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TKR and sleep

Posted , 13 users are following.

michelle0716
michelle0716

Has anyone figured out a way to get sleep at night? I have tried Unisom but it still takes a couple of hours to fall asleep and then I wake up several times. Leg just aches.

0 likes, 17 replies

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  • jen04209
    jen04209 michelle0716

    Posted

    I had both knees done in the summer. Icing my knees before I went to sleep took tha pain away and I could actually fall asleep. Good luck! It does get better, way better, over time.
  • Mary0987
    Mary0987 michelle0716

    Posted

    I haven't and if anyone does let me know too! I take a twelve hour 10 mg OxyContin, four hour norco 5/325 mg, 3 TraZoDone 50mg and still no sleep.

    Sorry no help but let's hope someone does. Good luck a speedy recovery to you. 😃😴

  • Oldfatguy1
    Oldfatguy1 michelle0716

    Posted

    Ice it good before bedtime....try OTC melitonine tablets 30 mins before bedtime. Use an anti inflammatory and try different thickness pillows or anything soft between the knees to avoid bone on bone contact between the legs. Increase water intake. Don't do a lot of exercises or walking just prior to bedtime. Rest during the day. Over exertion during the day will cause nighttime issues. Its just a matter of time and you will slowly start resting better but the 1st 2 to 3 months can cause you to think you are losing your mind.

  • mark03598
    mark03598 michelle0716

    Posted

    Hi michelle

    I'm 11 weeks in and suffered with the sensitivity, aching, etc. No medication during the day and did push myself on the exercises.

    At about 8 weeks was prescribed Amitriptyline 1x25mg tablet and two paracetamol an hour before bed but just after an ice pack. Then had a warm wrap on the knee for final 30 minutes. 

    This was my turing point, still wake occasionally but do go back off straight away. Everyone will be different but the Amitriptyline is a nerve relaxer and at no risk with these doses. Worth a shot

    • CHICO_MARX
      CHICO_MARX mark03598

      Posted

      Voltaren Gel (RX in the US).  Second best topical anti-inflammatory on the planet.  Relief in about 15 minutes.  Works very well, especially at bedtime.

      PS: The BEST topical on the planet is a green "lotion" made by certain people, distributed at certain dispensaries, in certain states, to certain people, with a certain special medical card.  Works in 5 minutes!  Amazing stuff...  Pain relief; no other effects.

    • elaine94716
      elaine94716 CHICO_MARX

      Posted

      I wish I knew what the lotion is!? Can we get it in U.K. I wonder?
    • CHICO_MARX
      CHICO_MARX elaine94716

      Posted

      I know it's available in Colorado, US...and probably some other similar states.  When you go into a dispensary, you just ask for "lotion"...everyone knows what it is...

    • eileen15268
      eileen15268 CHICO_MARX

      Posted

      Thanks for all your helpful info , taken on board. I just want to ask how long does it take for the swelling to go down ? I still have a dressing on ,by the surgery after 3 weeks post TKR as wound sometimes bleeds & they worry about infection. Thanks in advance. 

    • CHICO_MARX
      CHICO_MARX eileen15268

      Posted

      Swelling is common at this point but the big thing is to avoid swelling in the future by not pushing the knee beyond what it can do each day.  Slow and easy.  Swelling means you did too much.  A FitBit or other pedometer to count your steps is very helpful.  Find your swelling point, back off and increase gradually.
  • elaine94716
    elaine94716 michelle0716

    Posted

    I'm following this as I wake every two hours for an hour a time. Zombie doesn't begin to describe how I'm feeling.  X

    • CHICO_MARX
      CHICO_MARX elaine94716

      Posted

      Check my post, above.  I can get you the number for Warner Brothers...
  • jan01779
    jan01779 michelle0716

    Posted

    I find doing last set of exercise 60 minutes before bed and icing helps.9 weeks post it gets better but still the odd interrupted night. Sleep with pillowhat between leg ando lie on unoperated aide if side sleeper. Take your pain medicatin before bed.
  • MARY_KAY
    MARY_KAY michelle0716

    Posted

    I would never sleep, even before surgery, if it wasn't for

    Seroquel. If I wake up in the middle of the nite, I can go back to

    sleep. Seroquel is a prescription drug. Your doctor should give

    it to you without a problem. If not, go to your surgeon. It has

    saved my life especially now . Sleep is necessary for the

    healing process.

    Good luck!

    Mary Kay

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