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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

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  • Oldfatguy1
    Oldfatguy1 tony08754

    Posted

    19 days seems awfully soon to be driving. I hope you are off opiates and other strong pain meds. One of the issues with early driving, should you be in an accident you could cause severe damage to the knee by getting it jammed under the dash. I hope you cleared it with your Dr as there could be some concerns with insurance company if you are on meds.

    As far as the depression, th aren't too far off normal. Don't push yourself so hard to get your life back. There are a couple of standards with this rehab you must keep in mind. 1st, its a process and one part of the process is rest. A tired body just won't heal like a rested one. I've been through 11 surgeries and 30 rounds radiation including 5 complete rehab. None are the same and the brain has reacted as differently as the body. The 2nd, tkr rehab is a marathon not a sprint. My suggestion, slow down and give your body and brain a chance to adjust. Seems to me you have the impression the world is judging you and you aren't content with your progress. Look up Chico Marx and some of his advice. Slow down, don't put such high expectations on yourself and take time to breath. You'll be a lot happier and more content.

    • tony08754
      tony08754 Oldfatguy1

      Posted

      The strange thing here is my knee is doing fine it’s the rest of me that’s not well,

      Thank all of you for your support, knowing that I’m not alone is a big help

  • gerianne_69769
    gerianne_69769 tony08754

    Posted

    You’re perfectl normal Tony! It’s a huge operation, and many feel overwhelmed with the recovery! Lack of sleep will also contribute to how you are feeling. As soon as I found a way to sleep “kind of” on my side...pillow behind my back, another between my knees...I was able to get more sleep. I also kept the ice machine on my knee during the night, along with pain meds as needed.  It will get better.  If you can’t talk to people around you, talk to us....easier sometimes to write down your feelings.  Stay positive! We all understand what you are going through. 
  • CHICO_MARX
    CHICO_MARX tony08754

    Posted

    You're able to "drive sleeping"?  WOW!!!  Wish I could do that...LOL...

    These are your fixes...

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

    https://patient.info/forums/discuss/tkr-and-post-operative-depression-604195

    The depression is a Jedi Mind Trick...totally normal but no one talks about it, least of all the docs.  Everything is totally normal.  Just give up all your expectations of "time to be better".  And get rid of the word "should".  You'll have an easier recovery.

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