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Total Knee replacement - night pain

Posted , 35 users are following.

eileen76856
eileen76856

Hi, I am 73 and had a total knee replacement 3 weeks ago. I can only sleep sat upright on the sofa as if I try to go to bed the pain is too extreme. Can anyone advise. Although I am doing the recommended exercises, my knee is still very stiff and painfu but the swelling is going down. I lived on my own and am feeling quite low at the moment as I thought I should be feeling some benefit by now. Is this the same with others?

3 likes, 64 replies

64 Replies

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  • jennifer86104
    jennifer86104 eileen76856

    Posted

    I agree totally with Lynn. You're very "normal". Pain relief, exercise, ice and plenty of rest Is what you need. It takes time - unfortunately - but things will get better 😊 Jen (19 weeks) 
  • Tucks
    Tucks eileen76856

    Posted

    Oh Eileen I'm afraid this is the way of things, sleeping for the first few weeks is impossible, I was awake most of the night in tears. Eventually I put a small pillow in the bed and kept resting my leg on it and putting it between my knees. I also live alone and the emotional affects of the op really pulled me down. I am now 16weeks, I am sleeping better, I did have to resort to a low dose sleeping tablet,  I can walk 3/4 mile on the flat without any aids. It's a long hard road Eileen and progress is very slow, I good day then 3/4bad ones even now at 4mothes. I am 82 and in all honesty this op has taken over my life. I don't feel I will ever get my old self back. I was full of laughter and life before, now I am full of tears. Take care Eileen things will improve eventually. 
  • shelley1963
    shelley1963 eileen76856

    Posted

    Hi Eileen. I know just what you mean. I have just managed four nights in a row in bed for the first time since my TKR having spent most other nights on the sofa. It gets easier especially as I can now sleep on my side and I am now in week 5. Keeping taking your painkillers and exercising. I find icing it at bedtime helps and icing during night when I wake up in pain,as though I have stayed in bed I still wake up sore and stiff. Something to help you sleep might be good,
    • eileen76856
      eileen76856 shelley1963

      Posted

      Hi, thank you for your feedback and everyone else's. I am overwhelmed by the response but it has certainlyh made me feel better to know this is normal. I have been using icepacks during the day but have not tried night time, will definately give it a go. I think I perhaps I am expecting too much too soon. I am doing gentle exercises but cannot bend the knee very much and this has been worrying me.I am seeing the physio next week so am doing the right things. Thank you again.
    • SonnysGirl
      SonnysGirl shelley1963

      Posted

      I am stiff. And the peas helps. ? For u. What's the feeling when u put your foot on floor? For me fills like it has to set up before I can walk. Bending and lifting is hard. 
  • joansgarden
    joansgarden eileen76856

    Posted

    Eileen, have you tried putting 2 pillows widthways between your legs when you are in bed. I do that, and then I can roll onto my good side, and with another pillow to hug and one under my head, and can generally then feel pretty comfortable. That was how they set me up in the hospital, since I am a side sleeper. I only wake up now every 4 hours when it is time for another pain pill, swallow that down and go back to sleep. I am at 3 1/2 weeks now. I feel fortunate to have been able to sleep. My nightmare is getting the knee to bend.
    • eileen76856
      eileen76856 joansgarden

      Posted

      Hi, I have tried pillows but without success. I normally sleep on my side but cannot yet bend my knee which is the problem. I yearn for the time I can lie down in bed.... but after reading everyones kind feedbacks, it weill come, I certaiinly feel a bit better after reading all these. I also think once I can get rid of the support stockings that I am told I have to wear for 6 weeks, that will also make a difference.

       

    • SonnysGirl
      SonnysGirl eileen76856

      Posted

      I did not have to use stockings. I'm on blood thinners.  I have to sleep on my side. I am 5 days post PPP. Can't bend yet not even lift my leg off floor. Scary to me. 
    • Oldfatguy1
      Oldfatguy1 SonnysGirl

      Posted

      You are so early in the recovery process that this is not unusual. You can't bypass any of the steps to speed up the healing but some come thru it faster than others just because of the way the body works. Regular pain meds wheather you think you need them or not, excercise on an increasing basis. Pushing the excercise beyond limits will only create setbacks. Icing is as important as excercise, it controls swelling and pain. Being kind to yourself. Rest when you are tired, don't push to exhaustion. A morning or afternoon, or both, nap wil help the body heal more quickly than constant motion. Be patient with your medical support and yourself. Ask questions through this forum. It will show you the differences in protocols and healing. Good luck

       

    • SonnysGirl
      SonnysGirl joansgarden

      Posted

      Thanks. I can't eait. But most all k can't eait for the pain to pass. Some days it's better than others. But omg when it does it's unbarable. I have pain killers. But they make me sick. So I try to eat with them. And sometimes it work. But thanks. 
    • SonnysGirl
      SonnysGirl Oldfatguy1

      Posted

      Thanks a lot for the info. I had a wonderful doctor who did it. I have been doing the Ẹxcerise. There painful. Meds  make me sick. But I deal. I have nap often cause they pills they make me sleepy.   Can't wait till it's over. Wish I was the one who would recover faster lol. But in time. Thanks. 
    • louise61336
      louise61336 joansgarden

      Posted

      I couldn't lift my leg either.  It was like my brain was not connected to my muscles.  I had a wonderful therapist.  I had stimulation to the muscles which helped me lift my leg until I built up my strength.  It's a lot of work but it will pay off in the end.

  • Soobeedoo
    Soobeedoo eileen76856

    Posted

    Hi Eileen

    there is one thing good about living on your own anD that's you can do what you like when you like. I have given up trying to force sleep at night time. Night time can be lonely and when you get low. I put the tv on make a drink do some crocheting. Then during the day have power naps.

    after pain killers there is a window for a short quality sleep. Don't get upset if you can't sleep distraction is the name of the game. Your body is doing it's thing. Joining back together and healing let it do it's part and you can put your feet up.

    don't get down. We are all here to talk to. There's usually a few of us on in the wee small hours . Chin up it will get better

  • Cazuk30
    Cazuk30 eileen76856

    Posted

    I had my knee operation 6 days ago and nighttime is the most painful for me too.

    I think keeping on my back and leg straight is not right for me.

    Just had to order more Meds as they are not touching the pain and almost finished.

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