THR New Here - Difficult Painful Recovery - 3 months post op

[Layla]

Happy One Month Anniversary!
I hope you're recovering well from your revision and pleased with your progress. Please let us know how it's going when you have the time. We'd love to hear from you.
Keep resting, healing and taking good care of yourself, better days are coming!
@RaphPalo

 

[RaphPalo]

Happy One Month Anniversary!
I hope you're recovering well from your revision and pleased with your progress. Please let us know how it's going when you have the time. We'd love to hear from you.
Keep resting, healing and taking good care of yourself, better days are coming!
@RaphPalo

Good morning fellow Bone Smarties.

Layla - thanks for checking in.

I’ve been meaning to post over the last few weeks as I’m recovering from my Revision surgery. I’m happy to report that this time around I’m having a much more “normal” recovery. Thank God. My pain and swelling is being managed with Tylenol, Celebrex, icing and elevating. However, I’ve been managing immensely fatigue coupled with increased insomnia. Got a natural OTC supplement a couple of weeks ago but it doesn’t really seem to be working much for me unfortunately. I really don’t want to use anything habit forming. Therefore, I’m trying to get more day time walks in and I’m going to look into another OTC sleep aid that I saw a commercial for recently. I’ve tried meditating etc… but I can barely sleep the night through even when I can get to sleep. Anyone else experience this?

 

[myglasshalffull]

Yes. I wake up about 4 hours after I fall asleep for bathroom trip which is around. 2-3 AM then have difficulty getting back to sleep. Today around 4 AM I got up & went & laid on my couch. Texted my som who is overnight ER nurse & a girlfriend.
I managed to doze back off for maybe an hour. So then I wonder why I’m so tired around 3PM.
I think I overthink getting back to sleep then the mind starts racing.
I know my age has a lot to do with the sleep issues.

 

[Deni444]

As someone currently experiencing bouts of medication related insomnia all I can really do is sympathise. If I had the answer, I promise I'd share it. One thing I began to have a bit of success with before the latest antibiotic related bout... Starting off in my bed, when I wake transfer to my recliner, all set up with blankets. Before settling down, have a good walk about lingering in the kitchen for a snack and some cold milk. I don't know, seemed to do a bit of a mind reset and I was falling back to sleep quite quickly. Could just have been a coincidence though. Certainly didn't help last night!

 

[Layla]

Thanks for the update, RaphPalo.
I am glad your recovery is feeling normal and you're managing pain well. I am sorry about the insomnia, it is common. If the natural supplement you tried, wasn't Magnesium, you may want to look into that.

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 eight years post joint replacement.

Pillows help me get comfortable and make 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. 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 if its not the supplement you tried.
https://bonesmart.org/forum/threads/magnesium-is-a-star.20301/

In addition, if you like tea, large grocers carry a variety of "sleepy time" 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!

Happy Two Month Anniversary...tomorrow. You're on your way back, Yay!

 

[RaphPalo]

Yes. I wake up about 4 hours after I fall asleep for bathroom trip which is around. 2-3 AM then have difficulty getting back to sleep. Today around 4 AM I got up & went & laid on my couch. Texted my som who is overnight ER nurse & a girlfriend.
I managed to doze back off for maybe an hour. So then I wonder why I’m so tired around 3PM.
I think I overthink getting back to sleep then the mind starts racing.
I know my age has a lot to do with the sleep issues.

Sorry you’re currently contending with the insomnia @myglasshalffull. It can be so frustrating and difficult not to over think it. Hope you can reset and sleep better soon. All of my previous tools have failed me and some new ones too so far. I’m back to work, mostly from home thankfully but the sleep issues are making work harder for me right now.

 

[RaphPalo]

As someone currently experiencing bouts of medication related insomnia all I can really do is sympathise. If I had the answer, I promise I'd share it. One thing I began to have a bit of success with before the latest antibiotic related bout... Starting off in my bed, when I wake transfer to my recliner, all set up with blankets. Before settling down, have a good walk about lingering in the kitchen for a snack and some cold milk. I don't know, seemed to do a bit of a mind reset and I was falling back to sleep quite quickly. Could just have been a coincidence though. Certainly didn't help last night!

Thanks for your empathy @Deni444. So sorry your current method didn’t help last night. Yes, sometimes a little snack has helped me too.

 

[RaphPalo]

Thanks for the update, RaphPalo.
I am glad your recovery is feeling normal and you're managing pain well. I am sorry about the insomnia, it is common. If the natural supplement you tried, wasn't Magnesium, you may want to look into that.

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 eight years post joint replacement.

Pillows help me get comfortable and make 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. 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 if its not the supplement you tried.
https://bonesmart.org/forum/threads/magnesium-is-a-star.20301/

In addition, if you like tea, large grocers carry a variety of "sleepy time" 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!

Happy Two Month Anniversary...tomorrow. You're on your way back, Yay!

Thank you @Layla! In some ways I can’t believe that it’s almost been 2 months yet I often have to remind myself of that fact. Being in less pain this time around I’m eager to get as back to normal as possible. Yet, I do remind myself to take it slow. As much as possible that it is. Lol.

Also, thank you for the tips. Yes, I have been taking Magnesium to help with my healing over all. The OTC supplement has magnesium but after trying for a few weeks I noticed that I actually had less magnesium than I’d been taking prior to starting the supplement. The supplement is Natrol (without Melatonin) and it warns to be mindful of taking other magnesium supplements with it. So, I’m back to my 300 mgs of Magnesium. Stopped taking the Natrol. And sometimes I use magnesium oil spray to help with muscle fatigue. Good stuff! Sometimes taking the magnesium seems to help but not always. I look forward to reading the magnesium thread you linked and learning more though.

Haven’t been drinking coffee or any caffeine even though sometimes I feel like I could use the jolt in order to help me make it through the work day. However, I know all too well that caffeine would make my insomnia worse. Some people I know can go to sleep right drinking coffee. Lol. I’m more of tea collector than a drinker these days. Lol. But your suggestion reminds that I want to start working in Tart Cherry juice again to see if that helps with this bout.

Music / sounds - I’m generally a person needs relaxing music while sleeping. I have lots of “sleep” and “healing” music but these days more often than not it seems like my body has built up an immunity to the ones I have. Unless, it’s a daytime nap. Lol. Seeking news ones.

Body pillow - Great reminder! I do sleep with a couple of pillows that I alternate between…between my legs. But your tip reminded me that I bought a new body pillow to use post-op but haven’t taken it out yet. It’s still in the closet. Out of sight. Out of mind. Until now so I will try it tonight! I’ve also contemplated getting a new weighted blanket. Used to have one several years ago but I’m concerned that it will be too heavy and uncomfortable at this point in my recovery.

Gentle stretching- Yes, have done some breathing, EFT/Tapping/ Meditating etc…Last week I started trying some Tai Chi and Qi Gong suited for sleep as well. Didn’t do much but made my muscles sore. Lol.

All in all hopefully, I can find a combo that works consistently well for me soon.

 

[mendogal]

Layla's suggestions pretty well cover all the bases.

I want to add that my post-TKR sleep issues persisted to some degree for 3 - 4 months. I alternated herbal and OTC meds night to night plus Lounge Doctor etc but for a long while it really felt as if I'd simply forgotten how to sleep. Then suddenly it got better!

So hang in there, try not to add anxiety about insomnia to your list, and trust that in the long run "tincture of time" will work.

 

[Deni444]

Nothing to add to the brilliant guidance provided above and my go to is usually a herbal tea.

Very annoyingly, I was instructed about 3 weeks pre-op that I must stop all consumption of 'any' form of herbal tea on the grounds that they can, 'interact negatively with the anesthetic drugs used during surgery' and cause blood clotting complications.

My feeling is that this may be specific to NHS UK as my private hospital in the UK did not issue a similar instruction and I continued my usual selection up to and following surgery. My feeling that certain NHS Trusts issue out a blanket ban rather than go through an exhaustive list.

Dig a little deeper and further guidance will ask patients to discuss supplements at their pre-op appointment. I would assume that they'd discuss specific herbs and adapt their guidance to patients on an individual basis.

Sorry to grab your thread @RaphPalo

It's not particularly pertinent to you personally but added to provide a bit of guidance for any NHS patients who may have been warned off.
@mendogal may be able to add a little further clarity.

 

[RaphPalo]

Layla's suggestions pretty well cover all the bases.

I want to add that my post-TKR sleep issues persisted to some degree for 3 - 4 months. I alternated herbal and OTC meds night to night plus Lounge Doctor etc but for a long while it really felt as if I'd simply forgotten how to sleep. Then suddenly it got better!

So hang in there, try not to add anxiety about insomnia to your list, and trust that in the long run "tincture of time" will work.

Thanks for your experience, strength and encouragement @mendogal.

 

[RaphPalo]

It’s official! I have joined the “over did it club” Ugh… Thankfully, it doesn’t seem to be impacting my hip much. As my current hip pain continues to decrease and is managed with Tylenol, Celebrex, icing and elevating. I am back to work full time. Mostly from home with up to 1 day in person. However, I recently did 2 consecutive days in person. 1 of which required lots of walking. I knew ahead of time that it would. Thought I could manage it. I graduated to my cane 3 weeks after my revision and am still using it. On that day we had an outing that fed my soul and it was lovely to see my team irl for the first time in a couple of months. It was great for my mental and emotional health for various reasons including the fact that I happily live alone and have been recovering since February when I had my initial THR. So far, 2025 has unexpectedly been all about recovering from these surgeries. I’m used to living a vibrant life. Or was prior to these surgeries. So, that said from head to toe my muscles aren’t happy with me.
Still. Since my Revision surgery, my muscles are much more easily fatigued. Even with gentle stretching/ Tai chi/ Qi gong. This week my OS office approved me for acupuncture and massage. Which I’m praying will help with the insomnia as well. Doing some self massage in between sessions too. While reading here in the forum this morning it occurred to me that on the weeks where I work a day in person I need to go back to working a shorter week in order to allow for adequate rest and recovery. As always, welcome any additional insight from my fellow Bone Smarties.

 

[Deni444]

Most of us experience multiple trips into the ODIC. Personally, whilst we clearly want to avoid it and wish we had... I think it's part of our recovery learning curve. You've provided a lovely example. You knew ahead of time it was asking a bit much, you weighed up the cost knowing you were going to get other important benefits. You now know the extent of the consequences of overdoing it. You have subsequently come up with a plan to address, adapt or maybe compensate in the future.

Next time I'm sure you'll learn something new -------ODIC LOUNGE

 

[RaphPalo]

Most of us experience multiple trips into the ODIC. Personally, whilst we clearly want to avoid it and wish we had... I think it's part of our recovery learning curve. You've provided a lovely example. You knew ahead of time it was asking a bit much, you weighed up the cost knowing you were going to get other important benefits. You now know the extent of the consequences of overdoing it. You have subsequently come up with a plan to address, adapt or maybe compensate in the future.

Next time I'm sure you'll learn something new -------ODIC LOUNGE

Lol! Thank you @Deni444. So, true. what a learning curve!! Whew… Next, week we have a major 2day event. I’ve already arranged with my Supervisor to only be on-site for half of one of those days due to my current aching muscles. Thankfully, I am blessed to have wonderfully supportive Supervisor and team. Helps make it a bit easier.

 

[Deni444]

I'm always suggesting it and confess that it's rarely thought a good idea but... What about borrowing or hiring a scooter for the day. Just for a rest now and again? I think I'm alone in thinking they're fun

 

[RaphPalo]

I'm always suggesting it and confess that it's rarely thought a good idea but... What about borrowing or hiring a scooter for the day. Just for a rest now and again? I think I'm alone in thinking they're fun

Lol! What kind of scooter @Deni444? A motorized one or…?

 

[RaphPalo]

I'm always suggesting it and confess that it's rarely thought a good idea but... What about borrowing or hiring a scooter for the day. Just for a rest now and again? I think I'm alone in thinking they're fun

Lol! What kind of scooter @Deni444? A motorized one or…?

Like this @Deni444

 

[Deni444]

My particular 'wheels' of choice would be an all terrain, capable of pulling a car, beast... But yes, on a more practical level you can get some really lightweight, foldable ones ideal for casual use. I hired one once to attend an all day air show. It was proved to be very handy. I had a fantastic day that I wouldn't otherwise been able to attend.

 

[mendogal]

I agree with a rest day after an in-office day @RaphPalo

You're just a bit over 2 months post-revision. Muscles are barely healing, soft tissues like tendons and ligaments haven't healed. So every challenge day DOES need at least a day to take it easier, ice, elevate, and just do gentle stretches.

Given that we do slowly ramp up activity, this alternating day regimen can easily last another couple of months.

 

[Jamie]

I’m a big fan of the lightweight motorized scooters. Hubby and I successfully used them years ago at Disney World and it made our visit so much more enjoyable. It means you can focus on what you’re doing and not trying to walk more than you should or on finding the next place to sit down for a few minutes.