CAN'T SLEEP!

Take your pain meds at regular intervals, they work better then . Also quite normal not sleeping well , I used to give up trying and watch tv and then sleep during day or whenever . I found at about 8 weeks a dramatic improvement in pain .

Hi Melissa,

"Bangkok-Johnny" from Thailand. Recovering from a TKA/TKR Two-stage revision. Due to deep infection of the prosthesis back in 2014 Stockholm, Sweden my primary TKA operation.

The revision. First-stage of the 2-stage operation April 2018. Removal of the infected implant and in with the antibiotic spacer. Thereafter six weeks Vancomycin IV drip ( PICC-line). Without Gabapentin 300 mg every night it would have been impossible to sleep. However, there were minor side effects: weird dreams and slight dizziness when waking up. Apart from that Gabapentin worked for me.

Second-Stage of the 2-stage operation. Out with the spacer in with the new implant ( DePUY Sigma) and Clindamycin IV three weeks. PICC-line, again. (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter) PICC- line is recommended if you want avoid "needle sticks" every two days.) Post operation. Tramadol 50 mg 3 x day pain medication. Sleep medication: Ativan a benzodiazepine. Compared to Gabapentin Ativan is faster acting with less side effects.

TKA/TKR is a brutal operation. Rest and sleep is important. I would recommend Gabapentin, Ativan is an option. Ask your surgeon.

Best regards,

Bangkok-Johnny

Hi Melissa. I'm 1 week post op with my 2nd TKR so I completely understand your frustration with the sleep issue. First, I agree with others who have recommended that you take your pain meds as prescribed, as this will help your body relax and heal more efficiently. When our body is stressed (i.e. pain) it's a distraction from everything else it's suppose to be doing. Secondly, I'm not sure what kind of relationship you have with your GP, but they may be able to provide a short term sleeping prescription with a phone call instead of needing an appointment.

Lastly, some things that helped me sleep were audio books (pick a boring one that does not interest you), relaxing music, herbal (decaf) tea or "sleepy time" tea. Also watch what you're putting in your body, caffeine, high sugar diet or even heavy meals late in the evening can derail a good night rest. It will get better, but it is frustrating. Best wishes!!

Oh poor you Melissa - you bring it all back to me and I am almost a year PO with a revision in July. Try not to get to anxious about the sleep...it will happen and sometimes an afternoon nap in the chair can be as refreshing as a nights sleep in some instances. I appreciate the frustration though if you have someone else to consider during these sleepless forays. I found a good radio station I listened to most nights and drifted off in stages...I got up and walked around and use the pillow between the legs trick - both sides.....but I used the pain relief regularly - it is harder to get it under control if you let it go too far...so continuous relief is good - especially before any physio/exercise - you will know when you can reduce the meds and we all recover at different stages.....and you are at such an early stage.....I thought I'd n ever see the days I was pain free, if I had made the right decisions etc etc but with all the great help on the forum - especially from Chico who also added the right amount of humour - I have recovered fully but CHICO did say it would take a year...lol x

Had my first TKR just over 2 years ago and having my second one tomorrow.

I think we all have problems sleeping post-op. I found taking analgesia 4- 6 hourly as prescribed plus amitryptiline at night helped to some extent. Plus icing.

You really need to take the pain meds.

I know people suggest sleeping pills like benzodiazepines but don't really think that's the answer.

I wish you luck.

https://patient.info/forums/discuss/trouble-sleeping-post-tkr--539591

Mellisa i had major sleep issues as ive posted already ,try this my surgeon told me not to put a cushion directly under my knee, but as i have to sleep on my back and i hate sleeping that way he said i could put a pillow length ways down my leg. resting your leg on top this still keeps your led straight but it cushons all your leg into a soft pillow it works wonders.

HI Melissa,

BKK-JOHNNY again.

Recent TKA REVISION, now recovering. Hydro therapy, swimming & ´pool walk'. This is my recommendation for insomnia. Couple of days ago I signed for unlimited swimming pool membership. (Three months). Yesterday 20 laps: 10 backstroke and 10 walking the whole pool length. POOL WALK excellent TKA exercise. Plus backstroke and little freestyle. In the evening I slept like baby.

Today back in the pool. 20 laps & walks.

Best regards, Bangkok-Johnny

That's great! I talked to my PT yesterday bout aquatics therapy and he told me that I'm too far in the game and they usually use the aquatic therapy for bariatric patients to lessen the weight to move about better. My GP has recommended I get a gym membership to swim that that is great for recovery. Please let me know how that works out! Makes sense that you sleep easily after swimming!