Knee Replacement: Insomnia post-surgery

Hello @sleeplessinvegas, I'm a side sleeper also and the first few weeks sleeping after my TKR were pretty miserable. I also slept in a recliner some of the time early on after the TKR. I did eventually get back to sleeping on my side but it wasn't until after the knee recovery was further along and the swelling and pain were under control. I use a small soft pillow between my knees to keep them from touching and it helped some. I'm wondering if you might find the following YouTube video helpful --- Insomnia (Can't sleep) after Total Knee Replacement: https://youtu.be/_H2OSrgkdM8

Have you talked with your doctor or surgeon to see if they have any suggestions to help with the insomnia?

Mentor I’m about at my wits end. I’ve tried everything to get sleep. Nothing works. I’ve tried alcohol. Pain pills don’t work but for very short periods. Right now the only thing that works at all is alcohol and a sleeping pill. I’m going on 8 weeks since my TKR surgery. I watched the YouTube video you suggested but nothing works. When I go to bed I might sleep for an hour to two then I’m awake tossing trying to get a position that my right knee likes. So at that point I get up and head for the recliner in the other room. There I try either heat or ice on the affected knee. I pour myself a glass of wine or 2. I lay there for an hour or more and try to doze off. NO LUCK!! I’ve tried a pillow between my legs but I can’t lay still and the pillow gets in the way. Right now alcohol seems to be the best aid. I’ve never been into booze till this surgery. Anyone have any suggestions that work?? sleeplessinvegas

Sleeping was really difficult post TKR with little cat naps cause couldn’t find a comfy position! Didn’t take pain meds cause they really didn’t help. Just knowing from having multiple surgeries that when it heals it will get better. That didn’t happen until 3 months post op then didn’t last long but understand a setback will get better and it di Finally after about 4 months slept well. Doing all my exercises for both my TKR, RTS walking etc. helped me sleep. Please get some counseling cause it’s scary to hear what your mixing together with meds and alcohol .Also a great physical therapist might have some ideas as well as a good counselor. Hope you have a good support system.

Recovery from a tkr is a long, hard, full time job!…I am three months out from my second, and still working on it. The first month is just pain and frustration..don’t let anyone sugar coat it!…it does and will get better..but s-l-o-w-l-y. I still have leg and knee twinges…still working on going up/ down steps/..still get frustrated when I backslide…still need naps..still not as strong as I would like to be. Don’t give up!…one day you will wake up and realize you have made it!…but it takes time…and, sometimes, tears!

Good afternoon @painfree1. Your post is just what some of us need to read more frequently. Thank you. I loved your use of "still.......good writing skills.
Chris

Awww!… thank you…just trying to send encouragement!

I’ve experienced the same issue after TKR. Side sleeping impossible. The recliner worked for me with a more secure position that allowed me with a little help to get off my back for hours at a time.
My insomnia was from pain. I used a low dose 2 1/2 milligram Vicodin vwith 1 extra strength Tylenol. I also used. 2 extra strength Tylenol on alternate nights.
Sleep is essential, prepare for sleep with sleepy tea, turn off stimulation such as TV and opt for music with a shut off timer.
I empathize with you those first weeks are tough the next month you will see improvement in comfort and decreased pain. As you get your mobility back life will get much better for you.
I would absolutely do this again as a new knee is awesome.
Wishing you a speedy recovery,.
I am offering a prayer for your healing and recovery. Jill

I want you to know that you are not alone. I am at the 13 week mark after total knee replacement. Around eight weeks as well I started suffering insomnia also. I have tried every over-the-counter sleeping aid there is. I have tried Ambien, trazodone, and now I am on a temazepam. If I take the prescribed dose I only get a few hours and feel like crap the next morning. If I double the dose I get more sleep but feel like a zombie the entire day. My heart rate is fast I am depressed and I am so sick of this it is terrible.

Good evening @humphrey1966 and welcome to Connect. Our mission is one of sharing with other patients, caregivers, and providers. I am a 2-time TKR patient. Last August was my second and final TKR. I recovered very well and am right now trying to remember if I developed insomnia. I think I may have had a battle with it several years ago when my SFN was having a flare. Most likely it was the neuropathic itch that can drive you crazy.

It sounds like you have tried quite a few medications without finding relief. That can really be discouraging especially when you are supposed to wake up bright and cheery as you begin your TKR exercises for the day.

Here's the deal! I use a dropper of 2:1 CBD/THC about 20 minutes or so before I turn out the light. The CBD is calming and the THC takes care of any pain issues. Together they lead to a pretty regular good night's sleep.

This solution has worked for me for several years. Have you tried any medical cannabis for pain and discomfort? What is the law about marijuana in your state?

May you have ease and contentment.
Chris

Hello, auntmarmar (@auntmarmar),

I have to use a multitude of sleep assistance prescriptions and over the counter. First off I am allergic to the components in the knee and I now have an autoimmune problem called sarcoidosis, which caused inflammation inside my bones and kidneys and produced life threatening high levels of blood calcium. I only received 2 hours of sleep a day for the first 2 years after my knee replacement. It has now been 12 years and I am lucky to get 4 hours a day and that is with the sleep aids, Zolpidem, Gabapentin, Imipram, Acetaminophen, L-Tryptophan, and Melatonin. I still have burning inside the knee and it still hurts to walk up stairs. I have found that taking all of these medications make me weak enough to even want to go to bed and when I do I am able to get much better rest in a short amount of time. If you have allowed yourself the time to heal, I would suggest, find a combination of sleep aids that work for you as long as you are not doubling up and they are all compatible with one another and just let them knock you out, but first tell yourself that there is nothing that has to be done right now so I have the time for me. Right now it is 4AM and I am on the computer typing away waiting for my meds to kick in, if I don't take anything, I will be up for 36 hours easily.
Good luck with finding something that is detailed for your specific needs.