines

1. Don’t worry: Your body will heal all by itself. Relax, let it, don't try and hurry it, don’t worry about any symptoms now; they are almost certainly temporary
2. Control discomfort:

rest
elevate
ice
take your pain meds by prescription schedule (not when pain starts!)
don't overwork.​

3. Do what you want to do BUT

a. If it hurts, don't do it and don't allow anyone - especially a physical therapist - to do it to you
b. If your leg swells more or gets stiffer in the 24 hours after doing it, don't do it again.​

4. PT or exercise can be useful BUT take note of these

the BoneSmart view on exercise
BoneSmart philosophy for sensible post op therapy​

5. Here is a week-by-week guide for Activity progression for TKRs


The Recovery articles:
The importance of managing pain after a TKR and the pain chart
Swollen and stiff knee: what causes it?

Energy drain for TKRs
Elevation is the key

Ice to control pain and swelling
Heel slides and how to do them properly

Chart representation of TKR recovery
Healing: how long does it take?

Post op blues is a reality - be prepared for it
Sleep deprivation is pretty much inevitable - but what causes it?

There are also some cautionary articles here
Myth busting: no pain, no gain
Myth busting: the "window of opportunity" in TKR
Myth busting: on getting addicted to pain meds

We try to keep the forum a positive and safe place for our members to talk about their questions or concerns and to report successes with their joint replacement surgery. While members may create as many threads as they like in a majority of BoneSmart's forums, we ask that each member have only one recovery thread. This policy makes it easier to go back and review history before providing advice.

 

[Celle]

All went well. Only detriment I'm finding is that the pain is not as controllable. I am using the same medication regime as last time and spreading things out so I am taking something every 3 hours, but it's just not as effective as before.

I think it is a lot to do with how much work has to be done during surgery on your knee. No two knees are alike in their recovery, even if done on the same day by the same surgeon. So try not to compare your knees.

I agree , though, that you should phone your surgeon and ask for your medication to be adjusted, so that it is more effective

 

[LindaO]

I just had my second knee surgery 6weeks after the first and like you, can't seem to find the right combination of meds as well as needing more meds. The pain seems so much more acute than the first one...still having aching in that knee as well. I hope you are able to find what works for you!