Stiff and swollen

[hess]

Good morning,

Sorry Turtlelady, I hooked on to your last thread.

I am 13 days out now, and I am measuring 112 degrees without cranking! I am also able to get my recumbent bike to make a full rotation!! I am really excited about my progress, although I think the pain meds really help. I can do a lot more when I am not so sore, but I still am concerned. Even though I can get the pain meds fairly simply right now, I am worried about down the road. I am worried about the pain, and controlling it without the meds. I don't want to get into one of those "oh-oh" moments. I get SO stiff and swollen, I am so achy, but the meds make me feel better. How do you handle it when the meds don't come so easily? Does the pain eventually die down?

Thanks,
Hess

 

[JenniferG]

Yes the pain dies down. i'm 13 weeks + and hurt way less. 2 weeks is still very early and it sounds like you are doing terific. You just go longer in bewtween doses. For me it got to the point where I was just taking them twice a day then only at night to sleep and I'm not even doing that as of the last day or 2. Those who are farther than me have talked about just needing them on bad busy days or weather related days. I think my Os who seems to be on the conservative side for pain meds, didn't seem to want to pull back until my 8 week visit. And up until that point we just downsized so to speak on strength & types. And my doc will send you to a pain management specialist if a point comes when he thinks you should be done with heavy duty and you say you still need. So, he won't leave you hanging. Best bet is to focus on your exercises and get the knee & muscles stronger. That strength lessens the pain. But for now use your meds without concern.