Tiredness

I am only 14 weeks post op from a RTKR and I was just saying to my husband yesterday that I am tired all the time!  I don't know how folks go back to work so soon after this surgery.   I would be useless.   I do my exercises, work in the garden for about a hour or two and then it is one the recliner with my dogs piled on me and I am done for the day.  

So not sure if it is "normal" at 6 months to be tired.   I would say if you have been checked by a doctor and you are healthy otherwise, mark it up to you are still recovering.  I know my surgeon say it take 6 months to a year for your body to completely recover from this surgery!  

Deb,you had major surgery along with major trauma the TKR operation is brutal and all that’s happening is your body is now playing catch up,the first 3-5 months are so tough on you physically and mentally it’s only natural to be so worn out and yes as you begin to get your life back your tiredness will ease.

Hi Deb I had LTKR in November really tired after my surgery no energy after going to my regular doctor he found I wasv anemic and he subscribed vitamin E after a week my energy back. You can get vitamin E over the counter even at the dollar store what the doctor prescriptions is the same I still take it

Hi, I can sympathise, I’m 9 months in and I remember at 6 months I was very tired too, I’m sure it will improve.  I’m not so bad now but I have also found out my other knee is bone on bone... great, just the news I wanted.  Not in any hurry though surprisingly!  Good luck with number two! 

Yes, feeling tired is normal...you are not back "up to speed" yet.  Remember that all the healing energy in your body is focused on your knee.  That's why it's so important to eat healthy, hydrate a lot and get good sleep time.

If it's b-on-b, you might ask the doc for some Synvisc injections to delay the other surgery until you are fully recovered from this one.  Don't forget the mandatory muscle rebuild for your atrophied quads, glutes and core.

Hi, 12 weeks into RTKR and returned to Nursing yesterday and, gosh, I was so tired after 4 hours. On phased return, but, can honestly say I have 9.5 hour shift next Wednesday and I am dreading it.......

The tiredness is difficult, especially when you need to get on with more things!

But it will improve!

I am now 12 months post op and have all my energy back. At 9 months I felt normal with respect to energy levels.

So it doesn't last for ever, even if it feels like it does. It is hard to pace things but I guess just try and put as many things which need doing on hold for later and deal only with the essentials. rest is an important part of the process.

You may like to go to my profile by clicking on the image next to my name. I kept a journal of my own knee replacement journey, and I have been told by several people they found it helpful to read, or skim through. It's got a lot of general information in it, and gives you one person's experience right from hospital to the 12 month mark!

Hi Deb. Had my left tkr last Feb. and remember my concern about being tired. It does pass. Remember it's a huge jolt to your entire body to have a knee replaced.

I'm having my right knee replaced in 6 weeks (said I'd never do it again) - the end result is worth it. Good luck.

Hey Deb, sorry you are having a restless recovery. I recently passed the 18 month post-op marker and offer a few suggestions which helped with my recovery. Pain med: if you are still taking them, try substituting Tylenol as opioids often cause next day exhaustion. Try taking melatonin at night for sleep. Exercise: try pushing yourself harder with your exercise routine. This will aid healing, reduce swelling, and help with sleep. Diet: check your diet for items which may cause sleeping difficulty such as coffee or soft drinks. Try eating more fruit and veggies. Get fresh air and increase your water consumption. Hope this helps. Best wishes on your journey to pain free living.