Posted , 6 users are following.
Hi I’m 6weeks post op and have had like pins and needles in my right leg every so often. These last 2 days it’s been constant. Having reading on here I am glad to hear This is normal and it’s the nerves healing? Any ideas how I can eleviate it a bit in order to get some sleep. Haven’t slept in 2 nights
Thanks
0 likes, 10 replies
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Oldfatguy1 wendie67130
Posted
Put pillows under your entire leg. Make sure you never just let your leg hang over a pillow from t he knee down. That messes up circulation and can cause trouble healing.
Elevating the leg is good. Get rest anyway you can. My recliner and I became best of friends because I could get my body in the position to sleep an hour or two when I couldn't doit in bed. Right now you need to do what ever is necessary to help your body and brain heal.
CHICO_MARX wendie67130
Posted
Help with sleep...
https://patient.info/forums/discuss/trouble-sleeping-post-tkr--539591
You might try a topical to help with the temporary nerve discomfort. I used OTC Aspercream with 4% Lidocaine and some occasional Lidocaine patches. Voltaren Gel (topical, RX in the US) helps with the inflammation and pain but not the nerves.
patriciac1945 wendie67130
Posted
diane2018 patriciac1945
Posted
CHICO_MARX diane2018
Posted
Voltaren is great for inflammation and pain but it doesn't work for everyone. When I had some nerve pain, I used OTC Aspercream With 4% Lidocaine or straight-up Lidocaine patches. Those helped. I'll never take the nerve meds Gabapentin (Neurontin) or Lyrica. Huge weight gain with the Gabapentin and no relief from Lyrica. Rather not deal with the crazy side effects.
diane2018 CHICO_MARX
Posted
CHICO_MARX diane2018
Posted
That's a good OTC choice...goes on COLD!!!! Excellent feel to it...I used the gel. Voltaren is RX in the US and contains real meds. Gotta try a few things to see what works for you.
PS: The absolute BEST is called "Lotion"...that's it...just "Lotion". It can be had at certain dispensaries in certain states by certain people with a certain medical card. Wink...wink... Soothing light green color; wonderful earthy fragrance. Brings back memories of the 60's...ahhhhhh........ Works in 5 minutes...best on the planet!!!
diane2018 wendie67130
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CHICO_MARX diane2018
Posted
jenny80029 wendie67130
Posted
Sleep difficulties are common after knee replacement surgery. Everyone is different, but aiming to relax as much as possible can only be helpful. I personally think that along with the obvious discomfort, and over tiredness, the mind may be rather "on alert" for the prospect of more surgery, unexpected, happening when the person is asleep! It is a novel idea, and I have not heard it suggested by anyone else, but I think having been sedated, then knee sawn and drilled...the body remembers! That's my theory, anyway!
So relaxation is vital. Often a nice warm bath if you are safe and able to get in there is great. I used Epsom salts a lot which is excellent for muscle relaxation. Full lung breath, as practiced on yoga is good. There are videos on you tube showing the technique of taking deep, full, breaths. I think everyone having knee replacement should be taught how to take good, full, breaths, because relaxing is so important! 😀
This is what I wrote in my very patient knee replacement journal at six weeks post knee replacement surgery. So there are a few ideas in that you may like to try?
"With respect to sleep, mine is good. It is a bit harder to nod off at night, which is odd because I am very tired. I have started to put some essential oil, either lavender, or a blend called “relaxing blend” which helps a lot. I also wake about three times in the night and have been for some time. It’s a very mild pain and stiffness in the knee, but nothing that a bit of movement cannot help. I think it’s probably best to get tge leg moving about from time to time to stop it getting stiff! I am also now not just sleeping on my back but sleeping on my side sometimes . Very exciting, as I haven’t been able to do that for years! I brought a knee/leg pillow before my knee replacement surgery, and I am glad I did. It’s excellent."
You may like to go to my profile by clicking on the image next to my name. I kept a journal of my own knee replacement journey, and I have been told by several people they found it helpful to read, or skim through. There is an abridged version which is shorter as well! It has a lot of useful suggestions and information.
Now 12 months. It's great. Long haul, but it will be worth it in the end!
Best wishes for your healing and recovery!