1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Knee Problems

Depression

Posted , 11 users are following.

tony08754
tony08754

I’m 58 and nineteen days post surgery the knee is doing fine I finished my first week of outpatient PT I’m able to drive sleeping is very difficult I also feel depressed I don’t want to be around people have no desire to talk with anyone I just want to be left alone

Is this normal

1 like, 19 replies

19 Replies

Next
  • jenny80029
    jenny80029 tony08754

    Posted

    May be good to see your GP if your feelings feel completely overwhelming. It is important to have social support at times like this. Do you have family and friends? If so, now is the time to ask them for support...even though you don't feel like it you need to force yourself to socialise. does not need to be big, just a few visits from friends and a cup of tea.

    Low iron levels and blood loss, and all the other aspects of having major surgery mean that post operative depression is common. Hold on to the fact that it is related, most probably, to the simple fact you have had major surgery. If you had pre existing depression, or are prone to it, then see GO and seek professional advice.

    • tony08754
      tony08754 jenny80029

      Posted

      Jenny thanks for the reply I do have family, friends and children who check in I just don’t have the desire to talk

    • jenny80029
      jenny80029 tony08754

      Posted

      That is good. Do try to share how you feel. It may be hard, but try and talk a bit.
  • jean04276
    jean04276 tony08754

    Posted

    I feel the same as you, Tony. I don't want visitors or phone conversations. I accept this as normal and will talk when l feel better. Best wishes

  • brent77382
    brent77382 tony08754

    Posted

    Hi tony,a visit to your GP sounds about right I’m also 58 I know in my case the first few weeks were the worst I’m now 7 weeks and it’s a lot easier,like you never a pain issue more discomfort sleeping I was only getting 2-3 hours split sleep a night and that was a good night.To be honest if your getting very little sleep this will bring you down quickly,I went to see my GP and got sleeping pills the ones I got weren’t strong but gave me a lot more sleep and it made a massive difference I used to hate the thought of going to bed but now no probs. Also don’t block family and friends out take all the support you can get.This forum is also a great help. 
    • tony08754
      tony08754 brent77382

      Posted

      Brent thanks for the reply

      I do have some pain meds left but haven’t taken them in over a week I try taking two before bed last night was the same two hours sleep three hours up

      Today I’m going to do so exercise then go ride the bike at the gym hopefully getting out will help

      Thanks again 

    • brent77382
      brent77382 tony08754

      Posted

      Tony,you need more sleep my friend,pain meds’ never helped me with sleep go and see your GP you’ll feel so much better if your getting a few more hours kip.
    • tony08754
      tony08754 brent77382

      Posted

      Hey Brent you said your GP proscribed your sleeping meds. Why not the surgeon 

      Thanks

    • brent77382
      brent77382 tony08754

      Posted

      My surgeon follow up consultation was on seven weeks,no way could I of gone that long without sleep,so the GP was my option and to be fair he was spot on understood and gave me my prescription 

       ,so the GP was my only option and to be fair the GP 

    • jenny80029
      jenny80029 tony08754

      Posted

      May be different in different countries. In UK on NHS people usually have routine after care with GP
  • tammy11224
    tammy11224 tony08754

    Posted

    Oh Tony, yes it is normal in the sense that those of us with depression feel the down-ness of knee surgery more intensely than some others. 

    I am 59 and am 6 days post right TKR. I had my left knee done on December 5, 2016.

    For the first few days you are surrounded by folks who want to help you, by about Day 14 (2weeks) we are on our own.

    You definitely need to see your family doctor! You need help! Depression can be all consuming-you have to decide to kick it in the butt and out the door!!!

    If you are able to drive (i’m Jealous!-not driving yet) take yourself for a ride-schedule it and then just do it! Pick up a newspaper, grab a drive thru lunch, an ice cream, go to the store to pick up one item. You will only have to speak briefly with others. 

    Day 19 is early and there will continue to be ups and downs in your journey. I remember the depression well. I am diagnosed with clinical depression and I am medicated. When I feel a little out of wack I go see my therapist. 

    Something that has helped me is keeping a journal to rate each day on a scale of one to ten and to jot down an anecdotal note. I’m surprised sometimes when I look back and see that there were some good days.

    I am praying for you Tony! Please continue to post here and stay in touch. You’ve got this!! You’ve taken the first step in recognizing the problem!!!! 

    Sincerely,

    Tammy

    • tony08754
      tony08754 tammy11224

      Posted

      Tammy 

      Thanks for the inspiring words

      I’m headed out the door now

      Hope all is well with you

  • dee38339
    dee38339 tony08754

    Posted

    I got depressed too I had one done Dec 16 and other one June 17 i got to the pount where i was in tears all the time luckily my GP was fantastic he referred me to the crisis team and gave me medication im ok ish now still not right but advice to you is go to GP you dont need to feel down as well as try to recover from major surgery, i think ur GP will help
  • Maryedna21
    Maryedna21 tony08754

    Posted

    Hi Tony. Sorry you are feeling so low just now. I had my TKR in June and felt exactly the same around the 3 week mark. That's when I found this forum !! Some excellent posts ,especially from Chico,helped me realize how I felt was quite normal!! Even going on the forum keeps you in communication with people without having to make much effort although I had some very good friends who just told me I was going for coffee and got me out of the house! Do give your doctor a call as maybe you would benefit from some medication and also get your bloods checked. TKR is major and brutal surgery and is quite an assault both physically and mentally. At 3 weeks I was questioning why I ever agreed to have surgery but now at nearly 4 months ,while still not completely recovered ,think it maybe is going to have been worth it all!! Hope you will soon feel that too.

Back to top
Next

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.