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How to deal w/intense night pain from total knee replacement surgery.

Posted by cohortjr @cohortjr, Feb 4, 2025

I had a total knee replacement last June. That recovery wasn't bad. I had my 2nd total knee replacement 12/5/24. The night pain from that surgery has completely worn me out. I have not slept through the night since surgery. I keep hearing that the night pain is "normal" and could last months. But the incredible level of pain is very difficult to accept. I need someone who understands what it is like to go through this nightmare day after day. Just being heard is so important.

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nativewhisp | @nativewhisp | Apr 16 4:00pm
In reply to @crankyknee "@nativewhisp Good Morning, I am so very sorry for your pain. I am a Mom of..." + (show)
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@nativewhisp Good Morning,
I am so very sorry for your pain. I am a Mom of 1 who is out of the house. I cannot imagine all the stress of being a Mom of 5 and managing your relentless pain. I will remember you in my special prayers.

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@crankyknee I am as mother of 3 that are all grown. I watch my 4 grandchildren 3 days a week. Thank you so much for your kind words. I will always except prayers. I will say the last 2 days have been l been a little better

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nativewhisp | @nativewhisp | Apr 16 4:01pm
In reply to @royanthony "@nativewhisp My mother had a TKR at an older age and she refused to go to..." + (show)
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@nativewhisp My mother had a TKR at an older age and she refused to go to therapy. I saw her suffering like you, so I know what you are experiencing. I know my reply doesn't help you physically, but know you have my true compassion.

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@rvince I appreciate your words. I started physical therapy yesterday. I am going to do whatever it takes to make this worth it. It's just sucks how much it truly hurts. Thank you

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Jo | @cunnim01 | Apr 17 8:00am
In reply to @nativewhisp "I thought I am going crazy. This is my 1st week in I'm total knee replacement...." + (show)
Profile picture for nativewhisp @nativewhisp

I thought I am going crazy. This is my 1st week in I'm total knee replacement. This night pain is just horrible I've tried every combination of pills to help. But it's like I take nothing at all. I'm in tears most of the night. You're not alone my friend. This surgery is the worst pain I've ever experienced and I'm a mother of 3. No one tells you how constant pain changes you from the inside. I feel like I'm starting to get angry. I'm continually asking God to stop the pain just a little.

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@nativewhisp
Use the ice as you are going to bed and again during night when you wake up. It needs to be continued for weeks in combination with the pain meds. Keep a record of when you take the meds so you are on top of the pain.

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nativewhisp | @nativewhisp | Apr 17 2:02pm
In reply to @cunnim01 "@nativewhisp Use the ice as you are going to bed and again during night when you..." + (show)
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@nativewhisp
Use the ice as you are going to bed and again during night when you wake up. It needs to be continued for weeks in combination with the pain meds. Keep a record of when you take the meds so you are on top of the pain.

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@cunnim01 thank you so much. It's so hard to remember Ice. But I will start being more regular on that today. I did start logging my meds recently. Thank you for your words and advice

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tompow567 | @tompow567 | 1 day ago

I had my 2nd knee replacement in May (10 weeks ago) and my experience with this one is just like yours. No problems during the day but the constant dull pain at night keeps me awake. Tylenol helps but I don't want to take it every night. It's been 9 months since your initial post. Did you find anything helpful and have things improved?

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samons | @samons | 1 hour ago

I’m coming up on 5 weeks post-op, having a similar deep ache in the thigh muscles at night. I have found wrapping a heating pad around my thigh for ~30 minutes has helped a lot. Also a session of TENS with electrodes at inner and outer sides of knee can help. I’m trying the magnesium gummies now, as I also get a lot of muscle twitches on the operated side, especially when lying on my back. Side lying is better at least for short periods.

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