Postop ups and downs

[dharlander]

I am 48 years old, and had RTHR on June 16th. I had my staples removed almost 2 weeks ago at my first post-op visit, as well as an xray that showed everything was healing well.

I have been in out-patient PT since one week following my surgery and doing well with it. I have had good days and bad days, and today seems to be one of those days where I feel like I've stepped back a few notches.

I did not take the percocet last night at bedtime, and I did not sleep very well. I woke up at 7 this morning (about the 10th time since I went to bed) and I am so tired out. I haven't taken anything for pain yet (it's nearly 10:30), but am seriously considering it. I feel absolutely exhausted.

As far as pain med is concerned I've been using mainly Tylenol and occasionally a half of a Percocet if needed. I had a pretty long PT session yesterday and pushed myself a lot. Perhaps last night was not the time to try not to use pain med before bedtime.

My OS told me I would feel like I'm taking steps forward then some back, but this has hit me like a brick wall. Anyone else going through this?

Thanks, Deb

 

[Eeyore346]

I definatly agree. Some days are really good and others suck. I have days where there is no pain and days where my incison hurts really bad. I have seen many posts on here saying the same thing. I am 3 weeks past my first hip and 3 weeks until my next. I believe I am doing well at this halfway point.

Good luck

Sandy

 

[Josephine]

Why are you cutting back on pains meds so early? You're barely 5 weeks post op. You're going to need pain relief for a little while yet.

That you feel exhausted is not surprising; the body easily get exhausted BY pain and well as the consequences of it such as sleepless nights! Never ever think that because you are not weeping in agony that you are not in pain. There is a low level of pain that is insidious and debilitating. It can rob you of sleep, appetite and motivation.

And don't forget that the deep, deep healing that is going on also makes you feel lethargic and exhausted as well. Healing takes an awful lot of energy. Be kinder to yourself and don't stint on the pain meds yet a while.

 

[electron]

Hey Deb,.
I can vouch for the stepping back ward and forward. it is probably more frustrating than anything else when there seems like progress-punishment instead of progress-reward.
I am amazed at how some of us can go with little or no meds. I will stop pain killers at some point , not sure when.
I wish we could ignore the bad days,..

hang in there,...think of positive things.

jon

 

[ttlncsc]

Hello,

I had my Rt Knee done on June 18. I completely understand your frustration.
My Outpt PT is very rigorous and I'm doing it 3 times per week. After yesterday's session, the knee felt much better and I was excited that I pushed the exercises and stretching. This morning, the knee felt a little stiffer so I did the stretching. I'm a little swollen and haven't felt up to par. The minor depression can really work on you. Two steps forward and one back. Hang in there....everyone says it gets better.

 

[JudyS]

Hey Deb,
I had my hip done on June 6th. My most obvious steps backwards appeared after 4 weeks. I started walking a little more, tryied cutting back on pain meds as I was not sure what my OS would say at the 6 week apt. I went on this way for about a week or 2. When I saw my doc last week, he said he would rather have me with less pain, on a stronger pain med as it works. He gave me another prescription, now I am not being so stingy with them. It is a huge difference.
I still feel a step backwards as I added more walking and walking uphill and it has woken up a muscle or 2 and really ticked them off. Today I am going to skip the uphill trudge and see if it feels different tomorrow morning.
Judy

 

[dharlander]

It sure feels good to know I'm not alone and going crazy. I really was beginning to think I should be off all pain medication by now. I am only on 5/325 of Percocet and during the day I take a half of a tablet with a Tylenol. I can't take a whole one as it knocks me off my feet. But it does take the edge off enough that I am able to go to PT and do some walking.

I thank you you all so very much for the encouragement. This website has been a Godsend for me. Josephine what you say makes so much sense. I forget about how much healing is going on in my body. And at times I am so tired I can hardly keep my eyes open, my appetite goes away, and I feel like all I want to do is just crash. You are right, it's that low insidious constant aching that does it. I guess that's why there's pain medication.

Thanks again everyone!

All my best, Debra