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No energy and total knee replacement

Posted by katclub @katclub, Apr 24, 2019

2 weeks ago I had total knee replacement, coming along with PT, but have very low energy, taking a 2-3 hour nap daily.
Common ? The last few days I’ve been nauseous too. Thank you, I’m new to this group!

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katclub | @katclub | May 3, 2019
In reply to @ellerbracke "Re. Sciatica flare up: I had the same thing - exercises good for the knee were..." + (show)
@ellerbracke

Re. Sciatica flare up: I had the same thing - exercises good for the knee were bad for the back. I finally put my hands palm down flat between my lower back and the floor whenever I did exercises in the laying down position. This changed the pressure/stress point for the back and helped a lot. Further down the line, when they ask you to do bridges, ask for an exercise band around the knees. Again, this changes the way your back uses the muscles, and helps. And: if you’re happy with your PT people, ask them for Sciatica-specific exercises when you have a chance. I have been doing a 5 minute set of them daily for 5+years, have not needed a shot in 3 1/2 years.

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Thank you for this information!

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mhort1213 | @mhort1213 | May 4, 2019
In reply to @amytro "It's normal, normal, normal!! When I hit 3-4 weeks post my TKR, I felt like i..." + (show)
@amytro

It's normal, normal, normal!! When I hit 3-4 weeks post my TKR, I felt like i had narcolepsy. All I wanted to do was sleep. Your body's gone through major trauma and it needs rest so just go with it. Plus the opioids make you sleepy too. It may get worse before it gets better. Enjoy the naps, lay around in bed and just take advantage of it. You'll have plenty of time to get back to normal!

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I agree. All I wanted to do was nap for the first 3-4 weeks!

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dwiinikainen | @dwiinikainen | Oct 24, 2021

Hello all! I had a TKR 3 1/2 weeks ago...for the past few days I feel like I am sleeping more than being awake. So here I am looking to see if anyone else is experiencing the same. Thank you for your comments! Dee

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1 reply
Mentor
Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor | @artscaping | Oct 24, 2021

Good morning and Welcome to CONNECT. You are just recovering.....your body has gone through a major surgery and restructuring of an important element in your body. Every bit of tissue, muscle, and even your fascia needs time to recover and rebuild to become a functioning part of your body. I am still in recovery from my second TKR. My life partner says I took many naps the first few weeks.

Are you in control of your pain? Are you doing your exercises? Are you eating nourishing meals and snacks? Do you meet with a PT or does someone come to your house? Perhaps you are on your own for your exercises?

I am here to help you. Please let me know how I might do that.........tips and tricks, successful experiences, answers to questions????
Tell me your story if you are comfortable sharing it. There will be others chiming in to share their post-op experiences.

What are you dreaming about? What meds are you taking?

May you be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.
Chris

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Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Oct 24, 2021
In reply to @dwiinikainen "Hello all! I had a TKR 3 1/2 weeks ago...for the past few days I feel..." + (show)
@dwiinikainen

Hello all! I had a TKR 3 1/2 weeks ago...for the past few days I feel like I am sleeping more than being awake. So here I am looking to see if anyone else is experiencing the same. Thank you for your comments! Dee

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Hi Dee - Sometimes it feels like that! TKR, like Chris said, is a major insult to your body, and everyone responds differently. I had minor same day surgery 2 weeks ago, and yesterday is the first time I did not nap, but then I slept 10 hours on Friday night. Let your body tell you what to do.
Are you still taking pain meds daily? They can make you sleepy, and you might want to begin substituting Tylenol or Ibuprofen during they day so it is easier to stay awake.
Sue

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1 reply
dwiinikainen | @dwiinikainen | Oct 24, 2021
In reply to @sueinmn "Hi Dee - Sometimes it feels like that! TKR, like Chris said, is a major insult..." + (show)
@sueinmn

Hi Dee - Sometimes it feels like that! TKR, like Chris said, is a major insult to your body, and everyone responds differently. I had minor same day surgery 2 weeks ago, and yesterday is the first time I did not nap, but then I slept 10 hours on Friday night. Let your body tell you what to do.
Are you still taking pain meds daily? They can make you sleepy, and you might want to begin substituting Tylenol or Ibuprofen during they day so it is easier to stay awake.
Sue

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My recovery has been great, I am doing my exercises with visiting therapist and by myself. I haven't needed pain meds for the past few days, I have pain after exercises, still using ice. My incision has healed nicely and I was told I am a week ahead of schedule. But the past few days I am wicked tired and napping a lot. I see my doctor on Monday, and will discuss my progress and when I can have the other knee done. I am 64 and have been dealing with excruciating knee pain for the past 4 years, and surgery was delayed. I endured every option that was available until I changed physician. At any rate, I feel so much better than prior to surgery.

In 2018 I had surgery S1-L4, doctor said the discs above that are not much better but he wouldn't put me through that big of a surgery. I also had a TSR last July. It's been a very long 6 years. Thank you all for your input.

Dee

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