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My friend is into his 4th month of having his tkr. It's like everyday there's something new. He had noticed an indentation on the outside of his knee. He is experiencing pain in his heel, swelling in his thigh, and pain in his back. He had to stop his PT because of the pain. He goes to his Surgeon but he just says it's going to take time. Has anyone else experienced this or similar to this? If so what did you do?
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sueisobel mary17951
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sueisobel mary17951
Posted
mary12001 mary17951
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I know it's early days but the pain has been torturou
mary12001
Posted
I was beginning to wonder if it's all the pain relief causing added problems so under great duress I have limited my pain relief to codeine and paracetmol although I have been told I should carry on with the morphine - I am tempted but I keep thinking I'm going to beat this. I want to live - I don't want to be in bed all the time moaning and groaning. Can you tell me what kind of knee your friend was given. Sometimes I wonder if that's the problem,
Maybe these NHS knees are suspect- who knows?
sueisobel mary12001
Posted
Knee joints are all made together, be it NHS or private; the same companies have no way of knowing before hand who will buy them. They do come in different sizes and are (to a certain degree) tailor fitted for each patient.
The less you do now, the longer your rehabilitation and the longer you will be in pain. Please go back to your stronger medication. Worry about coming off them once you are fullly recovered and mobile.
The trick then is to ease off them slowly. Everything is done with patience and a positive outlook
veronica91735 sueisobel
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I eased myself off Oxycodine after 6 - 8 weeks but have some left. After I tripped on a fringe on a throw, I took one as I was in such pain - I felt so very dizzy & sleepy, it was just not worth it - I'd rather work through the pain.
Everyone is different.
debbie171066 mary12001
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Im struggling mentaly with this op as im 49 and want to get back to work but no way yet it hurts to walk without crutch! How are you doing with walking? Beens as you are at same stage as me! Thanks
mary12001 sueisobel
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I've been to the doctors - he said the show of blood was probably connected to the knee replacement as it can trigger all sorts of other things off. Couldn't understand that!
He also told me to ditch the support stockings and just take 2 cocodamol at night. Not even paracetmol
I thought he's got to be joking. You see he's a young GP who is not very far-sighted I feel.
It will have to be a half spoonful of morph if I'm going to get through this otherwise I will go mad!!
X
sueisobel mary12001
Posted
At least you have been to the doctor, yes it could have been connected to your replacement, as anything in excess has to come out somewhere!!! If it happens again, go the the hospital.
Read the packet and the paper that comes with any packet of pills. It will tell you the maximum amount you can take in 24 hours. If you have oramorph, then take it but don't take the paracetamol as that's already in the cocodamol and you will be overdosing.
It is a bit early to ask to be referred to a pain management clinic (I don't think your doctor has a very good bedside manner, but then you know him and I don't). If you are unhappy, can you see another doctor at the practise (Don't keep swapping around otherwise you'll get a reputation for being awkward). Try acupuncture, go see a Chinese doctor (you still have to be careful with what you mix with what.) You will be surprised at what you can do yourself, you just have to jave the courage of your convictions. By all means push yourself, but not to the point of exhaustion or that you cannot move the next day. Dont wear your stockings, give your skin a breather, if you need to wear something, try tubigrip, its fairly cheap and can/could give you a sense of security.
Young doctors can come across as abrupt, don't let him talk down to you, but do listen to what he has to say. Pain is invisible, only you know how much you are in. Right now is early days and the pain is natural, but you do need something stronger that headache pills. It is a long haul for some people, and once the bone has healed, then the nerves take over. But let's not go there yet. Try not to think of the pain otherwise it will rule your life. Try to be positive, do things that you like to occupy your brain. use a can when you walk, it is not a sign of weakness, just make sure it is on the correct side and not on the same side as your replaced knee.
You will get through it. Make patience your best friend x
mary12001 sueisobel
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I will try these co-codamol tonight. In fact the chemist have given me Solpadol, which is not the same as the hospital gave me. Somebody on this site suggest Naprixin but the chemist did not have them. I have been ok so far today having just taken one paracetmol. I feel things are starting to improve. will keep you posted.
xx
sueisobel mary12001
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