Total Left Knee Replacement Recovery ......I'm about 11 weeks out from Total Left Knee Replacement..
Posted , 8 users are following.
I'm about 11 weeks out from Total Left Knee Replacement...I've had significant pain from ankle all the way up to the top of my thigh. Many nights I wake up after 3-4 hours of sleep in horrible pain....OTC meds haven't helped at night. Massaging or kneading is somewhat helpful. I'm unable to get comfortable in bed...no amount of pillows, wedges, or propping helps. it is less bothersome during the day if I pay very close attention to icing, elevating and medication.
Once it starts, it's very hard to get back under control. I'm supposed to return to work in about 12 days and am unsure how I will manage due to the nature of the work ( correctional facility) and location ( secure facility). The thigh , calf and ankle pain are worse than the knee pain prior to surgery......I've heard Lyrica may be helpful for nerve pain. Other suggestions?
0 likes, 20 replies
Moosn8r RLH04038
Posted
im 3 wks post bilateral tkrs. the one night I couldnt sleep was the day I didnt walk before bed. Have you tried alternating ice and heat? Both of my shins hurt; the skin is so touchy sometimes goosebumps are excruciating!
RLH04038 Moosn8r
Posted
I've only used ice thus far per doctor's recommendations....I've had interesting "spasms" that are coupled with sharp pains in my ankles. I can't imagine having two done. Who told you that alternating heat and cold would help? How long for each and location of compress? THANK YOU!
Moosn8r RLH04038
Posted
my PT suggested it since im doing well and ice sometimes causes my knees to ache. i ice in the evening with ice machines, then soak in warm tub with epsom salt. Started swimming/walking in pool today: seems to help.
RLH04038 Moosn8r
Posted
Thank you fir the info!
davidjk22 RLH04038
Posted
First if at all possible take more time off work, the longer the better. If you return too soon you will not do yourself any favours. See your doctor and get some stronger pain relief, use it to control the pain don't wait until the pain gets bad. Try ice and don't overdo pt and exercise. I had 6 months off work with each of my knees, but I realise everyone is not lucky enough to be able to do that. Take as long as you can before returning to work, and if possible don't do full time straight after returning.
RLH04038 davidjk22
Posted
Unfortunately I only have 12 weeks per my employer......What were you able to for range if motion assessments? I'm at 115 , but it's very painful to keep it there more than 10 seconds . Contacted doctor and they prescribed Flexeril and a Prendizone steroid package for next several days . No appointment until 8/28....
davidjk22 RLH04038
Posted
As I said I was lucky to have 26 weeks, on full pay before returning to work. My range of movement was some thing like 135 and 0. I started physio the morning after my op and exercised several times a day. My medication was Tramadol, Co-codamol and Diclofenac. It's over 20 years since my op and I have had no problems, think there is still plenty of life left in the knees. Avoid any activity that causes twisting of the knee or impact. Unfortunately there is are no short cuts to recovery it takes time, don't take any notice of people who tell you what you should be able to do at any stage of your recovery. It is YOUR recovery and will be different to that of others. Good luck you will get there in the end.
karen14697 RLH04038
Posted
LYRICA was a waste of money for me. It's very expensive! I am 12 weeks out and doing pretty good, if I can stop doing stupid things like going to the ballpark and walking too much. I have burning on the side of my leg going up stairs, etc Best of luck to you
RLH04038 karen14697
Posted
Thank you for the well wishes! How and when did you try Lyrica? Today , I was just prescribed a muscle relaxant - flexeril and a steroids for the next week. Were you diagnosed with nerve pain?
karen14697 RLH04038
Posted
Yes, nerve pain, although surgeon says he didnt cut any nerves! Had back MRI done to make sure there are no pinched nerves . Surgeon prescribed lyrica to see if it would calm down the burning which it didnt. Still burns going up stairs, and I'm heading to back dr that may prescribe a pain doc. I hope!
RLH04038 karen14697
Posted
Hope you experience some relief.....just got my new medication this morning so I am hoping for some progress!
denise19240 RLH04038
Posted
Hi! boy you sound like me. So sorry your going thru this, I am 8wks out of tkr right side. I had a spinal and was left wit a partial paralyzed foot and pain in my upper thigh! I haven't had a solid night sleep in 2 months! my foot is so painfull and swells bad after 15 minutes on it. I was given 5mg oxy and Atarax which is a pill that makes pain pill work better. I also take 800mg Ibuprofen with the Aterax and that helps sometimes. Excersize and walking before bed helps. Use heat in the morning to loosen your leg, also on your thigh. Ice thruout the day when needed. The knee isn't bad, foot pain worse!, it's an error on the anastesiolagist part I will be aaddressing! If you have a recliner I would try to sleep there when I'm two uncomfortable that's where I go blanket and pillow in hand! lol I walk, take my meds and get relief doing that.
Good luck! be patient and get a good pain regimen, and do your exercises!
Denise
Deigh denise19240
Posted
How were they able to diagnose the nerve issue. I am having pain in both legs after bilateral TKR and the surgeon thought the epidural hit a nerve, but I was terrified of doing a MRI as I have had 9 in the past and it is something I cannot bring myself to do.
Is there anything that can be done for nerve damage, or just wait for it to heal. I am 8 months post surgery and concerned that this is permanent.
RLH04038 denise19240
Posted
They did my surgery as a " nerve block" ....I was only at the day center for six hours and then discharged ...it wore off at 9:30 that night. Horrible weekend after! I agree that the thigh and leg pain is worse than the knee pain , especially at night. I haven't gotten clearance to use heat yet, but will definitely ask at appointment next week.
Thank you for the suggestions!
Wrightingtonmz RLH04038
Posted
morning x im also 11 weeks after left TkR I am not readyto returnto work yet x iwould give yourself sone more tine to recover x its major surgery that needs time to heal x go and discuss with your surgeon about the pain
RLH04038 Wrightingtonmz
Posted
I was able to today....starting medication specifically for the nerve pain. Supposed to return to work 8/30.....hoping to feel somewhat better by then! I hope you do as well.