Posted , 69 users are following.
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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joy47826 patricia36643
Posted
My MD painted no negative picture on hip replacement, like it's a piece of cake and all turns out great, not so. WHy can't the docs tell the whole story?
patricia36643 joy47826
Posted
yes I did have the pre-op assessment with all the usual checks. The reason I was called in at shortt notice was there had been a cancellation and as I'm 77 and not working they knew I could probably go for it!!
HRLady patricia36643
Posted
Patricia everything you are going through is very normal. I went to class before surgery and they told us what to expect and did tell us the amount of pain we were in for. However nobody ever spoke about the tears we would have and the feeling of helplessness. I had many teary nights when I couldn't sleep because there was just no position possible to be comfortable. I cried about the pain.
At 5 weeks out I feel so much better. Do the exercises, yes it hurts but the only way to get back to normal is to do the stretching, Remember it takes time. Go ahead cry if it makes you feel better but cry when your pushing though those stretches. Forget the housework and concentrate on getting better. I promise you that you will. Right now I have less pain then I had before the surgery. it was so worth it.
We we all are in th same boat with the same feelings.
tracey71146 HRLady
Posted
I am 10 weeks today and 49 years old; My bend is getting better 100 but straightening still needs work, I still don't feel confident driving my manual so am in process of buying an automatic as I am not able to work because I can't get there.
As HR Lady says once you are bone on bone and in my case your leg is becoming deformed and getting around is causing deferred pain everywhere there is nothing to do but have a TKR. I am sure no surgeon wants to operate on anyone unless it is the last resort.
I attended the knee seminar put on to help us understand what the surgery entailed and what to expect after HOWEVER no amount of preparation beforehand really prepares you for the reality of this op.
It is a difficult recovery, it is hard work exercising when you are in pain and have had no sleep but you know you must to make progress. However you can also listen to your body and ease up at times.
I must have shed an ocean of tears during the first six weeks or so; tears of pain, frustration, anger, helplessness etc! BUT IT DOES GET BETTER.
There are still days when you will feel up and down and when you start doing more or different exercises the pain may increase at times but hang on in there! Make sure you have the turntables to help you through.
Keep posting on the forum as there is understanding and support here; I am so glad I found it as there is nothing like being able to speak with people in the same boat as you.
Onwards and upwards!
All the best for a better day today for you.
Kind regards, Tracey
jean95756 patricia36643
Posted
i've just woken up after having 1and a half hours sleep I must have turned over and twisted my knee as the pain is awful and this is at 8 weeks post op
it's physio in the morning so I need to try and get some more sleep
x
linda32417 patricia36643
Posted
britta217 patricia36643
Posted
i also had a spinal as i react quite heavily to the full anesthetic. for me the spinal wasn't bad even if i do remember all the hammering and such. try and move on from this, it is done and dusted, no use in dwelling on it. this will give you more energy for getting your knee better.
my top tips: adequate pain killers, physio sessions twice a week (at least), making time to do your exercises and ice / elevate as much as possible.
you will get there. we will ALL get there. it just takes time and in the meantime winge on here as much as you want.
lynn08926 patricia36643
Posted
How are you feeling?
patricia36643 lynn08926
Posted
britta217 patricia36643
Posted
my other knee is also shot to pieces and has been holding up surprisingly well but is starting to hurt despite all the meds i am taking. i had also decided no way josé but the problem is, you then start putting more weight on the operated knee, wearing down the new joint faster. or so i have been told.
it is a tough decision but for me, i think i can only really make a well thought through decision once my operated knee is fully functioning. only then do i really, really know what the benefit is. and i am a long way away from that so i am not even thinking about the second one. but i do remind myself that every knee is different. so i will breeze through the second operation!! fingers crossed!
lynn08926 patricia36643
Posted
As for knee number 2, I am scheduled to get that done mid-March 2015. Of course, I am dreading it, but I couldn't have even contemplated it again a few months ago. Like childbirth, the worst memories fade with time and, in truth, I have no choice.
Keep coming back to us. We are a friendly and hugely supportive bunch.
Lynn 19 weeks
britta217 patricia36643
Posted
my other knee is also shot to pieces and has been holding up surprisingly well but is starting to hurt despite all the meds i am taking. i had also decided no way josé but the problem is, you then start putting more weight on the operated knee, wearing down the new joint faster. or so i have been told.
it is a tough decision but for me, i think i can only really make a well thought through decision once my operated knee is fully functioning. only then do i really, really know what the benefit is. and i am a long way away from that so i am not even thinking about the second one. but i do remind myself that every knee is different. so i will breeze through the second operation!! fingers crossed!
jean95756 britta217
Posted
i've just been discharged from Physio
he said just keep on doing what you're doing on straightening the knee and you will be fine
so it really is onwards and upwards
jean ...8 weeks post op
patricia36643 lynn08926
Posted
britta217 jean95756
Posted
jean95756 britta217
Posted
X
Guest patricia36643
Posted
Amen to that. Don't know if I could do it again. Babying left knee. I go to water aeobrics which seems to help. Love reading everyone comments, don't feel so alone out here. I'm five weeks post-op. Sitting still (making dinner or baking) seems to be the worst but need to ear.
tessah Guest
Posted
It's very comforting reading all the posts. I'm 8 weeks post op on bilateral TKR and started work 2 weeks ago. And only then did depression hit me for a six! Just couldn't deal with anything. Pain is manageable and physio going OK but the emotional trauma was unexpected. I have faith and pray it gets better
jenni68 tessah
Posted
Tessah, what's happening is SOOOOO normal. Eight weeks post op is a really rough time. You're ready to get back into life, but your knees and your brain need time to adjust. I really think we suffer a bit of post traumatic stress syndrome with joint replacements. The anesthesia messes with your brain for a long time. (Be sure to drink lots of water). Be kind to yourself! It really does get better.