Medication 9 weeks after Tkr

Eileen, I don't know.  But if you look at some of the posts that have been on here, a lot of people seem to be on strong painkillers for quite a while.  I've not had anything at all for a long time now ('m three weeks).  The hospital only gave me codeine for a very short time and Ibuprofen for five days, I think it was, and said to take paracetamol when I needed it.  I take two at night sometimes, purely because it makes me sleep.  It doesn't actually do anything regarding pain.  But I hope someone ele will come on and be more help than I could be.

Hi

I could not take codine as it made me sick, I , this is what the hospital gave me, I stopped in the first 3 weeks taking pills.

Just ice and hot baths for relief, as well as crying.

Good healing

. I stopped taking tramadol at about seven weeks, although the last one at night was difficult to give up for a couple of weeks after thatIA   lot will depend on the level of pain you are experiencing. . but remember that tramadol should not be given up 'cold turkey' Keep enought tablets so that you can gradually reduce the amount you take, or you will suffer nasty side effects.  I ran out, and it was four days before I could get a replacement. . horrific dreams, breathlessness, stomach cramps, trembling. . .no fun at all!

 

Eileen, I'm 8 weeks bilateral TKR and I'm on 2 Tramadol at night; helps me sleep. I take 1 at around 6:00 pm and another around 1:00 am. I'm trying to get by during the day with 600 mg ibuprofen. So far, so good. You do what works for you!!

Hi Eileen like you I am 9 1/2 weeks post TKR I have tried to cut down on the tramadol. I take 2 in the day if I need it after I do physio to help settle the pain down. I take 2 before bed to help me sleep. Throughout the day I use ice to ease the pain and a natural wheat bag which I microwave for the heat. I put the heat underneath and ice bag on top. I am still in pain after walking and excercise and getting very frustrated. I think you need to do what is best for you, I have discovered from this discussion group that everyone is individual in recovery from this operation. Good luck.

Hi Eileen, I'm 7 weeks 2 days post TKR.

i went for my post op check with my consultant today and apart from him wanting my ROM better, it's about 105/110. He says all the niggly pains, stiffness, heat on my knee and tight band feelings are quite normal.

I came off Tramadol 3 days ago because it was making me feel very teary and down ... no cold turkey luckily. Just taking paracetamol twice a day but if I need it 3 times. I still also sometimes take Ibuprofen if my swelling is bad after being on my feet for too long.

Everyone heals at different rates so don't worry too much.

Yes, if you still have pain, especially when you are exercising. It has been 5 months since my TKR and I still feel lots of pain. I can only bend the knee to 115. Good luck.

Hi Eileen

Everyone is different & they usually try to tailor the pain meds to the individual, the consultant pharmacists usually have the last say there. I was even discharged from hospital by the consultant pharmacist. Not as I would have assumed the surgeon!!

I was given a morphine infuser to use as and when(urghhhh!!), plus paracetamol three times a day & gabapentin 2 times a day whilst in hospital.

On discharge I was given nothing, but as I was on cocodamol & naproxen at home anyway because of the arthritis, they said to go back on that.

I just hope I can get the other knee done this year.

I try not to let it, but it does hamper the recovery of the other one somewhat! I can't walk far as it gives out on me! Still the exercises are still done & trying to strengthen the left (unoperated) knee in hopes in hopes of TKR end of year.

All the best

Marilyn

XX

Thanks all for replying. I don't gel so much on my own now, I will take each day & night as it comes, it's a much longer recovery than I expected. Good luck everyone x

Eileen, I am 14 weeks post TKR revision. I had general anesthesia the first time and a spinal epidural for the revision. I had such pain and stiffness the first time. It was a slow recovery and never got my knee where it needed to be. Hense the revision. I can tell you I needed the pain meds the first time but I only took Tylenol 3 and later naproxen. It sounds like you are taking a lot. If the doctor told you to take them then it may be right. It also depends on your own judgement and how you feel. BTW, the epidural was the way to go. I am already almost 100%.