knee replacement -lack of sleep

Hi Joanne, I know stupidly that is what i thought... I just think whatever age this is a tuff procedure to get over. That's just like me aches but I do find doing the exercises does help. Good luck to you. X

Hi, I did wonder about sleeping tablets, I can get to sleep just wake up in a funny position... then the same every couple of hours. Yes a very tuff journey, never thought in a million years it would be this hard. I honestly thought I would be back at work in 6 weeks, don't have the concentration to read a book so thinking of work is frustrating. How do feel 9 weeks on, does it get better? Xx

Hi nikki, wish I could say yes everything's fine now. I thought at 6weeks I would well on the way to full recovery. At 9weeks I am still weepy, unable to concentrate, can't read or watch TV in any sort of comfort. I am going out on my own doing a bit of shopping ect, but I would say i have one good day to three bad. Knee is still very hot and painful. I have lost a lot of weight and my appetite is really poor now. I have had one driving thought since the op, my granddaughters wedding, nov 1 st. I am determined to do a waltze with my grandson. Heaven help his toes afterwards. Hope this post hasn't upset you. I never thought it was going to be this bad.take care my friend luv tucks

Aww no I'd rather hear the truth, funny before I had the op a couple of people said "yea it's fine, no worries" but now the truth comes out and they are saying they did not want to put me off!! I'm sure you will have an amazing time and I would have a couple of strong cognac's. X nikki

Cheers nikki, I shall certainly be having a few drinks , this damned op will not stop me. Lovely to talk to you, take care x

Hi Nikki, I was desperate to know if things get better too. I am 11 weeks now and, yes, it does get better. I was waking several times a night. I think the knee gets stiff in one position then it wakes you. I started sleeping better about a month ago. I get very little pain in bed now, just stiffness and an ache sometimes. Although not back to normal, I'm driving, going out shopping and doing things around the house. I think it's the exercises that are strengthening the knee so it's really worth keeping up with them. I was expecting to gradually feel better and better but it doesn't seem to work like that so be prepared for days when you feel like you're going backwards. Also, tiredness is a problem for weeks. In fact I still get tired after doing very basic things. The knee seems to take over your whole life so concentrating on anything else is very hard. I hope it's reassuring to know others went and are going through similar things to you and hope you get a better rest tonight. Jen x

So sorry to hear things are not good for you tucks and you were doing so well. Try and stay positive I am now 4 weeks plus 2 still not sleeping and my apatite has now disappeared. I've been back to the doctors today and he had adjusted my meds as I thought reducing them was a good idea. Turns out it wasn't a good idea at all so here's hopin my new meds will kick in soon. I'll be thinking of you and hope your feeling a bit more human very soon. Love Jo xx

Hi there Sharon. i am 82, a widow, living alone and am today 9weeks post op. doctor told me a needed the knee done because it was affecting my hips, what he failed to tell me was that their would be so much pain, depression , and sleeplessness . I have found this out the hard way. I like do not feel I am ever going to feel normal, and have to question the stupidity of having it done at my age. I have a day or two when I think ,yes it's getting better them wham its back with a vengeance . My swelling has not reduced one bit, very hot and painful after all the excersises and icing. I only had to go to physio twice because my knee was doing so well. So how long do I have to wait until it setles down. Sharon it's so lovely to have a moan. How are you doing my friend? It sure is tuff ain't it. Love from tucks take care x

Aaww, Tucks, sorry to hear things are not good. You seemed to be doing so well. That's what it's like though isn't it? You think it's improving and then you seem to go backwards again. Is there any way you can get some physio advice again? I go to a weekly knee class and the physio has advised some particular exercises for the pain I am getting. I think they're beginning to help although they're no quick fix. I'm a few weeks ahead of you and if I'm honest,  although I'm still complaining, I am better than I was a fortnight ago. So, hopefully you'll be the same. Keep your chin up. Love Jen x

Hi Jen thanks for your thoughts and comments. Can't understand the twists and turns that comes with this op.monday was an awful day, lot of pain and tears. To day .not very much pain wise and no tears so far. You are quite right I'm not as bad as 2weeks ago really, but it grinds you down doesn't it, for some reason I thought I would sale through it all. It's so good to be able to talk to people in the same position. I think living alone there are too many hours to fill with no one else to talk to. Thanks for listening and understanding. I will speak to pysio dept tomorrow.love from tucks x

Talk to us whenever you want, Tucks. I find I can say things on this site which would be so hard to say to family and friends. You're right, it does grind you down but we've no choice but to look forward and try to look for the positives now. I'm younger than you (64) and I think you've done so well. It will be worth it, I'm sure. Jen x

well all i can say is ive known older people to get it done and have said the same as you ,im only 53 and have had both knees done in 4 and a half months ,10 weeks on knee no 2 and i know what you mean with the depression and sleeples nights ,and yes ithink its easier for me with being younger . but some of the older people i know make me look soft lol , really though it takes longer but they have all had a good recovery ,so your not stupid for having it done and yes you will feel the benifit ,moan all you like if thats what you want , i think your doing well ,dont push it and have a great dance with your grandson at the wedding ,