TKR. Anxiety issues

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.

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.

I am 2 months out of a double knee replacement. Overall, I am doing really well. But one of the quirky things I am dealing with now is not being able to sleep at night because of tightness in my knees and calves, which I didn't expect. So I now have a routine before I go to bed. I use a heating pad on my knees to ease any tightness, I put ice on my thighs and the top of my foot to help any swelling. I sit on the edge of the bed and swing my legs for a few minutes and do my flexion exercise. When that doesn't work, I put a pillow, longways, under my calves. It takes time but most of the time I am able to go to sleep. Has anyone else had a problem with being able to sleep post TKR?

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.

@nancypatton After my TKR, the anxiety went through the roof, and I knew it would happen since I googled so much and read stories..but then I mentioned it to my surgeon at an appt a few months after the surgery, and he said he'd never heard of it...SERIOUSLY?? I love this surgeon regarding the recovery (got through it physically pretty well) and there is hardly a visible incision (surgery was last November) but I still remember that horrible anxiety/crying/frustration..all 'mental' and now not sure if I would want to use him if I ever need the other knee done (however, the physical part of the surgery was superior) and I relied on my pain doctor to help me out with the 'mental.'...