Lower back pain

I think it is common to have bouts of feeling quite low at times. Your body is still recovering. It is major surgery. Trauma. Takes time to come to terms with. Almost need to train the brain to think and focus on positives, and make sure you do nice enjoyable activities.

Don't know about Motrin.

I, too, had major back pain.  TKR dr wanted to refer me to a spine specialist.  I did not do that, but saw my chiropractor instead.  He said my pelvis was twisted out of place due to surgery and also walking improperly before surgery because I was limping due to pain in knee.  A few sessions with the chiropractor and my back is much better.  Also in physical therapy, they showed me exercises to do which help to strengthen the lower back muscles.  I think the depression is normal.  It will lessen and eventually go away.  Don't know about the Motrin.  Good luck; things will improve.  I am now almost 15 weeks out and feel much better than I did at 8 weeks.

Depression?  Oh yeah...

https://patient.info/forums/discuss/tkr-and-post-operative-depression-604195

Lower back pain is most likely caused by an alignment problem in your pelvis or hips, locked SI Joints or a muscle issue in or around your lower back.  All very common as we modify the way we walk to avoid the knee pain.  Any pain from your back through your butt as far down as your feet can be caused by a pinched sciatic nerve.  I got my dose of this at 5 weeks post-op.  VERY COMMON!!!

The fix? Go see a chiropractor.  Motrin is an expensive brand name for generic Ibuprofen so save some money.  It's an anti-inflammatory NSAID and will help but it's not the solution.  You need a chiropractic exam to identify what part of your anatomy is out of place and then some manipulation to fix it.  Mine took three weeks at 2-3 sessions per week.  With the anti-inflammatories, it was gone within a month.  Doctors hand out pills; chiros fix your back.

PS: Make sure you have no issue with NSAIDS and the meds you are taking.  

I'm at just about 8 weeks too. I'm still going through depression. I think the body senses the pain and the fact it isn't ending yet. Not sleeping doesn't help. I asked the dr for Tylenol codine she said take melatonin or pm sleep aides. They only put me to sleep not keep me asleep. I usually sleep 2 hours up for one and move to recliner for a few more. I'm told this will end. I hope so. Sorry about your back that's frustrating. 😢

Hi Christine.

No it is not. Prescription Motrin is I think either 600 or 800 mg much stronger than OTC. I've taken it in the past although not for my tkr.

Will he prescribe Tramadol? Synthetic opioid and not as powerful a s the others. It's good for mild to moderate pain.

If you need something stronger see if you can get a referral to a pain management doctor.

As others have said feeling low is definitely part of the process.