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So tired after total knee replacement

Posted , 158 users are following.

pam39536
pam39536

I just wondered if anyone else just feels so tired.. I am 6 weeks today post op .the op went well and I am progressing well. But I am just so tired. How is everyone else feeling ? 

23 likes, 349 replies

349 Replies

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  • pat82920
    pat82920 pam39536

    Posted

    Hi - I'm 80 - and this is day 9 - left hospital on day 3 after epidural - best way  to have op if you can - no after affects like from anaesthetic.

    Came to a convalescent place for 7 days. Used a frame on day one then two sticks now no sticks round this place. Trying hard todo the physio as instructed - not easy!! Emotions are up and down and not like me at all - going home in the morning and as I live on my own in a bungalow am confident I'll

    be ok - I know friends and family will help if needed. Aiming to drive by

    Christmas but that may be a big ask😒 Remember all operations and results vary so be kind to yourself and look forward to the spring X  Pat

    As some one els said on here we are all different so be kind to yourself and remember you're not only different you're special.

    good luck Pat.

    • margaret58307
      margaret58307 pat82920

      Posted

      Hi Pat - I'm a bit behind you at 76 going on 77 and am 20 weeks post left TKR.  I'm amazed you were off crutches so quickly.  It took me about 4 weeks then a couple of weeks on 2 sticks.  Eventually I was walking without aids but carried a folding stick to use when I got tired. I was able to enjoy my favourite sport again, swimming, and found it so much pleasanter to do the exercises in the water.  However, my right knee was deteriorating badly and soon affecting my operated leg so I am going into hospital on Saturday for a right TKR.  Sooner than I expected but not many folk want to be hospitalised at this time of the year so I was given a date.  For anaesthetic,I had a spinal block but, unfortunately it took some 20 to 30 minutes to take effect and I understand that it started to wear off before the surgeon had finished so they gave me a full anaesthetic on top.  Consequently, I spent many hours in 'la la land' and was very nauseous from all the drugs afterwards.  I shall have to talk to the anaesthetist about it before this next op.

      As for your tiredness, with respect, Pat, we're on or approaching 80 yrs not 18 and really can't expect to have the same energies as we once did, even tho' we might still feel 18 on the inside.wink!  For some weeks after my first op. I used to have a nap every afternoon and my husband fielded any 'would be' visitors (even the Rector) until I felt able to cope.  It helped make up for those sleepless nights!! 

      I do wish you ever blessing for your return home and just put your feet up and let the family and friends take the load - I don't doubt you have been doing it for them all their lives.  Have a good Christmas and God bless.  I'll raise a glass to you and all TKR ers as we dance round the Christmas tree.  smile 

    • pat82920
      pat82920 margaret58307

      Posted

      Wow Margaret - you certainly had a difficult time during your first TKR.

      just pleased for you that finally things are improving. A  number of people have told me of their TKR experiences (it's amazing how many in our age group have had one) they all have a different journey, and without question are pleased they had it done.

      i wish you the very best with your next one - not having that excruciating knee pain will be worth it. Then next spring we can all get in the garden and really enjoy it.

      Have a really lovely family Christmas and a Peaceful New Year

      🌲🌲🌲🍷🍷🍷

  • john_04330
    john_04330 pam39536

    Posted

    Hi Pam

    I have just this minute joined the group. I had total knee replacement just over 2 weeks ago. I was lucky enough to have rehab for a week. Been home 3 days now and AM experiencing periods of tiredness. I was told I was doing well,possibly because I have been quite a fit person. But I am almost 67. 3 other men in my ward,one of whom i am in touch with. He tells me he gets tired,his surgey a few days before mine. And he is an ex athlete. All the best.

    • margaret58307
      margaret58307 john_04330

      Posted

      Welcome all new TKR-ers - not a club that anyone wants to. join - it just gets plonked on us!! 20 weeks post op from my left TKR I'm going in to hospital tomorrow for the same op on my right knee. I put it down too much trampoline and springboard diving in my youth along with an inherited leaning towards arthritis. ' Galloping maturity' also plays apart. Hey no that's. life. We WILL get through it - just be kind to yourselves and.accept all the help you are offered.

      I'm off now to pack my little bag. Happy Christmas to you all - I'll raise a glass (or three) to you all as I dance round the Christmas tree. 🎄🎈🎈

    • john_04330
      john_04330 margaret58307

      Posted

      Thanks for the welcome Margaret. Just seen your post. Sure youll be ok. All the best to you.
  • dawn01588
    dawn01588 pam39536

    Posted

    Hi Pam,

    I had a tkr on November 3rd and its been a rough road so far. A week after I got home from the hospital I had some staples come out so rushed to doctor and had to get that fixed so didn't start therapy until I was 2 weeks post op. I'm 49 and drive a truck for a living. I'm just now 5wks po and just got my staples out and actually am starting to feel a little better. Couldn't afford pt so doing it at home with my kids. Hoping I'll feel better soon.. just found this forum last night when I had another sleepless night.

    Dawn

  • linda80016
    linda80016 pam39536

    Posted

    Hello, Pam...

    I had a bilateral knee replacement 7 weeks ago and am totally exhausted. I don't know if it's from a double dose of anesthesia or the pain meds, which I am trying to discontinue in an effort to drive again and return to work.  I still have restless nights due to the pain, but I never was in the habit of needing a nap mid-afternoon before the surgery.  Also, I'm nauseated all the time, I know anesthesia stays in your system for a long time, but I certainly thought by now it would be gone. This makes it difficult to keep my PT appointments 3 days a week.  Just glad to know I'm not alone.  I'm glad I'm not a centipede....only have TWO legs, so I'm DONE!   HAPPY HOLIDAYS!! 🎄

    • margaret58307
      margaret58307 linda80016

      Posted

      Home yesterday from my rTKR and feel really positive after a much better experience. The anaesthetist really listened and assured me he would give me enough to avoid previous problems. He was as good as his word.

      Had a very good night - would you believe, 7 HOURS sleep and that was just 3 days post op!!!!!

      Take heart folks and just a couple of tips - I too, tried to give up the pain relief quickly; Linda, believe me it isn't a good idea, take them, it will speed your recovery. AND take that.afternoon nap especially if you are not sleeping well at night.

      Good luck to you all and every blessing for 2016

    • linda80016
      linda80016 margaret58307

      Posted

      Thanks, Margaret...

      Dont get me wrong....My first 3 weeks post-op were terrific.  Slept well, the pain was manageable...they even told me I should be the poster child for Bilateral Knee Replacement.  My range of motion has been over the top of the chart too.  But after the first month, I still had steady pain and the nausea won't leave me.  I even made sure to take my meds with food, which is very important.  I just feel so lethargic and loopy after 7 weeks and wondered if this is common and if I'm just expecting too much, too soon.

       

    • margaret58307
      margaret58307 linda80016

      Posted

      Hi Linda - my GP prescribed 'Cyclazine' for nausea, just one. when required. Don't know where you are but, if abroad, there must be an equivalent. Also tonic water (you love it or hate it) and ginger biscuits. It is miserable tho feeling sick all the time. Hope you soon feel better.

      God bless. Night! Night!

    • joyce_61477
      joyce_61477 linda80016

      Posted

      Hi Linda,

      I am a 57 yo female who is now 9 mo post op bilateral tkr. I too had great rom initially and can say now have made a great recovery. At 7 weeks though I could not say that I was feeling so well. I was in alot of pain, depressed and couldn't sleep. You are just in the throws of the process. It will get better. I think it took a few months to really feel better. Maybe the anesthesia was finally out of my system. Try to be more patient than I was.

      Good luck

    • linda80016
      linda80016 joyce_61477

      Posted

      Thanks so much, Joyce!

      It makes me feel better just knowing there's light at the end of this tunnel.

      i just told my husband this experience has taken 5 years off my life!

      This will be the first Christmas in my LIFE that I have no desire to put up a tree.  All I have is a wreath on the door and candles in my window.  Lol

      Wishing you and yours a blessed Christmas and a healthy 2016!  😉

    • joyce_61477
      joyce_61477 linda80016

      Posted

      Thanks Linda for your Holiday wishes. When I was 7 wks post op I wasn't feeling like doing much, believe me! If someone would have told me when I was 7 was post op that I would have 17 for thanksgiving dinner this year, I would have said they were crazy! But i did have it! I have to say sometimes I do think the whole experience has changed me to some extent. I can't believe I went through it because it was major. I am glad I did it now. I'm no longer bow legged and my knees are good now...still a little stiff though. So I was you a Nerry Christmas and a happy new year. Next year will be better. Also keep posting, it helps. Its nice to have a group that really has been there.

      Joyce

    • linda80016
      linda80016 joyce_61477

      Posted

      Awesome!  You're right...it does help to know others are going through the same thing and how they're dealing with it.  I just found this website forum yesterday so I'm a newby.  Lol

      I was lucky I was able to go to my son's for Thanksgiving dinner and walk up the seven steps to his front door!   And boy, did I pay for it that weekend!

      At least I know that "misery loves company" and we can share our journies.

      All the best moving forward....no pun intended. 👍

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