TKR recovery issues

[jmjibboo]

My 63 year-old father just underwent total knee replacement and seems to be having recovery problems. He is one week post op and has extensive swelling, nausea, fever, and extreme (unbearable) pain. Pre op he was in extremely good health. He eats right and exercises. His doctor doesn't seem too concerned saying that this is a really rough surgery on some people. Should I be worried or is it too soon to tell?

 

[AlaskanTKR]

Swelling and pain are definite, nausea is probably from the pain meds but fever needs to be watched. I am 42 and had rtkr in July and it really knocked me for a major loop. I was not prepared for the pain and just the sense of helplessness. It really stunk. I am in a great place now with my knee but he needs to remember this was a MAJOR surgery. Make sure he keeps all his appointments and watch that fever!
Marianne

 

[Josephine]

What a caring son/daughter you are!

My first comment is about the pain. The doctor is unfeeling if he thinks this is ok! My thoughts are that the nausea suggests the pain meds he has are not agreeing with him or working. He needs to try an alternative. Good pain control is not only necessary but crucial if he is going to be able to follow his PT regime properly.

As for the swelling, it will exacerbate the pain and the pain will exacerbate the swelling, so it needs to be brought under control. He can do this by a) elevating his leg so the foot is at least 6" above the hip and b) applying ice packs to the knee and as much of the leg as he feels useful.

You can use bags of frozen peas for the interim (but don't eat them afterwards!!) but those blue gel packs sold for first aid are good. You might need a few so you can have some ready in the freezer for when the ones in use run out of steam. Some members here have purchased a broken link removed: https://jointhealing.com/pages/productpages/polar_cub.html on the internet which is even better as it keeps the cuff cold for much longer and he can even sleep with it on! It doesn't have the problem of making everything wet either!

The fever is not uncommon in the early post op period and is usually a reaction to the pain but if it begins to be accompanied by bright redness and/or clear or straw coloured fluid oozing from the incision then you need to get it seen by a doctor ASAP.

If you have any more questions do post them. We'll do our best to help.