Going Through TKR Post Op day 3, Is it worth having done?

My surgery has been awful. They let you out the same day. But right now the pain is so intense that I can barely get out of bed to go to the bathroom. I’m supposed to go to my first PT appointment in an hour and I had to cancel my appointment until Monday. The only thing that’s helped the pain is ice. The other meds including the OxyContin are not helping at all. I don’t think this is worth the pain I’m in. And I’m supposed to have my other knee done soon but I think I’d rather be dead than go through this again.

I felt the same after meniscus surgery. Nothing helped the pain, except ice.

Reach out to your surgical team. You shouldn't be suffering.

In my experience, the first week will seem like a mistake. Sometime into the second- or third-week things start to show a glimmer of hope that you made the right choice. I am 6 years out and I am so glad that I made the choice to have my knee replaced. I have not had any problems with it since surgery. The key factor is making sure to do your therapy but don't push yourself so hard that you set yourself back. Massage the scar to assist with breaking up the scar tissue (my doctor advised using lotion to massage). Motion is the body's lotion as well. When it hurts, move it! Walk around and you will notice it loosening up. I would wake at night with the worst pain, that's when I would get up and walk around the house until it felt better. This is what worked for me, and I hope that you are able to find relief.

Don’t worry, you are not alone, everyone has a lot of pain the first few days, & sometimes longer. It will get better, but you need to be VERY patient, do all your PT & exercises, & don’t give up. I found an ice machine was very helpful, also elevating the knee, & moving as often as possible. I had two TKRs & only took Tylenol, despite the pain. However, everyone is different, so take what meds you need, & make yourself do your PT, even though it hurts. The pain will dissipate over time, but give yourself 6 months to a year to feel “good” about having that TKR..

I agree. I couldn't sleep at night the first two weeks, but would nap during the day with knee elevated. Moving helped. I had my "walker path" around the house. PT religiously. I used a small white board to check off my daily PT. Approaching one year and glad I did it.
(Yes about the first week! I made a sign to remind myself that it wasn't a mistake.)

Thank you for your encouraging reply.

I felt this way....do not put off PT. It's hard and yes it hurts but down the road you will be happy you did this. Took me many months to do steps (two story) and now I can go up and down alternating and no pain. Oxy did not help me, I had an ice machine and used it lots. After 9 days the Oxy constipated me so much the gastro did a CT and no obstruction so had a bowel prep which totally helped. After that just took Tylenol. It will get better. Had PT 5 days after surgery and I stayed in the hospital 2.5 due to pain. The more you move the better it will feel and I felt better with the walking than sitting. Be patient, use ice and moving is a must.

Thank you for sharing your experience.

I had TKR several years ago. I remember so clearly waking up one morning, think ‘why did I think I could do this’. In 1967 I was In a wreck that broke pelvis, femur, patella and tibia. The TKR in 07 corrected some issues but I was I. PT for 6 months! Long road. Would I do it again? Yes! Totally. Walking without pain was wonderful. Now, 17 years later I am scheduled for a ‘knee revision’. I have loosening in my implanted joint. Doctor says I’m lucky I didn’t I didn’t need it at 10 years. Wish you well. It will be worth it!

Hello, I live close to Mayo and I’m thinking of having it done at Mayo ask who your new surgeon was? Did they use the computer as well? Or the robotic? Thank you in advance.