7 days post op for total knee replacement

Karen.... this is a big operation and sleep is the hardest thing to come by.  I found that a reclining chair was best for me.  I have had the new knee for over a year and it is amazing. It just took longer than I wanted to get that way.  I'm 58 and working out like a big dog now (American expression?  Well... I'm American... Bernie!) Anyway... you are kicking butt.  Still, that first month is hell. Stay the course. 

 

Hi Karen!

I'm 58 & had my 2nd TKR last Monday 18th & was sent home on Thursday afternoon, so we're on about the same stage! I was sent home with 28 codeine pills and told to take paracetamol regularly every four hours plus codeine if in bad pain. I can apparently also take Ibrufen but it must be with food & to avoid if possible. I have also been given a ten day supply of blood thinning pills! I was in a lot of pain with my first TKR as I tried not to take the pills & tried to do far to much in the house, but as you'll read on this forum you have to medicate in order to do the exercises, then elevate, ice and rest! I was lucky as the hospital sent me off with an ice pack which relieves pain and swelling. I've got a couple of walking sticks at the moment but Saturday when I have my clips removed & hydrotherapy the physio said I might just be able to use one stick. This time around my knee is a lot less painful due to the pills and although I've had one melt down (you seem to get v depressed with these ops just to warn you!) it seems to be bending and straightening better than the first one did too, so not too unhappy! Poor sleep as usual but stick to this forum and everyone will help you through it😊 By the way, I'm in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.

Hi Karen,

I hope you are able to hurt less & sleep more very soon.

My TKR is this coming Wednesday. I will post as soon as I feel up to it.

Thanks for your information on your recovery thus far.

Hi Karen,

I remember what you're going through so well. I am now nearly 15weeks post TKR and i can now see light at the end of the tunnel. I managed to walk 3 miles the other day and then i took another 1.5 mile later on, i was so pleased with myself. I can now walk up and downstairs consecutively without holding on to the bannister rail, get up and down off the floor and in and out of the bath and you will be able to do all these things too! I remember posting on here at 6 days post op because i was in a lot of pain, feeling down and frustrated. I didn't realise then how long the recovery took, but i do now.

If you're in so much pain, you are reluctant to move or perform your physio exercises/stretches and they are KEY to good recovery. Go to see your gp and see if your pain meds can be changed to something more effective for you. Also, ICE, ICE, ICE and ICE some more it's effective for pain and for swelling, drink loads of water during the day as this will keep you well hydrated and help with the healing process. Above all, listen to your body and be kind to yourself. Don't ever compare your recovery with anyone else as everybody heals at different rates.

 

Hi Karen, my wife showed me your post, I am now week ten post op. I

had been a keen sportsman all my life, ( now 67) I empathise with your

pain and discomfort as I am sure all who have had the TKR op. May I

offer you my advice

1. Get proper pain control, see your Dr or go to the Pain

Clinic ( I am on Tapentadol with paracetamol) Tapentadol is an opiate

but works for me. 2. Perseverance with physio exercises, it won't just get better on its own. 3. Expect good and bad days. 4. Believe that it WILL

Improve. 5. Keep a log of medication and exercise progress.

I slept first 4 weeks sitting up as I could not get comfortable.

That's as short a reply I can offer, Remember Summer is on its way.

LJ

Hi Karen. I had right knee partial replacement last October and left knee full replacement 11 days ago. I'm 51. I have trouble with pain meds so only on paracetamol. Have the same problem at night spend most of the time trying to get comfortable. Can get some sleep on my back but hate it. Wasn't prepared for the frustration and feeling down the first time round. Not down so far but frustrated and bored already. Just want to be back to normal. It does get better and every little achievement is great like being able to put Ted stockings on by myself, walking up stairs and having a bath (bliss). Bend not great as both knees are so different and tkr feels very different from partial. This forum is great really helped me out last time. Lots of good advise and encouragement. Wishing you a great recovery and hope you find a way of sleeping soon. Tracy

Karen,  my experience is pretty much the same is yours except for the bleeding situation and I'm glad that has resolved.  I started PT one month before my surgery and continue it to this day. I am four weeks post op.  It is absolutely essential that you have a regimented program even though it is very difficult.  I think my surgical team is top notch and their protocol is very strict. Up and walking  immediately and out of the house to PT within the first couple days .   I still take pain medication as needed and use an ice machine that they started in the hospital.  For the first two weeks I wrapped my leg and slept with the machine going all night long. I still use it  as needed to control the swelling. Swelling causes pain. My leg and scar both look great, discoloration is completely gone. My husband has been has also been my caretaker.... Don't know what I would do without him.

What do you mean your pain medication has gone?