Brain fatigue

[annelaine]

I'm 57 and 3 weeks post TKR r knee. The most troubling thing for me is the brain fatigue, word finding trouble and lack of ability to concentrate in general. Has anyone else experienced this? I think it may be related to the anesthesia. I also had lab band surgery in April 07 in order to lose the weight needed to have the TKR. Help--I can't even concentrate to knit and I'm only taking pain meds and muscle relaxer before PT and before bed.

 

[lyn]

I am at 71/2 weeks and just now having almost normal concentration, I had not been able to read much and I read a lot, well maybe it got better at about 5 weeks. Lyn

 

[Skeet]

I find I can read in snipets. I am okay with TV, but movies I have a hard time with. Concentration is challenging at 5.5 weeks PO. I need to go back to work in a couple of weeks and I'm thinking I can only do half days due to concentration. I tried crocheting, but the pattern required thinking so it has been very slow. It will come back over time. It is related to the meds and I think the stamina and energy needed to heal are more than we realize. My body just wants to rest a lot. I find myself falling asleep at the strangest times. I was fighting it, but now I just go with it and I'm doing better. Hang in there. You are normal. Nothing to freak about.

 

[Josephine]

Fatigue is a very natural response of your body to MAJOR surgery. Not just the anaesthesia, but the surgery as well.

The body has a lot of healing to do and it draws on all your strength and energy to do that. Consequently you have little of you normal amount to focus on the activities of daily living. That's why you need to make a good balance between the physio and resting up. You can't expect to do normal things like you used to and not feel drained because that is exactly what you are - drained. Make sure you have rest periods, afternoon naps and early nights. Good meals and plenty of fluids are also a must. In other words, take care of yourself. Once you have done your physio, make sure you rest up and give your body a chance to recuperate.