Night sweating & warm to the touch knee 2+weeks post TKR (Revision)

Posted , 8 users are following.

Hi all, I think I'm doing OK considering all I went through in the previous 12 months. This time is so different. I am on half the medication (just 2 paracetamol & one 5mg oxycodone 4 times a day) than I was for the primary, & not in the same pain levels at all - but I wake up in the middle of every night drenched, to the extent of changing nightclothes & then shivering as the sheets are even wet! The clips came out 2 days ago, she commented that although the knee was warm to the touch, it was to be expected as the body went through the "rejection" cycle, eventually accepting it. This was all news to me, as I didn't have this with the primary. I don't think there is an infection, the swelling is moderate, & she didn't seemed at all concerned (nurse). I am constantly dropping off to sleep (also new to me), but I realise this was a much, much longer operation than 1st time around. Am I expecting too much? Do others have these night sweats?

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • Posted

    I had the night sweats at my pkr for the first couple of weeks.  I was told it was a reaction to the anesthesia.  I also would drop off to sleep frequently.  I have had these reactions after surgery before.  Why did you have to have a revision?  Good luck with your recovery!
    • Posted

      Thats actually encouraging to read - it was a long operation (over 4 & a half hours). The revision was necessary due to a misalignment, but when they opened it up, it was also mechanically unstable & would have never been right. It buckled around 5 times a day, it had trapped ligaments when buckling, which had withered. It took me 6 months of badgering to get a 2nd opinion, & then another 6 months before they did it 16 days ago.I'm looking forward to being "normal" again one day!
  • Posted

    No night sweats. I had TKR 3 years ago and did not need a revision.

    Hope this settles down for you.

    Take care and keep in touch

    Sarah

  • Posted

    hi veronica no i have not had night sweats from tkr but have had them from menopause  .as for the revision i had revision last year and yes my knee was warm to touch but that was normal after all the ammount of pulling and dragging during op is huge !! especially as they have to remove the old one ,id say from what your saying its all normal .not sure about the sweating as that didnt happen to me glad you seem to be recovering well .its taking me alot longer to recover this time and the leg is still weak so im still having to strenghten my leg .good luck veronica
  • Posted

    It may be a side effect of the oxycodone. Warmth in the knee is probably part of the healing process as the body pumps extra blood to any area of damage. The blood brings extra white blood cells that mop up damaged tissues and brings nutrients for repair. I have a revision booked for 30th of this month.
    • Posted

      I was on double (10mg) oxycodone last time, & didn't have them - I can cope! Good luck for the 30th - this time around has been far less painful - the bend is already at 80, & I feel I can do more than I should! It's only the fact they have really stressed how much extra the leg has gone through, so not to weight bear too much, & not try to make it work harder than I should! Mentally, it feels "right" now, if you know what I mean. Stay in touch.
  • Posted

    I'm so glad that your knee is feeling right(apart from the warmth!). I can only keep my fingers crossed for the same as you.
  • Posted

    Hi Veronica

    No you aren't expecting too much. I am 10eeeks post TKR my knee is still a bit on the warm side but the only pain I have now is a soreness which is much much better than the excruciating sharp pain I had pre op. I can now flex my knee 0-120 degress, so keep up with your exercises. You have under gone a major op much worse than a hip replacement. Your leg was virtually severed at the knee and then joined up again with several foreign bodies hammered into each bone, I kid you not I woke in my op and I could hear the surgeon hammering something. I only had a lumbar injection but when they realised I was awake I soon put under again. Your/our bodies have been put under a tremendous strain and if you feel tired have a nap, I do. It is all part of the healing process, so don't worry. Cream your knee especially over the scar it will aid its recovery. I didn't have staples, in the UK they seem to favour internal stiches and the outer part of the wound is glued!

    Good luck,

    Blee83

  • Posted

    Veronica, you should be an old hand at this by now smile. I am so happy for you in terms of getting this fixed and knowing that you'll be able to get back to normal. I also did have some night sweats for the first few weeks - again, as others have said, likely a reaction to some of the medication - I didn't have oxy but they did give me painkillers with codeine ... which is usually good for a few wierd dreams as well ... Take it easy on yourself and your new and improved knee - you've both been through A LOT. take care you ....
    • Posted

      Thanks Donna - it's tough going, but I think this time, all will be well. 3 changes of night clothes last night. I tried dropping the oxy during the daytime today (not a good idea!!), but will not take it at bedtime. Fresh sheets on, & I'm already desperate for bedtime, I'm so tired!!

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