TKR Left knee tkr makes both knees done!

[Beas27]

Has anyone discovered a comfortable way to sleep? I toss and turn for hours trying to find a good way to position my knee so I'm not in pain. I desperately want to lay on my side but end up on my back usually with my knee slightly bent .

 

[mendogal]

Insomnia is a real bummer for many of us after surgery. It's generally not the meds, it's... everything about the trauma, discomfort, energy drain!

Definitely sleep whenever (and wherever it's safe and comfy!) - many of us sleep and/or nap in a recliner. Some are only able to get comfortable by quite literally surrounding in bed with soft pillows including the very large body pillows. The Lounge Doctor has also worked for many of us.

Icing, elevating, napping.... All help, but you might also 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.

What finally worked for me: a mug of sleep tea with valerian followed by a 3 mg sustained release melatonin, immediately going into a dimly lit room and relaxing. When I got sleepy, turning off the light and lying down with my legs up on the Lounge Doctor. After a few hours I would wake, move the Lounge Doctor away, and sleep more.

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.

 

[Layla]

Hi Beas, Happy Thursday!
I am sorry you're finding it difficult to get the restorative rest we all want post op.
Have you tried laying on your side with a lengthy pillow between your legs? That's where an inexpensive Body Pillow (about $10 from Target) came in handy for me initially. Actually, still to this day, over seven years post joint replacement.

Pillows certainly help me get comfortable in bed, making it easier to fall asleep. You can experiment with different arrangements to find what works for you. I surrounded myself with them so I could rest a leg, or arm easily enough, whatever felt comfortable. It can evoke the sensation of feeling swaddled and anything that feels soothing may certainly help you drift off. Doing whatever you can to basically "set the scene" for sleep may be worthwhile. I suggest making up the bed with your most comfortable bedding / blankets along with a few extra bed pillows of different degrees of firmness. Try to block out the light if it's daytime. Minimize noise unless you feel listening to calming relaxation music, a fan, or white noise may help lull you to sleep. Make sure the room temperature is not too hot or too cold. Try to disconnect from the devices at least an hour before the targeted nap or bed time, so it's easier to wind down. Limit caffeine throughout the day and consider natural sleep aids such as Valerian, Chamomile or, Magnesium, my personal favorite, which can assist in muscle relaxation and nerves and promote healthy sleep (falling asleep and staying asleep)

Apply ice for a time before bed to reduce swelling and numb the discomfort. Try some relaxation techniques if you feel they may work for you such as deep breathing, prayer or meditation or even some gentle stretching may help relax your body and mind.

An article on Magnesium from our Library -
https://bonesmart.org/forum/threads/magnesium-is-a-star.20301/

Most large grocers carry a variety of teas such as Celestial Seasonings - Sleepytime Herb Tea,
Yogi Teas, Bedtime, Bigelow Cozy Chamomile, all of which may help you relax...at least worth a try.

Time will also help, but that takes patience, especially when you're restless and tossing and turning all night.
Wishing you many nights of peaceful sleep soon!
@Beas27

 

[Layla]

Happy Two Month Anniversary!
I hope you have a nice week and get some sleep.
Take good care!
@Beas27

 

[Beas27]

As the inflammation goes down, I feel the same tightness around the knee cap as my right tkr. I was hoping I wouldn't have it with my left knee. I hear most people say they don't notice their replacements at all. I am always aware of the way mine feels- it feels heavy and tight. Just hoping my left one doesn't lock/ get stuck like my right one does as it's extremely painful.

 

[Rockgirl4]

I was very aware of my first TKR for at least 16-18 months. It didn't feel like it was a complete part of me until closer to the 2 yr point, as the skin was an odd color, and the skin sensitivity lasted forever. I'm hoping my left one blends into the family a little faster.

 

[Jockette]

I'm hoping my left one blends into the family a little faster.

I love this phrase!

 

[Rockgirl4]

@Jockette I feel like between 2 TKRs, 4 Microfractures with Biocartilage, plus my MACI cartilage graft, I'm made up of all sorts of extra parts/pieces/chunks/cells/metal that I wasn't born with, and that's just what I can REMEMBER!!!!! SO yeah---I just consider them new additions to the family, kind of like the extra cat we add every few years to replace the 1 we seemingly put down every 2-3 yrs!

 

[Layla]

Hi Beas27,
Happy Three Month Anniversary!
I hope you've been able to get more comfortable in bed over the past month allowing for some sound sleep.
Will love to hear how you're doing...hopefully you're thriving and all is well. Have a great week!
@Beas27

 

[radiomother]

Strange skin sensations are common after many surgeries (not just joint replacement).
As small sensory nerves that were cut or traumatized start to heal and regrow, re-establishing connections often there are glitches for a while. A person's skin might experience burning, cold, wetness, pain, a friction feeling, or itch.

Im almost a month past my knee replacement surgery. My pharmacist recommended Cicalfate to apply to the scar and surrounding skin. It’s not pain that keeps me up at night so much as the burning of my skin. There are little shiny pimples around the scar and these seem to be the areas that burn. Does anyone have any suggestions? Am I allergic to Cicalfate?

 

[benne68]

Welcome to BoneSmart, @radiomother. Glad you found us.

Please give us the date of your surgery, which knee and which procedure you had done so we can create a signature for you.

I understand that you are looking for advice and our experienced staff would be happy to help. However, you are currently registered as a Basic Member, which is very limited in terms of forum participation because it is free. It’s meant primarily for members who choose only to research and read on specific topics.

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Best Wishes, and we hope to see you join the Insiders Club, so we can support you in your joint replacement journey.