TKR Having Mako TKR tomorrow

JustMe58

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Not sure how this all works, but I’m hoping for ongoing guidance as I make this journey. I’m WAY more scared than I anticipated and just want this behind me. I feel like I’m unprepared for the post op pain. Pain meds make me nauseated, constipated and cause terrible nightmares, but I can see from what I’m reading that I MUST take them by the clock? I also read that PT shouldn’t hurt?
looking forward to being part of the Graduate Community:)
 
Hello @JustMe58 - and :welome:

Please will you confirm the full date of your knee replacement and which knee it is, so we can make a signature for you? That will help us to give you appropriate advice. Thank you.:flwrysmile:

I feel like I’m unprepared for the post op pain. Pain meds make me nauseated, constipated and cause terrible nightmares, but I can see from what I’m reading that I MUST take them by the clock?
Yes, you do need to take your pain medications by the clock, but it should be possible to find a regime that doesn't make you feel so bad. firstly, ask for some medication to control the nausea. There are several that might work for you. second, if one medication makes you feel really bad, ask if you can be given another one. don't leave hospital until you are on a medication regime that controls your pain and doesn't make you feel really bad.

Constipation is inevitable with all those medications, but you can be prepared for that. This article suggests some dietary ways that might help: Constipation and stool softeners
other people have found thta various forms of aperients worked for them.

I also read that PT shouldn’t hurt?
correct. If PT hurts, it isn't going to do your knee any good.
Pain is a warning sign that what you're doing is more than your knee is ready to cope with. PT should be gentle.

Here is the recovery reading we give to everyone - lots of useful articles here:
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
ice
take your pain meds by prescription schedule (not when pain starts!)​

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

5. At week 4 and after you should follow this

6. Access to these pages on the website


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.
 
I’m having right knee done tomorrow December 9, 2019. Thanks very much to responding. I’ve actually never posted on a blog and not exactly sure how it works but I’ve got some reading to do now, yay!!!
 
JustMe58,
Thank you for posting your surgery date, I have also added you to the December SuperNovas.
I’ve actually never posted on a blog and not exactly sure how it works but I’ve got some reading to do now, yay!!!
You are doing just fine with your posting, looking forward to seeing your thread in the Recovery Forum.
Wishing you all the best tomorrow!
 
JustMe58,
Here is a link to your recovery thread, that has been started for you.
 

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