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Depression after knee replacement

Posted , 16 users are following.

jackierae
jackierae

I had my knee replacement surgery 3 weeks ago tomorrow.  I find myself feeling depressed and sad because of tge constant pain and ache in my knee. I’m doing exercises and they say I am doing well, but the constant pain is getting me down and I feel like crying a lot. 

1 like, 36 replies

36 Replies

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  • ann18637
    ann18637 jackierae

    Posted

    It's normal what you feel. I was totally not prepared for the invasive surgery. I'm in my 9th week and still have pain, not as bad as it was but you have highs and lows. Ice helps a lot I remain positive its early days and it will get better chin up this forum does help a lot with any questions since we have or are going through the same surgery and pain etc

  • johnny17592
    johnny17592 jackierae

    Posted

    Hi jackierae

    You must take all medication ice the knee as much as you can and elevate it as often as you can exercise is a must so you can recover better in the long run but don't overdo it I'm afraid the sadness is all part of the process but it will get better hang in there and good luck.

  • arizonaone
    arizonaone jackierae

    Posted

    Hi Jackierae

    Are you taking your pain medication as prescribed or just when you feel you need it? If the latter you need to take it consistently for the pain to be controlled.

    You shouldn't be in so much constant pain that it is causing you to cry.

    Maybe your doctor needs to adjust or change your meds?

    It's totally normal to be depressed - the surgery and recovery is brutal but pain that makes you cry should not be.

    Please call your doctor and I hope you feel better.

  • kim20134
    kim20134 jackierae

    Posted

    Perfectly normal to feel down. I’m a positive person, never been depressed ever, fortunately, but the constant pain, lack of sleep and fatigue is draining. You will work through it. It does get better but the stage you are at it seems as if it won’t. Discuss with your consultant how you feel and see if they can help. 
    • jackierae
      jackierae kim20134

      Posted

      Thanks Kim. It’s good to know I am not alone in how I feel. Thought maybe I wasn’t as far as I should be by now 
  • nwf477
    nwf477 jackierae

    Posted

    What your feeling is normal and it will get better but it will not get better right away it takes time and patience as in lots. I wish I could tell you differently I have been thru this 5X all on the same knee it does not get any easier and it hurts just as much in fact June 18th I have to have another revision the last one was not aligned properly so here I am 2plus years post op still in pain.I am very well aware how your knee feels everyday it hurts and hurts then of course you look at how swollen it is and you do your exercises and it hurts even worse I get it. The one thing I can say it will get better but it takes time most are feeling more like themselves after the 4-6 month time frame. Take your pain meds as directed ice and elevate.Icing will be your best friend. Have faith.
    • jackierae
      jackierae nwf477

      Posted

      Oh my gosh, I cannot imagine having to redo it. I appreciate your help. 
    • nwf477
      nwf477 jackierae

      Posted

      I have been reading most of the posts and yes I agree having been thru this way too many times and it looks like June 18th will be the 6th time my L knee gets replaced. Not that this is meant to be mean or harsh just what I have been thru no more or less. This surgery is a big deal its not like a broken bone or having your tonsils taken out. I have a scar on my L knee that's approx. 12" long. No one likes being in pain and I for one absolutely hate it but I also realize its not a great idea to take pain meds over a long period of time. The longer you take them the more your body builds up a tolerance to them end result more pain. There is always a chance of getting addicted. I am not saying you shouldn't take pain meds I know once I wake up from surgery you feel all kinds of pain but when your in the hospital they can take care of it, once you get home it gets worse before it gets better. You have to do the exercises yes the pain stinks but as long as you continue to follow thru with the exercises the sooner it will heal but its not going to heal right away. One of the worst things you can do and yes I am human and I have done it is to compare yourself to others, the only way you can do that is if the other person is your exact clone what are the odds?? No 2 people heel at the exact same rate. Unless your sister has been thru this she really has no room to talk. I have been thru 5 already getting ready for # 6 my guess it is going to hurt like hell for the first few months then gradually it will get better but not overnight. I am sure your sister loves you etc but just because she read an article that says you should be doing ? on such a such date does not mean squat reality is different. Its a long road to recovery no too much longer and I will be complaining on how I feel.

      Take Care 

  • sophie05825
    sophie05825 jackierae

    Posted

    I understand this a lot. The pain and the inability to do normal things got me really down. Still does (4 weeks post op). I'm afraid it's nothing you can prevent. Just take your painkillers and hope. Surround yourself with things to do to stop yourself gping crazy.

    • jackierae
      jackierae sophie05825

      Posted

      Sophie thanks. I saw a patient at the doctor when I got my stitches out and he was walking normally without a cane or walker as if nothing happened. Made me feel like I wasn’t doing something right. My Sister keeps sending me articles of where I should be by each week and it’s not happening in my case. I told her each person is different. 
    • johnny17592
      johnny17592 jackierae

      Posted

      Hi again

      Has your sister had a TKR it doesn't sound like she has every single person is different give yourself a break try and look forward hard as it may be at the moment but it does get better good luck

      Johnny.

    • jackierae
      jackierae johnny17592

      Posted

      No she hasn’t. She’s just going by what other people say and what she reads. It’s frustrating but I will continue taking it day by day and doing the best i can. 
    • ann18637
      ann18637 jackierae

      Posted

      Unless you've actually gone through tkr one cannot comment on how why or when. The only person who can comment on this is them that has had this surgery. Even the Pt think they know better and often just tell you no pain no gain. I'm sorry I disagree totally. Yes doing the exercises do hurt but not to extreme agony. I am nearly 10 weeks post op and gradually getting there. Reading the posts on this forum makes you realise that everyone is different and will get there sooner or later. Keep doing the exercises at your own pace ice and rest you'll get there as we all will

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