??? ON PAIN MEDS

Unfortunately, the opioid addiction makes it hard for the ones of us that really need it...Doctors can get into trouble over prescribing it...The surgeons need to go through the pain that we go through to understand fully, how painful TKR's are. I still have minimal pain, and Im almost 10 months out. Yes, I have an unusual scenario with mine. but hope you get better soon. Ibuprofen and gabapentin help me a lot.

At 4 weeks post op you still need pain meds. It's very unlikely your surgeon has had a TKR so can't possibly know how painful it is. Take your pain meds to control your pain especially before physio and exercise. All recoveries are different, but I don't think many are pain free at 4 weeks. It was 6 months before I returned to work after both my TKRs. It's now 20 years since my first and 18½ years since the other and I still have no problems. If you are in pain you can't exercise properly and that will not help your recovery. I think you will find most people are on pain meds for much longer than 4 weeks. Read other posts on this site and you will get a better idea about recovery. Good luck, and remember you will get there in the end.

Hi Melissa. I am 7 months post op and still need paracetamol to numb the pain. I needed access to codeine and Oramorph for the first 3 months....I only took it when I really needed it and my GP knew that I would not abuse it. Ask your GP for strong pain meds for when you are really in need. The intensity of pain does alter gradually and then you find your level of painkillers changes too. But for someone else to tell you that you can't be in need of them after only 4 weeks seems very harsh. Good luck...try your GP. Hope your pain improves with time....it is such a painful experience with a long recovery time. Try to stay positive. 😀

Pain and TKA or TKR. Lots of pain! "No Pain - No Gain" to use that old cliche.

Firstly: the post-op pain. A week at least. My experience from the primary TKA and the Two-Stage Revision recently. This pain is taken care of by the anesthesiologist and the surgeon.

Secondly: post op 2nd and 3rd week onwards. My case four week bedridden with Vancomycin IV drip PICC-line. Tramadol 50 mg three times a day. Night time: Gabapentin 300mg . Helps you to sleep at least 4-5 hours per night before the morning routine starting at 05:00. Sat/Sun 05:30 (sleep in) This is the TKA Revision medication protocol here in Thailand, Lerdsin Orthopedic hospital.

After being discharged I am on 50 mg Tramadol per day. Some days 25 mg half a capsule. Depending on pain level. But, always before the PAINFUL STRETCH / BEND (EXTENSION/FLEXION) physiotherapy session or too much home exercise.

It's your PAIN. You need to control it. Do ask for a refill. But, be careful. Tramadol is an opiate not as strong and addictive as Oxycodone, Oxycontin but still addictive. Trt not to exceed 50 mg per day! Unless the pain is unbearable. Also try half a capsule per day. It works for me.

And keep "bending & stretching". And of course, weight control. Gravity an issue for all TKR/TKA patients That's why I love my "Walk in the Pool" not the "Walk in the Park" or "The Walk in the Mall" hopefully later!

Best regards,

Bangkok-Johnny

everybodys pain level is diff,I'm 8 months out&still need my meds! even though I'm having major issues with this knee,u shouldn't feel bad bc u may still need ur meds just to get through therapy!!

hi Melissa

you still need pain meds. i am 8 months post op and i took pain meds for 10 weeks. you certainly need them for physical therapy..

at 6 weeks i started feeling so much betteri went back to my exercise classes.

i had alot of pain too. but keep up the exercises! i can now say im so glad i did it.. it's a long road through recoveru but you will feel better