Make sure you have protein in your tummy before taking diclofenac. I took it (one 75mg. daily) and ended up with numerous ulcers. Celebrex is much better for your tummy and is still an NSAID. You can ask your doctor about it. NSAID Side Effects
TKR January 4th ltkr
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Tgmaine
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Wow good to know. I generally have had good luck with NSAID meds as far as stomach issues but I'll be careful.
My OS prescribed Protonix along with dichlofenac 75mg. He recommended to take dichlofenac 75mg for 3 months,twice daily following TKR. So I have been taking for the past 4 months.Since I LTKR and RTKR 2 months apart.
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Tgmaine
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I looked that up. I take Omeprazole, which is also a proton pump inhibitor so I think I have that covered. My husband usually brings me a half banana in the morning with the dichlofenac so I'll have something in my stomach. I also find myself nibbling on crystallized ginger when I've taken a few meds to settle my stomach.
I took and still do take Omeprazole and got ulcers anyway. If you have any discomfort in your tummy you might want to switch to something that is easier on it. I wish you success in your healing!
MSuki
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Sometimes we react differently to different medications. I take a 50 mg tablet of diclofenac twice a day, and have been on it for I think 3-4 years and it does not bother my stomach. Two or three times my doctor has tried switching me to a different nsaid and every time the new one makes my stomach burn and I come back. I’m hoping I’ll be able to get off it after this though. It’s not recommended for long term.
I think diclofenac builds up in your system to a level. When I had to stop it presurgery for each knee, seemed to me it wasn’t too bad the first day or so but then my arthritis pain ramped up more on day 3. I take mine in the morning after having a protein shake.
I think diclofenac builds up in your system to a level. When I had to stop it presurgery for each knee, seemed to me it wasn’t too bad the first day or so but then my arthritis pain ramped up more on day 3. I take mine in the morning after having a protein shake.
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Tgmaine
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Well let's hope after I'm finished healing from this knee there won't be a need for long term NSAID treatment!
Being able to get off of NSAIDs would be a really good thing.
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Tgmaine
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Checking in with a question about painkillers. I am 4 weeks post op. Night time is still hugely challenging. I am up 2 or 3 times in the night, often with severe muscle pain, stiffness, tender skin. Beginning at 5 pm I get squirrelly. Fidgety, sore, stiff. I've cut back the Dilaudid to one 2 mg around then and one or two in the night. Usually at around midnight to 2 an and sometimes again around 5 or 6 am. During the day with movement, exercises etc I am doing okay with Tylenol and Diflenac. I feel objectively like I ought to be able to stop the Dilaudid yet I feel the other meds aren't enough for those tough times. I began outpatient PT today and did take it an hour before. Opinions?
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Everyone is different when it comes to the prescription pain meds. Some lucky folks are off of them in days, some in a couple of weeks or a couple of months, and others continue to need them on a taper or intermittently for months.
We definitely don't recommend taking the pain pill before PT. It will dull your ability to tell the difference between mild discomfort and outright pain.
It's important to not let PT insist you push yourself into pain or to manipulate your knee in a way that hurts. Pain is your baby knee's only way to tell you Stop Now. Ignoring it leads to a setback with increased pain and swelling and temporarily stops the healing process.
We definitely don't recommend taking the pain pill before PT. It will dull your ability to tell the difference between mild discomfort and outright pain.
It's important to not let PT insist you push yourself into pain or to manipulate your knee in a way that hurts. Pain is your baby knee's only way to tell you Stop Now. Ignoring it leads to a setback with increased pain and swelling and temporarily stops the healing process.
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Tgmaine
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I hear you about dulling pain before PT. I actually read the article about Bonesmart's feelings on exercises and looked at the ones that are NOT recommended. My new PT was pretty gentle during this first session, but he did suggest the clamshells, which I firmly declined. First, because I saw it on your list. Second, because I'm having SO much trouble sleeping, partly because I can't find a comfortable position to stay in. And as a side sleeper, when I've tried to sleep on the side of the non-operated leg, bending the operating leg in that direction is excruciating. I have to take hold of it with my hands and gently guide it back straight. No way could I do a clamshell!
I'm having issues in the last couple of days with tenderness on the skin and tissues of the knee. The steri-strips have come off and the incision doesn't quite come together in spots and the skin is SO dry, I'm afraid it will heal with a space. I'm not allowed to put any kind of cream, lotion or oil on it yet. Should I cover it with a bandage or leave it alone? It all feels so achy.
I'm having issues in the last couple of days with tenderness on the skin and tissues of the knee. The steri-strips have come off and the incision doesn't quite come together in spots and the skin is SO dry, I'm afraid it will heal with a space. I'm not allowed to put any kind of cream, lotion or oil on it yet. Should I cover it with a bandage or leave it alone? It all feels so achy.
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Oh I'm sorry your incision is causing you concern.
As long as there's no redness, warmth, or drainage it should be ok and heal itself as new cells fill in.
You're right that you can't put anything on or very near the incision.
It's not essential to cover it, but it is ok to lightly cover with gauze (to protect it from chafing against what you're wearing). Some of our members have reported that the skin anywhere near their incision is very reactive to most tapes or bandaids - this is people who usually don't have that problem. So be cautious especially as your skin is already bothering you.
Have you tried sleeping with your legs on a pillow stack? Some of us found it very relaxing!
Here's a link.
As long as there's no redness, warmth, or drainage it should be ok and heal itself as new cells fill in.
You're right that you can't put anything on or very near the incision.
It's not essential to cover it, but it is ok to lightly cover with gauze (to protect it from chafing against what you're wearing). Some of our members have reported that the skin anywhere near their incision is very reactive to most tapes or bandaids - this is people who usually don't have that problem. So be cautious especially as your skin is already bothering you.
Have you tried sleeping with your legs on a pillow stack? Some of us found it very relaxing!
Here's a link.
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Hi Tgmaine,
Sometimes the skin around your incision becomes dry and itchy while healing. Although it is okay to put lotion or cream on the surrounding skin if it is uncomfortable, you should not apply anything close to or on the stitches or incision without the approval of your surgeon. It normally takes four to six weeks for the incision to fully heal and close. You don't want to risk infection by applying a product near an open area before that time. Some of the more common creams and lotions used on a healed incision are Bio-Oil, Vitamin E Oil, E45 Cream, Palmer's Cocoa Butter Lotion with Vitamin E, and Coconut Oil.
The one exception to the guidance in regard to applying products topically over your incision is a product called ACTIVE AntiMicrobial Hydrogel Spray. This product contains hypochlorous (HOCL), a compound made naturally by your body to promote healing. It can be applied to your incision at any point during recovery - it's a germ fighter as well as a healing and moisturizing agent. Discuss its use with your surgeon before using it. You will find a link at the top right of the page in a sidebar ad you can click on.
The protocol for wound coverage varies from surgeon to surgeon it seems. I was advised to keep mine covered and after I showered and it was completely dry, recover with fresh gauze. I'd be inclined to want it covered if there are open spaces as you described. Consider sending your surgeon's care team a cell phone photo of your incision to get their opinion on wound care. I think it will give you peace of mind and I'm certain they'd be happy to advise.
For sleeping...pillows, lots of bed pillows did the trick for me. I kind of surrounded myself with pillows of varying firmness and found it comfortable to rest an arm, or leg, on one. I felt rather swaddled by having them close on both sides. I'ts all about comfort and whatever it takes to get you through the early weeks.
Best wishes for an easy recovery!
@Tgmaine
Sometimes the skin around your incision becomes dry and itchy while healing. Although it is okay to put lotion or cream on the surrounding skin if it is uncomfortable, you should not apply anything close to or on the stitches or incision without the approval of your surgeon. It normally takes four to six weeks for the incision to fully heal and close. You don't want to risk infection by applying a product near an open area before that time. Some of the more common creams and lotions used on a healed incision are Bio-Oil, Vitamin E Oil, E45 Cream, Palmer's Cocoa Butter Lotion with Vitamin E, and Coconut Oil.
The one exception to the guidance in regard to applying products topically over your incision is a product called ACTIVE AntiMicrobial Hydrogel Spray. This product contains hypochlorous (HOCL), a compound made naturally by your body to promote healing. It can be applied to your incision at any point during recovery - it's a germ fighter as well as a healing and moisturizing agent. Discuss its use with your surgeon before using it. You will find a link at the top right of the page in a sidebar ad you can click on.
The protocol for wound coverage varies from surgeon to surgeon it seems. I was advised to keep mine covered and after I showered and it was completely dry, recover with fresh gauze. I'd be inclined to want it covered if there are open spaces as you described. Consider sending your surgeon's care team a cell phone photo of your incision to get their opinion on wound care. I think it will give you peace of mind and I'm certain they'd be happy to advise.
For sleeping...pillows, lots of bed pillows did the trick for me. I kind of surrounded myself with pillows of varying firmness and found it comfortable to rest an arm, or leg, on one. I felt rather swaddled by having them close on both sides. I'ts all about comfort and whatever it takes to get you through the early weeks.
Best wishes for an easy recovery!
@Tgmaine
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Tgmaine
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Thanks so much!
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Tgmaine
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I've been checking in with some of the other January Jackpots, and it's reassuring that I'm not the only one still very much in recovery mode. It's two months today, and I'm just very tired. I'm trying to get out to some activities, attended church yesterday and it was great to be out and seeing people. But afterward, I spent the whole afternoon on the couch, just exhausted! I'm going to try to drive today for the first time and see how it goes.
For the last few days, I've begun having a sharp pain like a needle on the top of my foot just below the ankle. It lasts just a second or two, but it causes me to gasp and grab that spot trying to massage it out. Has anyone ever heard of this?
I'm having the most trouble with sleeping. I've read all the articles about sleep deprivation and I experienced it with my first TKR seven years ago. Skin sensitivity on the incision and inside knee. I put on pj pants, take them off, try to hold the sheet away from my knee, put a pillow between my knees. Just can't let go. At this stage, it's not pain keeping me awake. The surgeon (very sympathetic) prescribed 1 mg Ativan to help me relax, but it doesn't seem to do very much. I can't seem to nap, so I'm trying to balance rest and ice with my PT exercises and walking around.
I'm doing well with PT and have a great therapist. I feel for those who have aggressive therapists, because mine is coming along with me at just the right pace and my ROM is doing well--122 degrees, which I'm very happy with at this stage. We're working on stairs and I can't do them leg over leg yet, but it should come soon I hope. I'm feeling lazy, but I just don't have the energy to go back to work or resume normal activities. Greetings to all January Jackpots.
For the last few days, I've begun having a sharp pain like a needle on the top of my foot just below the ankle. It lasts just a second or two, but it causes me to gasp and grab that spot trying to massage it out. Has anyone ever heard of this?
I'm having the most trouble with sleeping. I've read all the articles about sleep deprivation and I experienced it with my first TKR seven years ago. Skin sensitivity on the incision and inside knee. I put on pj pants, take them off, try to hold the sheet away from my knee, put a pillow between my knees. Just can't let go. At this stage, it's not pain keeping me awake. The surgeon (very sympathetic) prescribed 1 mg Ativan to help me relax, but it doesn't seem to do very much. I can't seem to nap, so I'm trying to balance rest and ice with my PT exercises and walking around.
I'm doing well with PT and have a great therapist. I feel for those who have aggressive therapists, because mine is coming along with me at just the right pace and my ROM is doing well--122 degrees, which I'm very happy with at this stage. We're working on stairs and I can't do them leg over leg yet, but it should come soon I hope. I'm feeling lazy, but I just don't have the energy to go back to work or resume normal activities. Greetings to all January Jackpots.
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Hi! At two months, you're1/6 of the way to healing, and yes those annoying things you experience are not unusual!
Skin sensitivity is a form of dysesthesia that, along with zingers, signify the successful attempts of tiny sensory nerves to regenerate and establish new connections with each other. It's usually most noticeable on our post op numb zones, but can also be in areas adjacent. My 14 month old L knee still has intermittent skin sensitivity.
Insomnia is a real bummer for many of us after knee surgery. Definitely sleep whenever (and wherever it's safe and comfy!)
Icing, elevating, napping.... All help, but for some of us it was endangering our mental health. Before it gets there consider some nonprescription remedies....
If you're lactose tolerant, a glass of warm milk! If you're not diabetic, a teeny bit of honey makes it even more comforting... plus milk is high in magnesium! Helps us relax!
If you aren't a milk drinker, or want an easier way to, an evening magnesium supplement has been very helpful for some members.
OTC diphenhydramine, an antihistamine also used as a sleep aid (Benadryl) because it makes you drowsy; it's also included in some cold, flu, etc "nighttime" combination meds.
Low dose melatonin, sustained release - not for long term use but I have used for a week at a time without ill effect. It should be taken an hour to hour and a half before going to bed, and during that time stay in a dimly lit area to allow this hormone to activate.
Valerian root - an herbal remedy, it can be taken in capsule form but that dose might be high compared to my preference, herbal "sleep" blends that include a smaller dose of valerian and make me pleasantly drowsy. Plus the other tea flavorings make it nice tasting! Celestial Seasonings and Traditional Medicinals sell teabags by the box. Their sleep blends without valerian have never ever made me sleepy.
Be aware: even benign herbals and supplements can interact with your routine or post op prescription meds, either making their effects weaker or stronger. If you're on meds you may want to check with your doctor or pharmacist, or even check online for interactions.
Skin sensitivity is a form of dysesthesia that, along with zingers, signify the successful attempts of tiny sensory nerves to regenerate and establish new connections with each other. It's usually most noticeable on our post op numb zones, but can also be in areas adjacent. My 14 month old L knee still has intermittent skin sensitivity.
Insomnia is a real bummer for many of us after knee surgery. Definitely sleep whenever (and wherever it's safe and comfy!)
Icing, elevating, napping.... All help, but for some of us it was endangering our mental health. Before it gets there consider some nonprescription remedies....
If you're lactose tolerant, a glass of warm milk! If you're not diabetic, a teeny bit of honey makes it even more comforting... plus milk is high in magnesium! Helps us relax!
If you aren't a milk drinker, or want an easier way to, an evening magnesium supplement has been very helpful for some members.
OTC diphenhydramine, an antihistamine also used as a sleep aid (Benadryl) because it makes you drowsy; it's also included in some cold, flu, etc "nighttime" combination meds.
Low dose melatonin, sustained release - not for long term use but I have used for a week at a time without ill effect. It should be taken an hour to hour and a half before going to bed, and during that time stay in a dimly lit area to allow this hormone to activate.
Valerian root - an herbal remedy, it can be taken in capsule form but that dose might be high compared to my preference, herbal "sleep" blends that include a smaller dose of valerian and make me pleasantly drowsy. Plus the other tea flavorings make it nice tasting! Celestial Seasonings and Traditional Medicinals sell teabags by the box. Their sleep blends without valerian have never ever made me sleepy.
Be aware: even benign herbals and supplements can interact with your routine or post op prescription meds, either making their effects weaker or stronger. If you're on meds you may want to check with your doctor or pharmacist, or even check online for interactions.
selketine
senior
Sounds like your recovery is going very well! Our surgeries were fairly close to each other. Comparatively we seem to be struggling with somewhat different things but none of it is unusual. I've been fortunate to have decent sleep but my ROM has been slow to come along. However - it's back to about what it was pre-surgery so I'm not sure how much better that will get. Hopefully a bit better!
I've started having trouble with foot pain and it's on the top of the foot but closer to the toes - and is more acute when I wake up in the morning. I'm wondering if my pain is connected to calf tightness I started having around the same time. I hope it soon passes for us both!
This one -> 
makes ME yawn, lol.
