TKR Pain 2 years after TKR

[Mollymax]

I did buy some wool and baby pattern and plan to knit the youngest grandson a sweater but not had the concentration to start it yet.

 

[Mollymax]

Day 14. Can't believe it was 2 weeks ago today I had my operation. Pain hasn't been nearly as bad as I expected. It's more an ache than a pain really at the moment. Still take moderate pain killers just in case as still early days.
Did not sleep last night. Worst night I have had. Tried watching TV fur a while then put light out but couldn't sleep, then tried reading and that didn't work, then I put on some Greys and then tried to sleep. Sleep still evaded me. I was glad when I heard hubby up at 7.45am with the dogs. Guess I might be tired today.

Appointment later this morning to have dressing removed and wound checked. Sounds silly but a bit scary thinking the wound will be open to the elements.

 

[Celle]

Don't worry about your knee being open to the air now, Molly. By 2 weeks after surgery, it will be pretty much closed up.
Left uncovered, with air getting to it, it will heal faster now it's past the acute stage.

 

[Spex10]

I've just abandoned myself to this daft sleep pattern. I seem to sleep in 3 hour bursts but if they add up to 7 across 24 hours I feel OK. I well remember the wonderful luxury of an 8 hour uninterrupted sleep after my last TKR. It was at about 8 weeks post op.
Don't worry you'll sleep again!
Good luck with dressing removal. I'm so squeamish I can't bear to look at my scar. I'm having the last staples out this pm. You might hear me squealing from across the Forth!!

 

[Mollymax]

Good luck Spex10. I am so glad i asked for no staples. Just the thought of them being removed makes me feel sick. Where abouts are you off on other side of the Forth from me?

 

[Spex10]

Sunny Edinburgh!

 

[Mollymax]

Not to far apart then.
Dressing removed .Nurse very pleased with the wound. Says its perfect. No redness or infection. Put on a different dressing and gave me a few away to change myself after a shower as they are not waterproof as before. It's just to keep it covered for a few more days. More so because I have dogs and to make sure they stay away from it. If it was cold weather not a problem as would be wearing trousers but in this heat I have shorts on.
Doctor tomorrow morning to see why fingers have been numb since operation.

 

[SusieShoes]

You’re doing so well! I’m glad the pain has been not as bad as you expected. Fear of pain is often worse than the pain itself.

Sleep eludes most of us post-TKR. It’s part meds and part all the chemical changes in our body as it races to heal itself. It’s no fun at all! If a nap comes your way, snag it and enjoy.

 

[Mollymax]

Fear had a lot to blame for how I geeky going into this and it will no doubt rest its ugly head when the time comes for knee number 2.
I am never a good sleeper at the best of times. Can never sleep during the day. Hopefully I will sleep tonight even if it's just a few hours.
Hardly had any meds today. I keep forgetting because I am not in pain. Is this normal only 2 weeks out? Not that I am complaining mind you..

 

[lovetocookandsew]

I don't know that it's "normal", but I'm in the little to no pain boat also. I'm happy you are doing so much better!

 

[Spex10]

Me too @Mollymax. My scar is nipping a bit after the staples being removed but the big muscle pain is gone. I'm guardedly optimistic.

 

[SusieShoes]

Hardly had any meds today. I keep forgetting because I am not in pain. Is this normal only 2 weeks out? Not that I am complaining mind you..

If you are one of the fortunate people who has this happening, embrace it! I also didn't have significant pain after the first couple weeks. Oh there was some when walking and bending, like getting into the tub, but it was quite bearable. So yes, having very little pain is normal... not exactly common, but normal.

 

[Mollymax]

Trip to Tesco this afternoon. Zoomed round in one of their mobility scooters filling up the basket. Hubby said I needed L plates on it...lol. It was good to get out. Now bed time. Have only had meds this morning. Nothing else all day. Just taken something just now only because lying in bed seems to bother it a bit. Possibly once I can get back to lying on my side I won't need anything. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I have been lucky to be so pain free. Good to hear the same with you lovetocookandsew and Spex10. Susieshoes glad you didn't have much pain either.
Good to see you got rest of staples out Spex10. Are you dressing free now?

 

[Spex10]

Yup dressing free. Just the steristrips for psychological purposes!

 

[Mollymax]

Spex10 I think the dressing I have on now is more for psychological purposes too as well as to stop the dogs coming near it.

Had a really restless night. I hoped after the sleepless night on Tuesday night I would sleep last night but no such luck. Up at 1am, then up at 4am. Have been completely awake since 5.30. Got restless legs. Feel so frustrated. I just wanted to sleep.

 

[Spex10]

I sleep from 10ish till 2ish then till 4.30ish when I get up, check my phone then doze off in my chair until 6.30ish when OH brings me some yoghurt (to line my stomach before aspirin) and coffee. This seems to have become a set routine. I just go with it. I'm not doing much all day and can drift off to sleep if I feel like it.
We’re both still recovering. The easiest things can seem such major tasks eg I've just had a shower. What a palaver making sure everything is to hand when I need it etc. Have just sat down to get my breath back!
You take it easy!

 

[Eeek]

I was surprised that the pain wasn’t bad at all. I think that’s what’s encouraged me to go forward with the second knee.

I’m sorry you’re not sleeping though. Hope you can rest a little.

 

[Mollymax]

Washed, dressed and had a cuppa. Off to see doctor shortly about these numb fingers. Won't be doing much else today. Feel shattered.
Sorry to see you don't sleep well either Spex10.
Thanks Eeek.

 

[Mollymax]

Oh and after working so hard to lose weight I seem to have gained at least 10lbs according to my scales. I know I have been eating a lot of rubbish and not my usual diet but I am hoping some of this is from the swollen leg.

 

[Spex10]

It's bound to be! Good luck at the Dr.