Recovery symptoms

[pcrystal]

I had my TKR surgery about 7 weeks ago. During this recovery time, I feel as though I have a low grade flu, with achiness in my muscles (not just the leg/knee) and a general feeling of being ill. I take a pain killer and it goes away. Has anyone else had this symptom? I was told by my PT that it is a symptom of my immune system being overworked. If you have had this, when did it stop?
Thanks
Pete

 

[ship4]

Pete,
Your body underwent MAJOR surgery. Did you have one done or both? I had both done and was under anesthesia for 4.5 hours. Are you aware it takes your body a full 2 weeks for every hour you are under anesthesia? For me that was a full 9 weeks post operation, just to recover from the anesthesia, never mind the MAJOR surgery of having both of my knees totally replaced........ It takes at least a good 4 months to finally start feeling "normal" again.
Give yourself a break. Your body sure needs the rest. Take the time to rest daily and you will soon start to feel better.
Is the site of the incision red, swollen and hot all the time? If so, maybe you should see if you have an infection. Otherwise, take your pain pills before PT or exercise, and you will recover.
I had mine done in Mid June of 08. I am going to start downhill skiing again this month. I have been outside twice today shoveling snow, as we are expecting between 15-20 inches.
Remember, Pace yourself.
Best,
Crystal

 

[Max Wallace]

I did'nt feel sick like the flu but I would get cold. I would get so cold I would have shivers. The only way I could warm up was hot shower or bath, no amount of clothes or covers would help. This lasted for about three weeks atleast once a day. Anesthia can do strange things. I had BI-TKR two doctors at once under only 2.5 hours.

Max

 

[maggy]

I feel like that most of the time. I'm in my fourth week post-op. It only gets better right before it's time to take my pain meds. That seems to be the opposite of what you are experiencing.

I too, get very cold in the evenings and at night, an entirely new experience for me. I dug out a big old feather duvet that I haven't been able to use for years because it's sooooo hot, and now I couldn't sleep without it.

Mag

 

[Josephine]

All been said - listen to them!

 

[Jamie]

I got that feeling when I was trying to cut back on my pain meds too soon. Once I started taking them right on schedule (2 pills every 4 hours). Pain can do funny things to you!

 

[Judles]

Sounds like withdrawal from pain meds too soon,,,,,

 

[pcrystal]

thank you all for your insights. It is very helpful to know that others are having similar issues.
Best regards
Pete

 

[Gretchendz]

Sounds like withdrawal from pain meds too soon,,,,,

i


Agreed. That's how I felt with my first TKR when I tried to quit the vicodin cold turkey.

It is far better to cut the dose slowly (I went from two pills per dose to 1.5, then 1 then .5) while gradually increasing the time between them. Once I got to .5 pill at night only it was easy to drop it without those symproms.