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Revision TKR Complicated RTKR revision 2015, considering LTKR

Just wanted to say thank you on this Canadian Thanksgiving to all of you for your ongoing support and information, :puppysmooze:
 
Randi,
You are not even a month out from surgery, too early to think about going off your pain medications. A few do OK with Tylenol right after surgery, most need stronger medication for 10 to 12 weeks weaning off naturally.
You would be best served by weaning off the oxydocone rather than switching cold turkey to the Tylenol Arthritis. You will find yourself moving towards the Tylenol Arthritis as your pain diminishes. My OS office took me off cold turkey and I ended up in the ER, with pain and blood pressure through the roof. Here is an article in the library with a weaning off schedule. You can adjust it to your dosages and times.
Weaning off pain medication
 
@pumpkin, thank you x 2. I have looked at the article and I will try that.

I used to work in the field of mental health and addictions and I also personally know several people who have become addicted to prescription meds. I know that if the meds are truly used for pain they are not addictive. I know all this intellectually but emotionally the idea of being on narcotics terrifies me and whenever I have needed them I have always had the same struggle. I am trying to observe myself objectively ( which is of course impossible!) to sort out when I really NEED the Oxy, and the truth is, right now I do need it several times a day. I tried cutting down but when I use one tablet rather than two I don't get the same relief. I try to remind myself that 1) it is early days, 2) I had a complete TKR revision with lots of cutting, etc and 3) that I do not have any signs of an addictive personality. But it is an ongoing internal struggle.

The real bottom line for me is that I am impatient to get moving, and when I don't keep the pain under control I can't do much of anything - and honestly I am being good, icing, elevating , resting, gentle exercise , etc All I want is to be able to gradually start taking back some household responsibilities from my poor husband, and to be able to take short walks to begin with. It's always about balance, and I'm trying...
 
It's only just a month since your surgery. Of course you still need pain meds!
The time to start weaning off them is when you find that you are forgetting to take a dose. Then, decrease the dose and the frequency, gradually.
 
Randi,
Here is a video that will help, broken link removed: https://secondopinion-tv.org/episode/addiction-pain-medications
Click on the Myth or Medicine tab.
 
Randi said:
I am trying to observe myself objectively ( which is of course impossible!) to sort out when I really NEED the Oxy, and the truth is, right now I do need it several times a day. I tried cutting down but when I use one tablet rather than two I don't get the same relief.
Click to expand...
So then you know it's too early.
Most of us start by spreading the time. From 4 hours to 5, then to 6 and so on. Experiment and if either less meds or longer time isn't working, you know it's too soon. If it works, try it for a couple of doses and see how you do.
That said, you're really early on for cutting back.
The other thing to keep in mind is when you're in pain your muscles are likely to tense up in reaction which just makes you more uncomfortable.

Also, letting yourself be "lazy" now, means you'll be in better shape in a few weeks to help out.
 
Okay all, I get the message ! Less pain, more gain...I'll stick with the meds for now - my knee is angry at me for trying to cut back :bignono:!

And, @Braunzie --- when you find that ATM filled with patience I'd like to have a card, please :heehee:
 
I, too, was worried about addiction issues with Oxycontin. I spoke with my OS about it, and he said, "You are taking the Oxy for a reason, and you will know when you do not need it anymore." I was worried about taking too long, but my OS was right.
 
We all want to get of of the meds ASAP. for one, the issues that has been discussed---and another is that it would be a milestone and indicate progress.

We do have to consider that the knee has sustained serious surgical trauma that it may be necessary to take the meds to help us deal with the pain that will certainly be there after the surgery.
 
So, yet another question/ complaint. I am doing everything right as far as I know but the pain is much, much worse the last few days. Worse than right after the surgery. I have gone back on a regular schedule of pain meds at the maximum level but that doesn't even provide much relief. I have tried a bit of walking which doesn't seem to make any difference and stopped all exercise except moving around the house. On top of that, my dog seems to be tired of me just sitting around so he's being silly ...arghh. I know this too shall pass. Too much being alone and thinking...
 
@Randi !! Found this thread, and while it is good to "see" you again, I am sorry you are having the issues with your current recovery. I too, tried to get off the oxy asap, and paid for it both with pain and withdrawal, which was worse. Josephine's and everyone's reminders and instructions on how to cut back were so helpful. Relax and know you won't become addicted. Your knee is in charge right now. It sounds like you really are making wonderful progress - with only your patience standing in your way!
 
Hi everyone. After a really frustrating day yesterday feeling like I'm going backwards I took a nice hot shower this morning and directed it at that spot on the inside of my knee that has a bump and is so sore. It was like a mini miracle..so soothing. So after icing most of the day yesterday I'm going to try heat and/ or alternating heat and ice today. In fact, I'm not really swollen anywhere else and not sure this bump/ knot is really swelling ...
So far, so good. Anybody else use heat for pain ?
 
I have another question. Not sure why but I don't seem to be getting many answers. Sorry if I'm complaining too much. Just wondering if anybody knows if revisions typically take longer to recover from than "just"TKRs ? I know it's still early, not quite 5 weeks, but I'm having a lot of trouble weight bearing and therefore walking. Having severe pain on left upper inside quadrant of knee despite proper meds, rest and icing . Have stopped using heat ( as mentioned in last post) because PT advised against it due to swelling. Have slowed down to just maybe one short outing per day, few heel slides but getting frustrated by lack of progress. Last time at 6 weeks I was doing stairs, walking 1/2 mile without any aids, etc with just soreness. This time I can barely walk with cane, actually went back to walker yesterday because too sore to walk otherwise. Help, please. Trying not to be weepy but I need some support.
 
Randi,
Every knee, even the same knee with a revision, heals differently, sounding like it is going to take longer for you to heal this time around.
I was in a lot of pain at this stage after my revision, and still using a walker or crutches for all walking.
You are still very early, and will need time to heal.
 
Pumpkln said:
Every knee, even the same knee with a revision, heals differently, sounding like it is going to take longer for you to heal this time around.
Click to expand...
I have to agree---I had a BTKR---both of my knees were replace during the same surgery---and my right knee was the "problem child" and the left knee was the "angel."
 
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