7 days post op for total knee replacement
Posted , 14 users are following.
I had a total knee replacement carried out 8 days ago,there was a fair bit of bleeding after the op which the medical team monitored until it ceased several days later, i was able to carry out basic physio tasks soon after the op and had some flexibilty on my knee,since coming home 4days ago i continue to move around and can go up and down the stairs , very slowly i may add , I do have a fair amount of brusing and swelling but the pain and discomfort i am in is far worse than i thought it would be i have had pain medication when discharged but this has gone sleeping seems impossible and getting comfortable takes for ever if at all , i am feeling tearful , i am lucky that i have a caring husband who is looking after me but at 57 have always been active and independent i do understand that recovery will take some time but right now with the amount of pain i am in i feel at a loss what to do to aid my recovey
1 like, 24 replies
sky1996 karen27010
Posted
karen27010 sky1996
Posted
Thank you for your reply it was so positive i know i expect a lot of myself and want get back to normal activties asap plus looking at returning to work in 6 weeks however i realise i must take things a little slower and know its only been a week since my op . Got some more meds today so the pain has eased a little as you say i am kicking butt i always have had a bit of a fighting spirit and think this will stand me in good stead for my road to recovey .
glenda29798 karen27010
Posted
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.
karen27010 glenda29798
Posted
we are indeed about the smae stage got discharged we the same meds as you i am unable to take Ibrufen due to stomach problems.
I feel a little better today as I managed to organise some more medication yesterday still have had little sleep but am hoping this will change in time.
have just called my GP surgery to arrange for the clips to come out was very surprised that they have no appointments with the nurse so will have to go to the walk in centre at the Royal Shrewsbury psyhio for next week.I also feel better coming onto this forum its something i think will help me when i feel a bit low or just need some advice so thank you for your reply it good to know there is someone to talk to
sassy42011 karen27010
Posted
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.
sky1996 sassy42011
Posted
karen27010 sassy42011
Posted
Good luck for Wed
Jillystev3012 karen27010
Posted
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.
SusieQ64 Jillystev3012
Posted
I think the worst thing for me in the beginning was not being able to get to the loo in time as I have a weak bladder... That seems to have settled now. I found this forum this morning and feel so blessed!
DOLLY64 karen27010
Posted
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
tracy2364 karen27010
Posted
mary7663 karen27010
Posted
What do you mean your pain medication has gone?
deborah90838 mary7663
Posted
karen27010 mary7663
Posted
Really surprised at the amount I have got never been on a forum before and all the responses have help me feel better already.
I understand when you questioned the pain releif, when i left hospital on Wed i was given limited pain medication was not told anything about needing more however it would seem that maybe i used the meds quicker than i should due to the sheer pain i am in but i am please to report that yesterday i rung my local Shop Doc ( have never done before either ) i spoke to a Doctor who sent a prescription to Tesco and within the hour my husband had collected the medication .
very impressed with the service I got for the service, i realise its all about time to assist with recovery i do tend to rush things ,i am still very brusied and have a fair bit of swelling , having the clips on Friday am sure this will help, thanks again for your reply
mary7663 karen27010
Posted
mary7663 deborah90838
Posted