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TKR A new knee to add to my collection

I still usually take tramadol at night and if I'm feeling extra achy I take a Oxycodone so I can get some sleep. I als can't seem to get comfortable in my bed so I'm sleeping on my recliner with my knees elevated with ice. I hope you get a good nights sleep soon.
 
Thanks @newlybionic, so you think I should take stronger painkillers at night? I have a recliner but it's not very comfortable, it's getting a little old and battered, a bit like me really!
 
@Littlejem
It's not even a month since your TKR. Of course you should still be taking the stronger pain medications. At this stage, you are meant to feel sedated, so that you need to rest a lot. Your knee needs this.

In fact, at less than weeks since you had this major surgery, you should still be taking pain meds regularly, day and night. Poor pain control is the reason why you aren't sleeping at night.

A knee replacement is much more serious surgery than a hip replacement. You will need more pain relief and recover more slowly than you did from your hip replacements.

It is very important to take effective pain relief. If you don't, it can slow down your progress. This article explains.
Pain management: importance of managing pain after a TKR and the pain chart
 
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I've been a bit stupid I think, I'm not at 2 weeks yet and I'm only taking about half the dose I can take. I've never been good at taking tablets and always think I'm ok and don't need them, this may almost be a reaction to the fact that my mum regularly over medicated herself. This may be a silly question but am I better to take 2 tablets at a time and only be able to take them 4 times a day or am I better to take 1 at a time up to 8 times a day?
 
That depends on what the tablets are and what strength they are. What does the writing on the bottle say?

If you can tell me the pills and the strength, I will tag @Josephine to advise you.
 
@Celle I have co-codamol, codeine phosphate hemihyrate/paracetamol 30mg/500mg and also got Zapain, codine phosphate/paracetamol 30mg/500mg, I'm guessing they are virtually the same thing?
 
Were they both prescribed for you as post-op medication? And how often does the label say to take them?
 
The co-codomol was prescribed after this surgery, the Zapain was prescribed after my arthroscopy. I've just spoken to my local chemist and they are the same drug just under a different name. They both say, 1 or 2 tablets, every 4-6 hours, up to 8 in 24 hour period.
 
Hope you are soon able to get your pain under control so your knee will have a more effective recovery. Getting on top of your pain with scheduled pain reliever and 'staying' on schedule is going to make your life so much better in the coming weeks of your recovery. You've found an excellent online site for great support- they have helped me so much here! :SUNsmile:
 
Littlejem said:
This may be a silly question but am I better to take 2 tablets at a time and only be able to take them 4 times a day or am I better to take 1 at a time up to 8 times a day?
Click to expand...
Littlejem said:
I have co-codamol, codeine phosphate hemihyrate/paracetamol 30mg/500mg
Click to expand...
Since the effective dose of paracetamol is 1,000 mg, I'd be inclined to advise taking two tablets, 4 times a day - but I'll defer to @Josephine to confirm this.
 
I would say take one tablet and see how it goes. If one works in the day, but you need two at night---well then, there is your answer. All of this is a moving picture. Two might work today, but not tomorrow. You will need to adjust them for your self.

I would think that if you took one pill every four hours for a few days, how do you feel? too dopey? maybe half a pill or maybe every six hours. You will have to adjust to your own needs. But, i agree with Celle, if you are tossing and turning and unable to sleep, you are undermedicated. Many studies show that if you are comfortable and pain free, it is easier for your body to heal.
 
You can do either. See which one suits you best.
However, the one at a time means that you will be constantly thinking about taking pills all the time!
 
So I took 2 tablets 4 times yesterday and I slept much better last night. I was tired all day but whether that was from lack of sleep from the night before or the meds making me feel tired, or more probably a combination of both. Thanks for the advice xx
 
I'm glad you slept better.
Since it's still not two weeks since your surgery, your body and your knee need to be resting most of the time. The tiredness is natural, as your body has been through a large trauma. At this stage, being sleepy all the time is a good thing.
 
I was very happy to have the excuse to nap. :wink:
 
A question about my scar. The top part of my scar and surrounding area, about an inch square, is quite hard and stings a lot, like hot pins being stuck in me. This can happen sometimes just randomly or when I touch it but always when I try to bend the knee to exercise. Is this normal or do you think there may be a problem with that part of the scar? The rest of the scar line is ok.
 
@Littlejem
I get the same sensation in my scar as you describe, a stingy feeling when bending it. I just saw my OS and he says I have some scar tissue building up around the scar, and he showed me how to massage it to help it disperse. It feels like a hard lumpiness in places, particularly around the top of the scar. I don't think it's anything to worry about.
Love, Tabby xxx
 
Thanks @Tabbycat, what do you do to massage it and how often? I have some bio oil that I've been rubbing in twice a day but it's almost too uncomfortable to press too hard. I'd like to get on top of it if I can and I don't see my surgeon for a few weeks. Thanks for any advice X
 
Hi,
Yes, my scar is still a bit sore at seven weeks, so it would be quite painful to massage at less than a month. The massage my OS showed me is using your thumbs to massage up and down the scar itself and around it with circular movements and quite firm pressure. I'm doing it a few times a day.
At your stage I would go more gently, and wait a while if it's too uncomfortable.
Love, Tabby xxx
 
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