Pain

Hi - I really feel for you - one was a big thing but two must be so much worse. I was wondering if you have been using paracetemol at all ? I was unable to use any oral pain relief due to stomach issues and so was prescribed paracetemol every 4 hours along with voltarin suppositories. i found it managed my pain reasonably well and the voltaren really helped the swelling go. You don't have the risk of addiction with the heavy duty drugs which is awesome. I was also prescribed sleeping pills to help my body rest at night. It may be time to rethink your pain management plan. I am 3 months out with one TKR and still have pain and alot of stiffness. Cannot cope with being on my feet for long either. The last month has been tiresome as I had imagined by 3 months I would be almost over it !!! I have the added complication of severe pain in my feet and weight bearing especially first thing in the morning is a severe trial.....Everyone I speak to says I need to expect recovery to take a year. One of my biggest bug bears is other peoples attitude expecting me to be over it by now but I would have expected that as have had very little understanding of my knee issues from friends for many years. Anyway all the best and I truly wish you well.

Hi firstly you are very brace to have both knees done at the same time I can just about cope with 1 however please don't feel that it's not worth it yet it's too early, as for pain, in order for pain medicines to work efficiently they must be taken regularly every 4-6 hours which will give you a build up and you will be more rested I take paracetamol every 4-6 hours ibuprofen 4-6 hours and at night about 8 take amitriptyline 20mg then about 10 take dihydrocodeine 30mg and 2x 500mg paracetamol, as I don't like meds and was taking them only when I had the pain but was told by my physiotherapist to take regular and please try to do ur exercises it does help along with ice more ice and even more ice every 2 hours and has been a blessing for me hope you start to feel better soon

Phew !!!

You have hit the "I am just sick of it" stage. .promise, it will get better...hugs

Perhaps a neoprene knee compression sleeve...it is specifically made to cradle to patella, knee cap. One should be available from the pharmacy. you will need to measure the circumference of your knee in order to determine the correct size.

It is best to elevate your knee above your heart while placing a frozen gel ice pack beneath the knee as well as on top of the knee for an hour while you read, telly, chat, knit or whatever.

Then extend your leg straight up and hold it up for 30 seconds. Now slip the sleeve on. Be sure to properly allow the sleeve to cradle your patella, the knee cap. Flex your knee a couple of times to ensure that your patella is able to properly glide without impingment.

In about another hour you should have much less discomfort and pain. You may sleep in the sleeve. You may walk in the sleeve.

You will be pleasantly surprised at how much easier walking and range of motion exercises will become because the swelling will come way down.