tkr post 5 weeks ---discomfort and not sleeping

[persiancats]

I had my left knee replaced 5 weeks ago. I'm really worn out with the nagging discomfort I only have a few lortab left and really haven't taken any for a acouple of days. I'm using iburofen and tylenol ( not that it makes much difference).. How long is this going to last. I'm thinking about my knee every minute. It is sort of like that is why I had the surgery done. I thought I would be better by now. My pt has gone well I have bend 140 degrees and walk fairly well. I can't sleep worth a darn because I think I move and then my knee hurts and I get up and try to go back to sleep, but usually can't ----I'm really sort of miserable and disappointed. Any tips or pointers out there. Thanks Cara
PS I just maybe expect to much.

 

[Max Wallace]

The symptoms are normal it takes a long time to return to normal and then to begin to feel GREAT! The sleeping comes back gradually after you quit taking pain meds and you knee becomes normal feeling. I am now 6 months post op BI-TKR and loving every minute of being pain free. Everyone heals differently I was pain free at 5 weeks sleeping about 3 hours at a time and it seemed I made daily progress. I was able to return to work at 7 weeks. There is a light at the end of the tunnel just hang in there. I used a heating pad just before bed and got my knees very warm and that allowed me to get a little extra sleep.

Max

 

[Surfsister]

Don't be disappointed. I'm at 5 weeks, have little flexion and the same mid-recovery depression about the whole process. With that said, I know it was the right thing to do. You're doing well so don't get down at all. I'm still walking with a limp, which then makes my hip hurt and makes me limp even more.

You know what's interesting? I'm off all pain meds, except on days I go to physical therapy, and sleep rather well. It just goes to show how each of us is different. Don't get me wrong. I do have pain. It's just not that bothersome.

From what I'm told, we still have a ways to go. This is the time when we have to be the most patient. Believe me when I say it's killing me. Some days I'm positive. Other days I'm not fun to be around. Apparently it goes with the knee replacement territory.

I'm glad you found the forum!

 

[Texas]

Cara If you are bending 140 . Maybe rest a lil, give yourself a break. You are still so early in recovery. Byt I will say this I am at 7 weels , at right at 6 weeks it all changed. It felt alot different. Still hard to sleep just because I can get comfy but I dont have all that pain anymore or that intense pain. So maybe take it easy a lil bit and just wait a few more days and see. I am being honest right about 6 weeks it turned around for me. I hope it does for you to. Hang in there and see. Please post and let us know how you are doing. I will say at 5 weeks that is amazing, dont be so hard on yourself. Maybe relax a lil bit put your feet up, pamper yourself. It will get better.........Sorry you are feeling this way....

 

[Josephine]

Well, it's pretty obvious your problem is due to inadequate pain control.

Are you low on Lortab because your surgeon won't give you anymore? Or because you haven't asked him? Would be interesting to know. If it's your surgeon that's being miserly, try going to your primary care physician. From what I have heard and read here, they are often more sympathetic than the surgeons.

Because you do need good pain control, especially at night when things always seem to be worse. I never stinted myself with pain pills and at 5 weeks was taking a full stint several times a day! I too was doing very well but no way was I going to let myself suffer! Especially not at 5 weeks! Yikes! Be kind to yourself. :yn:

By the way, a very warm welcome to BoneSmart. Hope you find the advice and support you need here.

 

[persiancats]

Thanks for all your input. It is so nice to find this spot. I think I'm down in th dumps because I don't feel any better than I did before the big surgery. My doc want me off the lortab----he didn't say he wouldn't give me anymore but made it clear that he wanted me off pain med.
so glad others to know others have been in the same boat, and have recovered. Thanks Cara

 

[Josephine]

Cara, he might want you off that particular med eventually but not just yet! 5 weeks is WAAAYY to early to be stopping good pain meds. I'm 10 weeks and my doc will still let me have them - I don't take them much now but she'll let me until I stop. You have to stand up to him and say you need them because of pain, not because you are dependent or addicted! I get sooo mad when doctors do this to their patients.

You still didn't say if it was your surgeon or your own doctor.

BTW are you using ice to help with the pain?

 

[Jamie]

Persiancats, welcome to the BoneSmart forum. Sorry to hear you are hurting, but I am SO impressed with your ROM!!! Wow!

Jo is right....you need pain management!!! So get thee to whichever doctor you can (OS or your GP) and get some more pills. Take them on a regular schedule for a while longer. You need them!! They will make things MUCH better for you.

 

[loggon]

I just had a refill last night. The more I do the more I need the pain meds.

Now on a low dose not the strong med though

 

[FrogFeathers]

My personal experience was about seven weeks out before I could sleep more than an hour or two without waking up. Now I'm back to my usual four to five hours before waking up.

After the muscle/surgical pain decreased, the only thing that wakes me up knee-related is when I move and drag my scar across the sheet or bump my knee into my husband. (I tend not to move much in my sleep because if I do, he tends to move violently. He had a stroke 14 years ago and is paralyzed on his right side).

 

[persiancats]

It is my surgeon that I have asked for pain med---actually I haven't seen my surgeon since the operation---I have been checked by his Physician assisant and nurse. I have spoken to them about it---I will call them tomorrow and see if they will give me more lortab----I have really been trying. I try really hard to do everything they ask me to do----One thing I can say about my bend is I had a really good physical theapist at the hospital---she put me threw the paces----in fact I felt like I didn't really do good enough. Anyhow this total knee if harder than I thought it would be. Thank for all your encouragement and support. Cara

 

[Texas]

It was harder then I thought, but I think the benefits will out way it. You sound like a strong lady . You will get thru this. Yes, please call them tomorrow. Good Luck. Keep Posting !!!!

 

[Jamie]

Cara, hon....I think most of us who have had a TKR will say those first few weeks and months were difficult. Even if you are not in pain, you may have trouble getting the ROM you want and need, maybe can't sleep well, are dead tired....just all sorts of things that no one tells you about. That is the important thing we try to help with here...to let people know BEFORE surgery what might happen in recovery and to support them when it does or when they have other concerns. You can't always be on the phone asking your doctor questions, but you CAN post here 24/7 and there will likely be someone online who can chat with you.

 

[persiancats]

Thanks again for all your support and help. It is sort of like someone understands what is going on with me. Yes Jamie you were right no one tells you of these small problems that turn into big ones. .

I took my pain meds last night and only woke up once. I feel like a new person. I think for the past week I had b een sleeping 30 min at a time.

I just did my pt routine and they weren't so hard today. My knee bothers me but somehow it isn't so nagging.

Holy Cow Batman! As soon as the doc office opens I'm calling them. Thanks to the advice from Nurse of 50 years.

Again thanks for all your help. Cara