Connect
← Return to How well is pain controlled after total knee replacement?
Discussion
How well is pain controlled after total knee replacement?
Joint Replacements | Last Active: Feb 17, 2019 | Replies (26)Comment receiving replies
I had my right TKR one week ago today, 1/21. I was taking pain meds as prescribed and doing really well. This morning I decided I didn’t need the prescription pain meds, so I only took 2 extra strength Tylenol. BIG mistake! I could barely get through PT, and I couldn’t get the ROM I got yesterday. You are absolutely right about staying ahead of the pain. Today’s pain was as bad as the pain I had when I woke up in the recovery room. I learned a lesson, and I will be smarter next time.
Replies to "I had my right TKR one week ago today, 1/21. I was taking pain meds as..."
@connie1559 @bobnaquin Connie and Bob, if you want to try OTC pain meds, ibuprofen is much more effective than Tylenol because it has anti-inflammatory ingredients. I cannot take it, being a post-transplant patient, but Tylenol does not really help much at all. They are saying now that ibuprofen is often as effective as the prescription pain-killers.
JK
Connect
I did the same thing and had the same problem. I think we have all been brain washed into thinking if we take prescription pain meds we going to end up being junkies. I am calling BS on that. I set myself back and wish I had not done it. The chances of me getting hooked on prescription pain meds is close to zero as I don't get much out of them including pain relief. I think you have discovered that you should do what your doctor thinks best about pain meds and hopefully it will make you better sooner.