1. < Joint Replacements
Profile picture for judyleitzes

TKR. Anxiety issues

Posted by judyleitzes @judyleitzes, Aug 19, 2025

I had a TKR 7 weeks ago and have been having moderate-severe “inner agitation” type anxiety. It’s very distressing to feel this sense of unease. Wondering if anyone has experienced this type of anxiety following knee replacement?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Joint Replacements Support Group.

Profile picture for paulsk
paulsk | @paulsk | Sep 17, 2025
In reply to @fwintracy "nme1985, I’m 68 and I’ve had 2 TKRs -1 in Jan 23, 1 in Jan 24...." + (show)
Profile picture for Tracy @fwintracy

nme1985, I’m 68 and I’ve had 2 TKRs -1 in Jan 23, 1 in Jan 24. It’s definitely no fun but it is just as definitely worthwhile imo.

Your job is, 1. Be Positive! Our brain “hears” all our doubts, I believe and that simply cannot help our recovery. Say positive reinforcing things instead. 2. Do the PT like a madman! My mom was in her late 70s (former orthopedic nurse) when she had her TKR and told me (we knew I was headed for one) to do MORE than they ask. Do 12 reps if they ask for 10….that sort of thing.

Your attitude and focus on the work - more than they suggest! - is the key. You can do this and make it better.

I just restarted yoga after a 4 yr break because of the pain. It’s making a huge difference.

If you don’t do the work it will be a terrible result. My surgeon is a friend and he told me that is huge. It hurts, no lie, but it will get better.

Last comment is to choose a surgeon who SPECIALIZES in TKRs. Many can perform one but choose someone who makes that a focus of his/her practice.

Good luck and stop worrying. It’s not fun - neither is the near constant pain you have now - but you can make it better with your attitude.

Jump to this post

Excellent advice! I would add to get as strong as you can manage before the surgery. It will help later.

REPLY
Profile picture for Lawanna Bean
Lawanna Bean | @lawanna85 | Oct 7, 2025
In reply to @lawanna85 "One thing I would add to that. I have a floor exercycle and I use it..." + (show)
Profile picture for Lawanna Bean @lawanna85

One thing I would add to that. I have a floor exercycle and I use it in the morning and before I go to bed to loosen up the muscles. A recumbent bike would do the same thing. I hope the picture helps you see what I am talking about.

Jump to this post

@lawanna85 Great idea, thanks for sharing! I always think about it but don't always get around to doing it. I needed the reminder.

REPLY
Profile picture for nancypatton
nancypatton | @nancypatton | 5 hours ago

Yes, I experienced this same thing after my tkr. I also have PTSD and am on antidepressants and anti anxiety meds. The PTSD started years before my surgery. I felt my world was falling apart. Not only did I have serious pain from the surgery but also the horrible mental and emotional trauma. I am very sorry that my surgeon knowing my history, never warned me. I suffered through this alone because my psych provider wasn’t much help. When I finally learned why I was feeling so terrible I spoke with the nurse at my surgeon’s office about it. I was angry that the surgeon should have known and prepared me at least warned me. The nurse’s response was that not everyone has that. Needless to say I am leaving the surgeon and his staff. I wish now that I had never had the surgery.

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.