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4 weeks before TKR, current pain is bad

Posted , 6 users are following.

Supertractorman
Supertractorman

Hi,  Any tips on trying to reduce pain while waiting for TKR on left leg. Hardly sleeping at night as calfs and thighs of both legs aching, right hip sore, instep and side of foot on right leg very sore when walking and left leg just above the ankle extremely sore. Left knee is painful but right knee is getting bad and both creaking loudly. Both legs swollen in day time.   It is now 43 weeks I have been waiting for NHS.

David

0 likes, 24 replies

24 Replies

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  • sue64229
    sue64229 Supertractorman

    Posted

    HI there,

    im so sorry you have so much pain at this  stage.  I had similar too.  Can’t help wondering if it’s natures way of warning us, how our new knees will feel when we first get them. ☹️  Seriously, the pain is a reminder that you’re in need of a TKR. I slept, and still do, with a pillow under my knees.  Some frown upon this but it works for me.  I hope that your doctor is prescribing pain killers.  That bone on bone stage is very painful.  Keep reading this forum and I’m sure you will get lots of helpful advice.

    good luck reducing your pain levels and for when you get your new knee.

    best wishes

    sue X

    • Supertractorman
      Supertractorman sue64229

      Posted

      Thanks Sue, that is a lot of encouragement, will try the pillow tonight. Have got plenty of pain killers which can help at night, but not in the day so much.  At least from reading this Sue I know what to expect shortly.
  • cherry75260
    cherry75260 Supertractorman

    Posted

    Hi David,

    I had my first Tkr last August 2017, I was hoping to wait at least a year to have my other knee done. However, due to much pain I'm am scheduled to have it done next month...not looking forward to it, but the pain is bad.  I understand where you are coming from and I really don't have any words of wisdom on how to reduce the pain.  I have started using my cane once again, which seems to lessen the pain when I walk.  It is difficult to get comfortable at night so I resort to once again elevating my leg and icing it...it seems to help some.  I also purchased a TENS devise and use that prior to bedtime which does help to elevate some of the pain.  As much as I don't want more surgery, at least the pain is gone in one leg and soon to be gone in the other.

    I hope you are able to get your tkr scheduled very soon, I'll keep my fingers crossed for you! 

    Many blessings,

    Cherry🍒

    • Supertractorman
      Supertractorman cherry75260

      Posted

      Cherry,  Thanks for your reply and sorry to hear you have to go through it all again next month, but at least you know what to expect. Mine is scheduled for 4 weeks tomorrow and can't be soon enough as using 2 sticks now as other leg is so bad especially on hard ground. Interested in your comment on TENS machine, so had a look on Amazon but was confused by so many from only a few pounds to a hundred. Any guide as to how much is needed for one that helps as I think pain will last until both legs are done now and due to have Prostate removed 6 weeks after first knee. Hope all goes well and you are running round soon.

      David

    • cherry75260
      cherry75260 Supertractorman

      Posted

      Hi David,

      Glad to hear you finally have a date for your TKR, sounds like it is a week after mine.  Before you know it both of us will be without any knee pain! Lol. I'm actually starting to look forward to it, if that is possible.  Getting the guest room ready with all my 'handicap' devises, making and freezing meals, even trying to do a bit of house cleaning.  Luckily I have a great family that are all helping to get me ready, again.

      The TENS unit I ordered was the Healthmate Forever for $25.79...I use it a couple times a day when the pain gets really bad and it helps.  The batteries seem to last forever, which is great.  Just make sure you don't make the frequency too high as it can cause your muscle to twitch.  Google TENS units and rad up on them.  Let me know how you like it.

      Take care and hang in there, you will do great!  First couple weeks are a bit tough, but it gets so much better after that.  

      Many blessings,

      Cherry🍒

    • Supertractorman
      Supertractorman cherry75260

      Posted

      Hi Cherry, Just looked at Amazon for that unit, but they want nearly as much in shipping from USA. Will investigate some others.

      My thoughts just now are what will my other leg be like as it is very painful and I wonder if it will support my new knee as it is getting back to normal.

      Look forward to hearing your progress, just wonder what will be different between Scotland & USA.

      As we say " Keep taking the tablets" !!.

      Regards,

      David

  • CHICO_MARX
    CHICO_MARX Supertractorman

    Posted

    Voltaren Gel (RX in the US) is a GREAT topical anti-inflammatory for pain and swelling, especially at bedtime.  I found OTC Aspercream With 4% Lidocaine to help with nerve sensations.
    • Supertractorman
      Supertractorman CHICO_MARX

      Posted

      Thanks Chico have heard of Voltaren Gel, so will give it a try, legs are sore as I write this, so anything is worth a try.  Can you use it on your knee after surgery if sore in that area, or is the skin too sensitive or not safe to use ?.

      David

    • CHICO_MARX
      CHICO_MARX Supertractorman

      Posted

      Incision must be healed.  After that, I had no problem but still used it AROUND the incision for a while just to be sure.

      There is only one thing better than Voltaren Gel..."Lotion"  That's it..."Lotion".  Gotta be in a legal state with a legal medical card walking into a legal dispensary.  Light green in color, earthy scent.  Works in FIVE MINUTES!!!  Best stuff ever!!!

  • marilyn10235
    marilyn10235 Supertractorman

    Posted

    Hi David, like you I had a long wait for TKR. 6 years for no1 & 9 years for no2. Because of my age!! NHS consultant said in 2010 to carry on as long as I could stand it & that's what I did.

    There are a few things you could try, the 1st & easiest is a TENS  machine especially for the knee, I have one & can recommend, try Lloyds for it, it didn't cost the earth. I think it was about £16 in 2015, but shouldn't be much more now. It consists of a knee brace type thing which you wrap around the knee &  the leads plug into it, it's battery operated 4AAs. Dead easy to use.

    Also I had treatment from a chiropractor which when my knee locked in a bent position helped enormously, also a sports injury masseur/masseuse can help with muscles that have gone into spasm & feels wonderful for a day!!!

    Just try to keep as mobile as you can, I know how hard that is but you will feel the benefit after.

    Are you going in on the Rapid Recovery Plan? Don't feel daunted if you are, it really is the best & they get you up & about very very quickly. I was in on the Saturday for my op & discharged on the Monday. Only 2 nights in hospital. Which is to my liking as I cannot sleep in hosp.

    Good luck for your op. Keep in touch & let us know how you're going

    Marilyn 

    XX

    • Supertractorman
      Supertractorman marilyn10235

      Posted

      Thanks Marilyn, my delay is "in the queue" they say. Am very active as keep poultry and ducks plus a small caravan site, so always doing something, the hardest thing will be stopping doing things !. Am told it will be 2 / 3 days but got to go for another pre - op as they have changed the hospital last week, so got to get that 4 days before. Talk was they might do both knees, I don't mind, just get it done now. Will certainly get a TENS machine as that is very reasonable and anything is a plus. Will let you no progress.

      David

    • cherry75260
      cherry75260 Supertractorman

      Posted

      Hi David,

      Sorry to hear about the shipping costs for the TENS devise I suggested, but certainly glad Marilyn came through with an option for you. Fingers crossed if you may get both knees done, I know you are ready!  Keep us updated.

      Many blessings,

      Cherry🍒

    • marilyn10235
      marilyn10235 Supertractorman

      Posted

      Oh yeah I know all about being in an NHS queue!

      Am nearly 9 weeks out fro 1nd TKR & have been on a waiting list for consultant follow up after the op! I made an appt myself but the soonest I could get was 28th March! My op was on 16th December!

      Good luck for your op

      Marilyn 

      XX

    • marilyn10235
      marilyn10235

      Posted

      Sorry dyslexic phone again, that should have read.... from 2nd TKR!!

      I wouldn't  mind but I don't have huge sausage fingers!!! Damn phone lol

  • SandraH55
    SandraH55 Supertractorman

    Posted

    I too am awaiting TKR (England) and really struggle at night with pain in both knees, right hip, lower back and often terrible cramp in feet. I also recommend Voltarol Gel (my gp prescribes mine) as a good way of getting some pain relief without the associated stomach upset that NSAID's cause.

    • Supertractorman
      Supertractorman SandraH55

      Posted

      Sandra, Thanks for those comments, thought I was imagining things as my pains are similar. Will get some Voltarol Gel.

      David

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