MUA billywhizz666 - the saga continues

[billywhizz666]

Wow most of you people are all from the USA. Goin by my first glance at this site...you are so lucky. Would love to live in USA.

Any way I'm drifting. Been a week now since surgery on my left knee and I'm not a wuss..I'm a man's man. Yes I am, I've been told so! But for the love of God when does this pain stop??? Over here I was just sent home from hospital 2 days ago with a bag of ibuprofen some co-codamol Also aspirin and told to exercise. Now to get out of stalag7.

I had to do some really nasty exercises. I wanted out so put my heart and soul into doing these things including bending my stapled up knee backwards. Why?? I thought my staples were gonna pop out! Nevertheless I did it. I did it so good that the following day, yesterday, my calves and quads in my thighs hurt more than my ruddy knee.

I'm getting no sleep which lasts more than 2 hours. The noises coming out my mouth are unbelievable. I'm like Richard Pryor being whipped by his gran.My wife is going off me I can tell. She's looking at me wit her 'man up fella' eyes but I'm sorry, I couldn't give a shot. If she wants to go well go but leave the bottle of morphine please! Yeah my own doctor gave me morphine. I've only taken it twice cos it knocks me sick. so come on people please help me..lie if you want..but tell me this pain stops soon

 

[Shortie]

I'm sure a moderator will be along soon but you are soooooo undermedicated. I came home yesterday after a revision and I was discharged with OxyContin (slow release Oxycodone), oxynorm to top up if needed and anti emetic to stop me feeling sick.

See your GP today and get them to prescribe you something extra.

As for exercises again the mods will tell you if it hurts don't so it! My physio exercises seem to be standard ones BUT stipulates 'if you are struggling with the exercises due to pain or swelling, rest for a day and temporarily decrease the number of times the exercises are performed until symptoms subside'

Please also get your wife to watch a video (YouTube is good) of what you and your knee has gone through then she might understand!

As I say you will get lots of advice here, please read lots you will realise you are not alone, will have support here and be able to empower yourself to get the help needed for a better recovery.

Shortie x

 

[Ellejay]

Hi @billywhizz666, sorry you are in so much pain, @Shortie is right, you need much more & stronger pain medication. Many of us on here have been given Tramadol, it certainly worked for me. It is a VERY painful recuperation, but it is manageable. Until one of the moderators gets to post the BoneSmart reading List for you, start reading through some of the library articles, or looking at the beginning pages of most of the threads, they will have the mantras there and if you follow them you will be doing the best you can for your poor knee. It has been through a lot - tell your wife I'd rather got through childbirth three times in a row, and that's from a female! Do continue posting on here, we all understand, it's tough, we've been there, we are here to listen, support, help and advise wherever we can.

 

[billywhizz666]

Dear ellejay an shortie.first off fabulous names guys love them already feel we're in a club..but to be serious I felt that what they discharged me with..was not snuff..I have played semi pro football in Liverpool for years so my knees have been targeted like a terrorist...I've had loads done to my legs including breakage but this pain is wiping me out...I've just woke up after a 2hour. Daytime sleep caused my me taking 10ml of liquid morphine..it. knocks me. Sick but I had to take it...and here we go plain lickin right back in...cannot take tramadol..had a bad experience on it after hip op...thanks. for replying guys I suppose bottom line really is bite your teeth an. Get on wit it....luv us xxxxxxxxx

 

[marmora]

@billywhizz666
Here not too far from you in Dublin, Ireland.
Can nearly feel your pain through your post!

The pain did continue for me for about 2 weeks, but was on more pain meds than you. I was on the following for 21 days post-op.

• Long acting OxyContin 10 am & 10 pm for 21 days
• Couldn't take Tramadol - made me sick. So Solpadeine 2 tablets every 4 hours (maximum of 8 tablets per day)
• Valium 2 mg up to three times per day - suggested one hour before Physio to help relax muscles
• OxyNorm 5mg for break-through pain as needed -up to 3 times per day.

Now at home, my GP changed the pain meds to the following

• OxyContin Stopped
• Solpadeine to Tylex 2 tablets -four times a day (maximum of 8 per day)
• Still on Valium
• Still on OxyNorm

Now 4 weeks & 1 day post- op, normal pain level is about level 2 and can spike to 4/5 during my at home Physio exercises that I try to do 3 times per day. And see a local Physiotherapist once per week.

Week 2 was better than Week 3
Week 4 is better than Week 4
But, think that no one can tell you what to expect of feel unless they have had a TKR .
That's why I find that the BoneSmart has been so Very Very helpful to turn to for help, advice and a place to rant

The most important for me was to rest throughout the day and
elevate - look at the BoneSmart site for how to position the three pillows This is the key to reduce swelling, and in hospital I got a unit called a Cryo Cuff - and knee brace that fills with iced water and wraps around the knee - even frozen bags of peas on the knee will also provide relief.

It does get better- but slowly and patience is the mantra and learning that the knee is in control of your daily activities and life for the time being.

Take care and maybe a talk with your GP may provide additional pain medications.

Cathie

 

[Ellejay]

I've just thought, I bought some ice bags from Amazon, you can either fill them with iced water, or I froze them over a small water bottle so they then fitted over my knee when they came out of the freezer. I'll tag @Josephine to see if she has some advice for you, you shouldn't have to put up with too much pain, it will stop you doing even gentle exercises and so hinder your recover.

 

[billywhizz666]

Dear Cathie many many thanks read your reply and my poor wife was horrified and got straight onto surgery.as a result there. Is a whole bunch of new medication headin this way...and my poor knee is humming Danny boy in gratitude as we speak...now Cathie I'm from liverpool but Livni down here..my dad God rest is soul was from the north wall not far from u and me man was from cork..we all thank u and before we go can u advise me on knee position..im on the couch not knee elevated but feel it should be and I'm wrapping frozen peas round me knee every half hour...is that right?? Thanking u in advance Jimmy

 

[marmora]

@billywhizz666

Hi Jimmy,
"Oh Danny Boy, ...."

On a good day I could walk to North Wall from home over the bridge at The Point Theatre and lived in Cork for 6 years-husband is a Cork man.

Glad your wife has gotten the meds sorted and the frozen work a treat, get a few packs so that you can change them often -remember to wrap them in a tea towel or light cloth as they shouldn't be placed directly on to the skin.

There is a picture on this site on how to properly stack 3 pillows to elevate the leg& knee. I think you just type knee elevation and the picture comes up or one of the moderators will post on a reading lists to you and the elevation site is also on that.

Been to Liverpool for a long weekend a few years ago and really enjoyed our time there, especially the fabulous Curry Houses- yummy .

Cathie

Take care

 

[billywhizz666]

Once again thanks Cathie..cannot find that (staff edit) 3 pillow elevation thing at all...but on the bright side found a couple of excellent porn sites!!!!!!!! That of course as Hal roach would say. Was an attempt at a joke....but Cathie how hard can it really be to elevate a leg and guess wot?? Use three pillows...thank you Jimmy

 

[bottomshollow]

@billywhizz666, so pleased you have joined us here on the forum. Give us a little time and we'll have you all fixed up and feeling much, much better. Really am sorry you've had such a rough start. Those meds coming your way should be a big help.

I have some reading for you! The first set is essential reading, the second and third are useful and the fourth is just good information, but you will need it all.

Group A
The importance of managing pain after a TKR and the pain chart
Myth busting: no pain, no gain
Swollen and stiff knee: what causes it?
Progression of activity for TKRs

Group B
How Long Does Healing Take ......
Chart representation of TKR recovery
Energy drain for TKRs
Elevating your leg to control swelling and pain
Using ice

Group C
Knee Replacement - Where Am I in Recovery?
So What Is It Going to Take? The Five “P’s” of Knee Recovery
Work “Smarter” and not “Harder”
About recovering a knee - from one who knows!
Some suggestions for home physio (PT) and activity progress
Myth busting: The "window of opportunity"

Group D
MUA (manipulation under anaesthetic) and adhesions
It's never too late to get more ROM!
It's Worth the Wait for ROM
Myth busting: on getting addicted to pain meds
Post op blues is a reality - be prepared for it
Constipation and stool softeners
Sleep deprivation is pretty much inevitable - but what causes it?
Recovery Aids: A comprehensive list for hospital and home

Please don't be overwhelmed by the list. The articles are not lengthy and contain information that will answer many questions and help you make your recovery much easier on your knee and on you.

I also want to share the BoneSmart mantras with you. Following them to the letter will assure you of the best possible recovery.
- rest, elevate, ice and take your pain meds by the clock
- if it hurts, don't do it and don't allow anyone - especially a physiotherapist - to do it to you
- if your leg swells more or gets stiffer in the 24 hours after doing it, don't do it again
- if you won't die if it's not done, don't do it
- never stand when you can sit, never sit when you can lie down, never stay awake when you can go to sleep!

We are here to help in any way we can: answering questions and concerns; supporting and encouraging you from start to finish; giving you a place to vent, whine, complain if you need to; sharing experiences with one another; and having fun and some laughs along the way.

Take care and keep us posted. We care.

 

[chestnc]

Hi @billywhizz666, wow, sorry to hear you are in so much pain. I was okay in the hospital with Nucenta, but when I got home, I was a bit uncomfortable. The following day I was in pain and found the Nucenta did not hold me. I called my OS and was sent a script for stronger pain meds. You need to be on something that you can tolerate and that you can be relieved of the pain from.The second day after I came home I had a nurse and a a physical therapist in my house for a week the nurse and 2 weeks for physical therapist. The exercises should not be hurting. You will feel better when the staples come out. I had sutures. I cannot imaging staples but many have. I would be calling my Ortho Surgeon and letting him know how uncomfortable you are. Wishing you all the best. Glad you found this site.

 

[marmora]

@billywhizz666
Hi Jimmy,
Just as I found the link to send to you, bottomshallow one of the moderators has sent it on to you, under I use method no 4 with my three pillows and even used this when I was in the hospital and afterwards in the rehab centre before coming home.
It's not rocket science, but the correct position prevents problems with the knee Flexion.

Take care and keep on singing - I can't get 'Ferry Cross the Mersey" out of my head !

Cathie

 

[billywhizz666]

Cathie....life goes on day after day...hearts torn in every way..so....no.stop it I'm here cos my (staff edit) knee is in bits woman not to sing across the irish sea...thank u to everyone who has deployed to me as an. Emotional scouser who cries reading the death columns in the. Paper...I've been ' very touched and glad I decided to whine my little heart out on here...it's not wasted advice I am starting on shallow bottom.....we're do u people get these great names from.......I am gonna read all the material it's not like it's gonna stop me play in footy is it....thank u all Jimmy xxxxxxxxx

 

[marmora]

@biilywhizz66

Jimmy, couldn't find a footy logo.
Off to for my 25 minute walk in short-lived Irish sunshine !

Take care and will check in on you tomorrow,
Cathie

 

[truckinguy]

Hang in billywizz...1st week or 2 is the hardest. After the 1st week I used the meds mostly for sleeping at night and a little just before therapy. Got to have a good nights sleep. Eventually none during the day and just nights. I iced all night as well. We have a machine here that pumps cold water to and around the knee.
Listen to your body but do your therapy and you'll be great in time.

 

[Josephine]

Well, Billy, you read those articles and take note, y'hear? And I'm sorry to have to say this, but please mind your language! I know you're hurting and you can say what you want in the privacy of your home but not on the forum, eh?

One thing I suggest you do right away is yo ask your GP to prescribe you Tramadol instead of morphine as it's much more effective. Take it with paracetamol. This is the routine I used for my knee and it worked well. You must take them night and day to get good cover.

I'm also going to ask you some questions and it would be very helpful if you would answer each one individually - numbered as I have done - in as much detail as you can then I'll come back as see where you are ....

1. what are your pain levels right now? (remember the 1-10 scale: 1 = no pain and 10 = the worst you can imagine. And don't compare this with the bone-on-bone pain you had before surgery!

)

2. what pain medications have you been prescribed, how much are you taking (in mg please) and how often?

3. how often are you icing your knee and for how long?

4. are you elevating your leg, how often and for how long?

5. What is your ROM - that's flexion (bend) and extension (straightness)

6. what is your activity level? What do you do in the way of walking, housework, cooking, cleaning, shopping, etc., and

7. what kind of exercises are you doing? Describe them. How much are you doing them and how often? (and detailed details would be appreciated, please! Reps, sets and session and all that)

Note:
If you're not familiar with this, it goes like so:
1 lift of a 500kg bell bar = 1 rep or repetition.
Doing 5 reps and then a brief rest = 1 set of 5.
And doing 5 sets and finishing = a session.

 

[tiredwife]

@billywhizz666 Hubby is on knee number 2. 1st one was a fairly easy recovery, this one the knee actually has better ROM and seem steadier but his pain has been rough. OS finally got him some new pain meds so we are hoping by tomorrow he will get the pain down to at least a 3. You aren't suppose to put a pillow under the knee, our PT said it can lead to clots. Elevate under the calf, toes over nose and ice ice ice!

 

[amab]

@billywhizz666 ......hang in there!! It will get better. My wife observed early on with my first knee...."TKRs are not for sissies"......

 

[referee54]

I had to do some really nasty exercises. I wanted out so put my heart and soul into doing these things including bending my stapled up knee backwards.

Please do not let anybody force you or make you do any exercises that cause you pain---you should only take exercises and stretches to the point of discomfort and no further. By doing that, you should eliminate a large amount of pain-inducing issues.

I'm getting no sleep which lasts more than 2 hours.

This is also normal--unfortunately. Many of us---almost all of us---had sleep issues. Just nap when you can and sleep whenever you feel like it. This is not permanent---and, while it is frustrating, it will subside in time.

I would spend time reading those articles that have been given to you---they contain wonderful information that will help you understand what is going on and what you may anticipate during your recovery.

Take those pain meds on the clock---and, if they are not working, you need to contact your OS or your GP---perhaps a pain-management specialist is in order---you should not be in this much pain.

Are you icing and elevating---you should do this excessively. How much activity are you doing around the house?

It does sound like you are under-medicated---the pain should be very well controlled, but make sure that you are icing, elevating, and resting, too---your knee has sustained major surgical trauma, and two bones were sawed off and some major pounding took place. By getting the right pain meds, you should eliminate much of the pain---and by following the Bonesmart Mantras, you should be able to become more comfortable!

 

[billywhizz666]

Ok you lovely fabulous but obviously slightly mad people thank you thank you thank you for your great comments, your gentle for now chiding remarks. I'm genuinely touched by them. People I don't know wanting to help me. I never experienced this before and I'm struggling a wee bit to adapt. I'm quite angry now too that the hospital, biggest in Swansea, sent me home with no advice about elevation and a bag with just co-codamol in it. Got my meds sorted now I think and my head too, thanks to you people. Don't know you Cathie and I so adore my wife Sian, really but I know we would get on. We seem to have same silly soh.

Josephine, another lovely name if I have sworn I'm so so sorry never again.

Your questions - gonna try now. By the way, silver surfer I ain't so stick with me. It's 01:50, just had some liquid morphine and 2 tabs paracetamol but knee on 9/10 as we speak. Again the pain is horrific. Gonna post picture of knee but it's red angry and starting to blacken away from staples. Ok Josephine ready now.

1. Pain is 9 now as my meds been are adjusted this is in effect day one so new start. This is my wife's list for me and I woke the house up slipping onto marble pears on Silly ceramic tray!!! Ok tho right.

2. 7am today 1 ibuprofen400mg, 2 paracetamol 500mg 2.5mls morphine
8am 1 hydrochloride tablet
11am repeat of 7 am
12 noon hydrochloride x 1
3pm repeat of 7am
4pm hydrochloride again
7pm repeat again of 7am
and that's all she has written down but she does respond to my whinging in pain to give me morphine if I need it

3. icing knee with 2 packs of captain birdeseye peas...naww showing off there..there from Lidl. Leaving on for 20 mins at time, an hour's wait, back on, round the clock till 8pm off for night. Got knee bandage with built in gel to freeze on way from Amazon...

4. annoyed with myself over this as I really thought I should elevate it but was gutless and never brought it up Started elevating yesterday 3 pillows as prescribed by my Dublin Angel Cathie. During the day I'm on sofa especially. Bought 10 months ago after hip op same leg. And I elevate most of the day till about 8pm then leave it during the night.

5. Never heard of ROM except on here. Sorry Jo

6. not much activity apart from a wee walk upstairs to bathroom

7. to be honest Jo, nothing at the moment. Been in too much pain

Finished your survey, took an hour and my knee has not stopped burning and throbbing throughout. Sorry for whinging on. But in my defence I am a man!!! It's 2:36 now and I am still getting messages and advice from the great people on this site. Lots from the USA, favourite place in world. Will get there one day.Seriously you are really helping me. Never thought I would be sitting here eyes filling up at this time in morning. You would be horrified if you knew what I'm normally doing on laptop this time of night!!!!! Silly attempt of joke there again. Gonna try to sleep now cheers guys

xxxxxxxxx Jimmy