Knee replacement pain meds

Have you asked your surgeon what other things you could take for pain. Maybe there something you don't know about yet.

Hi Cynthia,

I had a spinal for my TKR anesthesia. I ended up with a spinal leak and a spinal headache. I was so sick with it that I ended up having an epidural blood patch which worked immediately. My hospital stay was lengthened 4 days and during that time I didn't have any pain medication. The ice kept things manageable. Tylenol was my go to drug. Most of the pain I experienced was an aching feeling. Have a good long talk with your doctor's about your concerns. They want you to be as relaxed as possible and will work to put your mind at ease. Healing thoughts and best wishes for an easy surgery and rehab.

Tammy

Cynthia,

I would strongly suggest that you exhaust all other options before considering a TKR!  With your list of meds that you cannot tolerate, you are going to need the constitution of superhuman woman to go through this procedure.  TKR recovery puts a new perspective on the issue of "recovery" as that it is measured in months, not weeks.  Yes, it does get better with time, but you need to emotionally prepare yourself that it WILL be painful, even with pain meds.  It will be hard work, even with diligent physical therapy. It will take patience when you have none left. It will take a strong will and plenty of prayer to get through the emotional roller coaster of depression when you aren't progressing as fast as you thought you would. If you have a strong supportive family behind you, an MD with a kind heart and listening ear and faith that the Lord is the divine physican of all...than go ahead with the TKR...we are all here for you.  But do NOT have a TKR if you are already planning on having problems with it because it will only make it 110% harder than it needs to be.  

I am an RN with orthopedic background and had a TKR 5 months ago. I thought that I would just fly through it...WRONG!  It has been a very long process that I am only just now beginning to feel somewhat "normal". It does get better, but not quickly.

Hi Cynthia

I agree with the other posts.

I would speak to your GP regarding your concerns, he/she knows you, your medical history.

Are you still under the hospital for your gall bladder? If so ring your consultant's secretary & ask her to speak to him about it. Get advice from someone other than the surgeon. I cleared everything with endocrinology & oncology before my TKR.

Your ortho surgeon wants to operate, what happens in your recovery doesn't really concern him/her too much. That's when the physicians & pharmacists take over, for pain relief etc.

I've seen my surgeon 3 times, the initial consultation, the operation & post op at about 8 weeks after op. I won't see him again until June '17. I was discharged from hospital by the consultant pharmacist!

I hope you get some reasonable answers & if it has to be operation they can sort you out!

All the very best

Marilyn

XX

Thanks for your responses. I am in the UK and find  that the NHS is so very busy, there seems to be no time or opportunity to speak to the doctors, it has all happened quite fast.

?I had a pre -op assessment but it was also quick and they said the analgesics will be sorted at the time of surgery, but that was my concern - that is would be done and I would be left without any options. I will see if I can find someone to speak to before then.

?I know it is a long recovery and I am concerned about many aspects. If I don't have the tkr, no other options have been suggested, other than pain killers - already have issues with those, I cannot really bear weight or fully straighten my knee, it is bone on bone and I cannot walk far. This was the only reason I have considered the surgery.

?I've tried all kinds of supplements and diets over the years but the osteoarthritis  has only worsened and other joints are now affected - hands, feeet, neck etc. I always used to think it was lifestyle or diet that was to blame but always did everything considered healthy. I think the problems really escalated after I had a hysterectomy due to a twisted ovarian cyst 11 years back and the hormonal changes that occurred seemed to trigger inflammation in my body.

?Good luck to everyone with these conditions!

Have you tried glucosamine in the liquid form? There's a another liquid called "Noni juice and this is supposed to help with joint pain just wish I had remembered this before my tkr. Be blessed

I have had two TKRs in last five months and don't do well with pain meds, migraines, vomiting, etc. I took two Dilaudid 2mg every 4-6 hours and wore a nausea patch behind my ear and it worked. Also took two Tylenol 650mg every 8 hours. The stomach digestive with opioids is rough. Take the softeners every day and drink tons of water. I kept a case of it next to my bed and just kept drinking. Good luck, ice and elevation are your best friends. I bought a foam wedge online and slept with my legs elevated, and used it during day when icing. If you can, rent a GameReady ice/compression unit, WELL WORTH IT!!!! Good luck!!