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hi am very depressed 4 weeks after tkr surgery

Posted , 69 users are following.

patricia36643
patricia36643

I have shed many tears since surgery and have found the pain pretty terrible although it us improving. I wonder if it is to do with the fact that I had a phone call on a tnursday aftetnoon to go in the fo1llowing morning to have my surgery! Not only did I not have time to prepare but I also had it done under a spinal. No pain but very harrowing sounds.

3 likes, 118 replies

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  • jenny47422
    jenny47422 patricia36643

    Posted

    Hi Patricia.....I think many of us TKR people get teary after the operation. The pain, the medication, the effectsof having such traumatic surgery can all take its toll on our emotions. I was very depressed with the prolonged pain, I hate to say it, but I even got in contact with a euthanasia group in case things didn't improve, but of course they did. I'm week 16 post op and I still have pain at night, not to the point of needing pain killers, but still nowhere near back to normal. 

    I had mine done under a spinal too, and the hammering noise was pretty horrific, no wonder we are in so much pain post op.

    Remember, every week gets better, although there will be setbacks at times.

    Take care!

  • jennifer86104
    jennifer86104 patricia36643

    Posted

    I can only reiterate what others have said - what you're experiencing is very normal! Even if you'd had more notice of the op I bet you would feel the same. I too had a spinal but was sedated so didn't hear a thing but I still got the pain and the emotions at your stage. Things do improve but very slowly so be prepared. I was also off my food for quite a time which isn't like me. This op has all sorts of effect on your body! This site is great for comparing symptoms and getting reassurance so keep in touch. Jen 
  • CanadianSharon
    CanadianSharon patricia36643

    Posted

    Hi Patricia, I too want you to know your feelings seem quite normal unfortunately.  I personally feel like a bit of a whimp, being only 59 even complaining.  Everyone said you are young it will be easy.I was in the hospital with two ladies well over 80 and I give them so much credit for their great attitudes.  

    I had had my surgery July 23.....and I still have so much stiffness and initial pain when I first walk I worry that something isn't right.

    Some say it's been too long, but those are people who have never gone through this.

    When I get  discouraged I come here and read, and realize I am not alone.

    one step at a time, one day at a time is my new motto.

    xo

     

  • richard89308
    richard89308 patricia36643

    Posted

    sorry to hear you suffering. it can only get better from here. keep going with the physio and hope for the best.

    Richard

  • joanne0301
    joanne0301 patricia36643

    Posted

    Hi Patricia yes what you are experiencing is normal I am now at 8 weeks tomorrow post tkr and I can honestly say the first 4 weeks were aliving hell but now I can. Look back at it and not cry. I still have days when I do too much and it swells and I think oh no what have I done but honestly things will start to improve now. Make sure you get physio and make sure you do your exercises that is one thing I will say. All the best and big hugs too you xx
  • jenny47422
    jenny47422 patricia36643

    Posted

    I just wish that I had have found this forum earlier, I'm 16 weeks post op. The good news is that I will be having the other knee done in 6-12 months. The doctor said I need to get over this one first because it took a lot out of me. At leasst now I know where to come for shoulders to cry on lol!!!.

    We are all different and different in the way we heal too. Some people seem to get over it very quicly and don't they let you know it with comments like " I gave up my crutches on day four" or " I'm back at the gym after six weeks", they make you feel like you're malingering, I did anyway, but I know better now after reading the comments on here.

    • jennifer86104
      jennifer86104 jenny47422

      Posted

      Hi Jenny, I notice you're 16 weeks post op. I'm 15 weeks and just wondered how you're doing now? Do you still get much pain when you walk? Are you able to do most "normal" things? I'm doing ok but still not able to walk any real distance in comfort. I know Betty is at a similar stage and we like to compare. As you say, we're all different but it'd be interesting to hear about any problems you're experiencing. Hope you don't mind me asking. Jen 
    • jenny47422
      jenny47422 jennifer86104

      Posted

      Hi Jennifer, At 16 weeks post op, I can ride the exercise bike on easy setting, walk about a km without pain, haven't really tried to walk further because my other knee needs replacing too, get pain sometimes when getting in and out the car (depends if I do it too fast, without thinking about it), hurts in bed when turning/moving the knee, can go up steps well, down steps not so good, standing is painful (for both knees). I use a stick when shopping, just feel more confident, it's my security blanket and I've become attached to it.

      Having said that, I am totally self sufficient and can do most 'normal' things like cleaning (not the bottom of the shower recess) wash the car, vacuuming etc. although I do tire easily.

      See, as I sit here now, my knee has shooting pains down it. This sort of thing comes and goes.

      Please fell free to ask any questions.

    • jennifer86104
      jennifer86104 jenny47422

      Posted

      Thanks for your reply, Jenny. I have walked about a km but it's still not really comfortable. My main problem is pain down the back of my leg (weak hamstrings according to physio). I ride my exercise bike too but it pulls a bit on these damned hamstrings. I'm doing specific exercises for this so hoping it'll go eventually. I'm lucky that my other knee and hip, although having signs of arthritis, are not too bad yet. I don't use a stick at all but I do get tired when standing or on my feet for a while in the kitchen. I get the odd pains here and there too but generally when sitting or lying down I'm not in any pain. The Dr said it'll take 6 to 12 months and I suppose he's right. Like you, I tire easily too. I'm hoping to cope with looking after my grandson (9months now) for a couple of days a week after Christmas so hope I'll be fitter then. 

      Good luck with your other knee - do you know when you'll have it done?

  • CazDesmond
    CazDesmond patricia36643

    Posted

    Hi Patricia, I know that you weren't prepared for this op, that in itself is terrible, the sounds, I had heard about that and was dreading hearing anything. Even if you had read every leaflet from front to back you would not have been told about the tears.

    Everyone on here has had the emotional rollacoaster that you are on. Nobody was forewarned. I am at 6 weeks post op and it's got a lot better, but I still find myself bursting into tears.

    Hang in there, this site is great, everyone here is your friend.

    • mary25797
      mary25797 CazDesmond

      Posted

      No one told me about the op depression, anxiety, sleeplessness, loneliness, scar sensitivity, so bad that you can't let your top sheet or anything else touch your skin...painful physical therapy, that ended with year almost everyday including yesterday, an I'm at 6 weeks post surgery, and let's not forget to mention the horrible nighttime spasms and cramps, and constipation...but when you have NO OTHER CHOICE, you put on you big girl/boy pants and suck it up and deal with it, because the alternative is a lifetime in a wheelchair, and when your only 62 that's a LONG TIME, not to enjoy LIFE..... I promise you it does get better, ever week that passes, and this forum is a wonderful support and Understanding of what your going thru, with many suggestions, some good some not so good, but all worth trying...Let God be your strength and your courage.
    • peg57
      peg57 mary25797

      Posted

      Thanks for your post ! I thought I was either a huge whiner or going nuts ! I'm 3 weeks out and have all those things going on...It's been hard on me because I already had an ankle replaced and it was NOTHING like this as far as the pain or problems..pain pills aren't really doing it and besides them Ihave to take pills for the nausea and constipation . Sitting down now for a bit after my exercises with nothing touching my knee. TG for this forum...
    • mary25797
      mary25797 peg57

      Posted

      Peg,

       I feel your pain, I'm 7 wks post TKR, I watched a great Youtube on post knee pain, where a gentlemen lotioned & wrapped his leg with Sarah Wrap before he goes to bed at night and this REALLY WORKS !! I know because when your desperate, your willing to try anything... But this worked for me.I too slept in a recliner for about 3 weeks, I was unable to find any combination of size or shape of pillows to help...finally slowly I was able to rotated little at a time on my side.  I'm back to work now and my Dr. gave me Muscle relaxers to help me sleep because the SPASM AND CRAMPING WAS SO BAD. I found drinking "Tonic" Water during the daytime helped with the nighttime spasming and the plus that it helps you with consitpation, I use to go 2-3 x a week, now I go everyday!! I hope this helps.... again when your  desperate you'll try anything

    • peg57
      peg57 mary25797

      Posted

      Going to try that saran wrap tonight ! I still have the no touch and also I hate how my skin is so tight it feels like it's going to tear open when I bend it ! Switched pain pills from Oxy to Ultram and it's great ! Went potty all by myself today !!! NOW to just build up my strength. Need to get an appetite too.                       
    • mary25797
      mary25797 peg57

      Posted

      WOW, that's quite an accomplishment!!!! Going potty by yourself is a very BIG DEAL! I was able to shower by myself at 4 weeks, that was a blessing...I'll keep you in my prayers tonight
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