Just got back from 6 week checkup

[oneleg]

The Dr. was very pleased with my progress....he had to remind me that I only have one good leg and that is the one that he did the surgery on. That it is going to take me longer to get back where I want to be. (Able to walk on my own no walker no cane---just my leg brace on the other leg and I will be so HAPPY) But I have a feeling that it might still take me a couple more months....hopefully when I go back to see him.... I will be able to drive again...but Dr. told me to be very pleased where I'm at now.
I go three times a week to PT. So hopefully each week it gets better.
The question I do have .....I don't have pain when I walk it's in the evening when the sun goes down...the knee aches and hurts. The Dr. said that might take awhile to go away...he says my body is still getting used to something foreign in me. Do you guys have the same problem and what do you take to sleep at night. I sleep for an hour than wake back up....it seems every hour or so I'm awake and all I want is a good night sleep. He did give me another perscription for vicodin but only 40....I was hoping for 80 like before. I was wondering is Advil the same as Aleve or should I pick up Aleve instead and start taking that during the day. And take the Vicodin hopefully at night so I can sleep better...Any suggestions?
Thanks
Jane from Ohio (and I don't think the cold weather helps either)

 

[AZgirl]

Hi Jane,

I'm at 5 and 1/2 weeks out and I am taking mostly Advil now except when I go to therapy when I take a pain pill. I have had some luck with Advil PM at night to help me sleep. I have discomfort sometimes at night, too, and swelling, especially if I have been up for awhile that day doing too much.

Bridget

 

[calling_all_angels]

Jane,
I am with you my knee's do not like to go outside in the cold!! LOL I have to wear cuddle duds to make them even a little happy! I use Aleve and I have not got more then 2 hours sleep at one time since Jan. Some here sleep with no problem. But my left knee likes to wake me up and complain. I am not a Doctor so I don't know why it wakes me up? It should go and haunt the Doctor!! LOL I am happy to hear that Dr. told you to go at it slow and easy. That really is the best way to do it.

 

[Texas]

hey I m so glad to here from you....Im glad you doing well except the aches i think everything gets worse at night just take it easy during the day so you dont make it worse........Advil etc............ice, maybe warm....i did that i alternated.......Im do glad thought that he was pleased be proud of yourself we are proud of ya...........)

 

[beth1954]

Sounds to me like you are doing as well as can be expected at this time!!
We have all had those rough spots. It just makes it that much better when you have a good day!!
:D

 

[Judles]

Great recuping, Jane!! And try to stay warm!!:evil:

 

[Jamie]

Your idea of taking Aleve or Advil during the day is okay if that really does keep your pain at bay. If not, you may need the stronger prescription meds for a while longer. Just be sure to take them on a regular schedule and don't wait to hurt before taking them....it takes too long to catch up that way.

My doc recommended taking Benedryl to help me sleep. It can be taken with pain meds and does make you drowsy. But.....it's pretty typical during recovery that you don't sleep all the way through the night for some time. Naps during the day become very important because you do still need the rest. Just go with whatever your body can do. All of this improves with time!

 

[tom67]

Hi Oneleg, Sounds like a great report, I think the nightime Is tough on all of us.
I hope your recovery continues to be smooth! Best Wishes, Tom

 

[brs0660]

Interesting...my doc told me that Tylenol PM....is just Tylenol and Benadryl. Said for sleep (pre TKR) , just skip the Tylenol and take the Benadryl...its cheaper!

Seems like this surgery has made many of us night owls for awhile. My doc gave some sleep meds..the stronger kind.

 

[Josephine]

I've been recommending people try Tylenol and ibuprofen together. Really good combo. What you should also try is taking a dose late afternoon and then before bed. Bet you it gets you a good night's sleep!

 

[Texas]

Hey oneleg all you have been thru im glad you are doing well..........) yea