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exhaustion and lack of appetite months after TKR

Posted , 7 users are following.

eileen853
eileen853

I’m two months out from TKR ....And still totally exhausted and have no appetite anyone experiencing this?

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • CHICO_MARX
    CHICO_MARX eileen853

    Posted

    At two months, you're still in the maximum "OMG how long is this going to last?" zone. The typical recovery lasts a full year; very few escape that path. Pain, exhaustion (from all the pain), sleeplessness, stiffness, depression, appetite changes and sooooo many more consequences of the op are very typical among patients. To expect anything different is a denial of the reality of a TKR recovery.

    First get your 0 / +120 ROM back. Then you will spend months rebuilding all the atrophied musculature that supports the knee. This is mandatory if you want to take the load off the new knee, walk correctly, get your balance back and be able to do stairs alternately again like you used to. Time, work and patience are your tools. Get rid of all your expectations and listen to your knee. If you push it too far on any given day it will absolutely swell. Don't do that.

    Remember to hydrate A LOT, take your pain meds (start to titrate down when you can), eat very healthy (lots of protein and salads...NO JUNK!!!) and do your exercises. Treat yourself well and do NOT compare your recovery to that of anyone else. That and expectations will drive you crazy...don't do that.

    Post this on your fridge...

    Reality

    You're not alone...but after 12-18 months, you will rejoice in living with a pain-free knee IF you did all the work. I'm almost four years out...it's really worth it.

    • eileen853
      eileen853 CHICO_MARX

      Posted

      Thank you Chico! Having support and sharing experiences with others who have gone through this major surgery is so very helpful .... I appreciate everyones feedback .. now I know there's a light at the end of the tunnel ....

    • CHICO_MARX
      CHICO_MARX eileen853

      Posted

      Early on, that light feels like an oncoming train... The most common finding I've made after 4 years on here and reading 25,000+ posts is that people expect too much too fast and are not adequately prepared for the pain, time and effort involved in a TKR recovery.

      Lose the expectations and comparisons...they only screw with your head. Everything you will go through is normal. The only exceptions I've seen are people with infections and reactions to the glue, both of which are of immediate concern. Even those who cannot break down the scar tissue have the option of an MUA which is usually very successful. No one can predict in advance what your particular recovery will be like. It's a learning adventure where you will find strength you didn't know you had.

      There is no whining in TKRVille. Just incredible people doing what they must to get though a very brutal and painful surgery. Click my name, Discussions and then See All. There's about 30 out there on all sorts of topics. Hope they help.

  • Boboc13
    Boboc13 eileen853

    Posted

    I’m only three weeks out at this point but I know that you have to get up and move in order for this TK are not to stiffen up on you. There are days when I’m exhausted but I have to get up and push myself to do what I have to do. I never was really a day eater but I do hope that gets better. Try eating small snacks throughout the day. I started eating a lot of fruit salads.

  • Jo12jt1
    Jo12jt1 eileen853

    Posted

    totally. 9 months on from tkr right and 6 moths on tkr left .. knackered and still in pain. time is the healer im afraid

  • JunieR
    JunieR eileen853

    Posted

    Hi Eileen, listen & take heed of CHICO-MARX' remarks, he is always spot on ! I too suffered the exhaustion you've mentioned with my 1st TKR back in Jan 18 & was very concerned as it was so unlike me. ( i had never had a major op before, 4 weeks ago I had my other knee done ) I mentioned it on here too & Chico comforted me with his comments & took my worry away. Sure enough it soon passed, and you will eventually be so pleased you had the op. Good luck. ( If you're reading this Chico... Thank you on behalf of myself & everyone else you've helped !)

  • Oldsworth
    Oldsworth eileen853

    Posted

    Hi. Yes l was the same. l had no appetite and lost so much weight.

    Happy to say l feel good now. 7 months later.

    All the best.

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