High heart rate after TKR

The numb area doesn’t bother me. Almost wish the area with the zingers was numb 😵‍💫. A friend recommended I try tens therapy. It seems that is for muscle aches, not nerve. May try it anyway.
How long ago was your TKR, and how are you now?

I had TKR on My L knee March 28, 2024. Just 2.5 weeks ago. (Had R knee done 5 yrs ago) Everything is going good I think I’m definitely ahead of the curve. Bend & Straightening is on point, started PT. My biggest issue NO SLEEP! Only getting 3-4 hours in a row. Then mid-day I try to get 2 more hours. I want My energy back but without sleep I’m dragging. My norm is 6hrs at night. The past 5 days My Resting Heart Rate is elevated from 55-60 to 75-80. I’m off OXY after day 4 and took some a couple nights since. I’ve used Tramadol here & there. My swelling is good, thankfully I was leased an electric ICE Wrap that’s a Godsend which I’m sure is the reason I’m walking around decently. I just need sleep! Uuugh! I didn’t think about the Celebrex, I’ll stop that today. I take Aspirin until it runs out (Dr orders). Any other suggestions? My next Post Op is in 3 wks. I’ll ask My PT Therapist tomorrow too.

Poor sleep is not uncommon after TKR. I had major sleep issues for several months after my TKR. I couldn’t get comfortable and pain/discomfort woke me up. You’re getting 3-4 hours at a time is fantastic! If I got 2 hours I was doing good. I could only take Advil or Tylenol so no narcotic to help. Tried benedryl and melatonin. Didn’t help. Docs wouldn’t prescribe a mild sleep aid so it was very frustrating and I was always tired. Good news is I’m 18 months post op and I’m back to my normal sleep (6-7 hours a night), great ROM and only occasional pain if I’m too sedentary for awhile then overdue it.

Welcome, @love2ride2, and congratulations on what appears to be a successful TKR. You are leading the pack again. Here is a suggestion about your heart rate and other surprise health changes. I recently read that consistent sleep time is essential for health issues like heart rates. I have had a real struggle with trying to establish a consistent wake, sleep, and nap schedule. Sometimes, my heartbeat ramps up even during meditation time.

The other issue to examine is medication changes—new ones, deleted ones, and time changes like daylight saving time. If you can, have a chat with your therapist today.

May you be safe, protected, and free of inner and outer harm.
Chris

I had my TKR three weeks ago and have recently experienced heart rates at 95-112. The only meds I’m taking are Tylenol and Lovenox injections. It is scary.

Good evening, @maryliza; welcome to Connect. I can relate to your scariness. I, too, have those increases in heart rates, as you probably noted. Mine happen to be related to my sleep habits or lack thereof........ For example, it is now almost 2 a.m., and I am still awake. I can feel my heart beat. Maybe tonight it is because heavy rain is going on outside, and the barometric pressure has taken a nose dive this evening. That is another factor that has been worth learning about. When the BP (barometric pressure) goes below 30, my body responds with pain, discomfort, and tightness. I just checked, and it is 29.41 here in Minnesota. Unfortunately, tomorrow or later today doesn't look any better.

Our environment is essential, and it is at least comforting to understand how our bodies respond. How has your post-surgery progress been so far? Are you able to start some exercises and work on your extension?

Hoping to hear from you........
Chris

Hello Chris and thank you for your response. According to my physical therapist, my progress is where it should be. I don’t know the numbers but I can feel daily improvement in my knee’s flex. Yay! My primary issue at almost four weeks is sleep. I miss it and being able to sleep on my side. Patience.

Thanks for responding. I am glad your post-surgery healing is progressing. Have you thought of trying a side sleeper pillow? Here's one from Amazon. They have quite a few different shapes. Mine is a bit different, and I was thankful for finding it.
Sleep well, and as my grandmother said, "Don't let the bedbugs bite."

Hi Vickie.

It seems like you've found an answer to your increased HR. I'm sure as you get further into your recovery your HR will get back to normal.

I had both knees replaced in 2022. I was a marathoner but osteoarthritis cut that short and also required the TKRs. You mentioned biking. For most of the first year after the TKRs, I simply pedaled for 30 minutes on a recumbent bike at the gym. Now I take spin classes 5 days a week and absolutely love it.

I've thought about biking outside but have ruled it out. Too dangerous IMO - too much jostling, rough roads and dumb drivers. And spinning is a concentrated effort. I get an excellent workout in 30 or 45 minutes. And my new knees feel great.

All the best in your recovery. I hope you are as happy with your new knee as I am with mine. Please be patient and I think you'll be happy too.

I had my left knee replaced 8 weeks ago. I saw the surgeon and had an xray done yesterday and the new knee is fine and I have no pain unless I try to lift my leg bending my knee. I have had pain on the outside of my leg at the knee which the surgeon said is because I was knock-kneed and he straightened my leg and that puts strain on the tendons and ligaments and will improve. I hope he is right as I cannot walk bending my knee yet. I also have osteoporosis which slightly complicated the surgery as they had to add and additional insert into the bone.
I have also noticed my heart rate fluctuating from the mid 60's up to 110 + just doing a bit of work around the house. My sleep is still disrupted and I get uncomfortable with knee twinges. I am stressed by the pain and lack of activity, and becoming out of shape.