Lack and loss of energy

Posted , 7 users are following.

Hi all, I'm now almost 7 weeks post TKR and I feel I'm doing well. My GP prescribed Naproxen for me and I feel it has reduced the inflammation significantly.

Over the past few days however, I feel my energy is really poor. I feel like I have done a days work an hour after I get up in the morning and have no choice but to lie down for a while.That doesnt always help.

I have been doing more than before but not massively - short walks, visits to the pool etc.

I had a stroke in 2016 and this feels like the post stroke fatigue that I experienced then. I have checked my BP and blood sugar and both are fine.

Any suggestions from you experienced folk please.

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • Posted

    Felt the same way at your point in time.  My doc said: "All the energy in your body is being directed to healing your knee.  If your body wants to rest, rest; if it wants to sleep, sleep.

    Eat healthy, hydrate...keep your energy level up.  Move around, do your exercises...gotta get that ROM back (usually in the 3-month range).  Stay active...keep your blood circulating.

  • Posted

    Yes, normal but annoying!

    It is very early in your recovery.

    Listen to your body and give it the rest that it needs.

    I found the danger for me was that when i got over tired I felt very low in mood and that's not good.

    So you will need to pace yourself accordingly.

    For me it was 6 months before I felt my energy level was back to normal.

    I found an afternoon nap essential and for every hour of exertion I seemed to need a couple of hours of rest!

    Best wishes to you !

  • Posted

    This is normal as your body is still recovering from the anesthesia and the work you have been doing. Also if you aren’t sleeping well at night. Take your breaks and naps when needed. Doing short bursts with breaks are good.

    Be sure not to overdo it. Feel better.

  • Posted

    I am 7 weeks post op today. I still get very tired. I only have to do a walk and I'm shattered. I have been taking codiene at night, I do think they may be contributing. I'm sure to go back to work in 2 weeks. Going to try and come off these and do what I can to increase energy. Only going back on reduced hours so hopefully that will be ok.

    I started back driving this week. Did a few trips in car today and did some shopping. Knee really sore tonight.

    You will get there. As others say it can take months to get energy back.

    X

    • Posted

      Any foods which increase iron are good!

      And just rest!

  • Posted

    Isn't Naproxen Aleve? Never heard of it being a prescription. That was my OTC  pain killer of choice before my surgery. Wouldn't think it's causing fatigue. I had days of needing a nap, days I didn't seem to need one and then days when I sleep a good portion of the day and just felt so wiped out! I'm assuming it's all normal cause I'm doing good in every other area. Still need a nap now and then.

    • Posted

      Yes, Naproxen is Aleve...an NSAID.  However, there may be an RX strength.  Generic ibuprofen comes in 200 mg tabs OTC but 600 or 800 mg per dose RX.  Check into that.
  • Posted

    I'm 4 months into my tkr and felt the same as you at 7 weeks up to about 12 weeks then my mojo started to come back. Seemed to have pains all around my knee thought that theywould never go away but this last week I feel I've really turned a corner. Hang in there it does get better it just takes time. Best wishes.

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