Knee Replacement: Insomnia post-surgery

I am 4 weeks & 2 days post TK replacement. I hit PT goals first visit- 90 degrees. Took 4 (out of 21) Hydrocodone and developed rash all over my back, so I went to Ibuprofen. I generally sleep 7 hrs per night, but since surgery sleep has been completely disrupted. Even when exhausted, I sleep about two hours and awaken, then struggle to get back to sleep. At post op follow up they told me insomnia is 2nd most common side effect, (after pain). I take Trazodone-50 mg. and use medical marijuana but sleep remains elusive. Taking some comfort in realizing I’m not alone, but sure hope normal sleep returns soon. Dealing w/ the pain, swelling and restricted activity is enough. Hope someone figures this out before I have to have my second one done!

Thank you all so much for sharing!!! I thought I was the only one!! After booze and sleeping pills and a ton of ibuprofen, the only thing I can get to help is pumping on my stationary bike for 30 to 40 minutes! Even, at first, only going extremely slowly, it seems to get rid of the jiggly-legs and/or whatever else seems to be the problem. I am CONVINCED that the pissedoffness and depression and frustration I am going thru, is because of getting such little sleep...and crappy sleep, at that!

I had TKR 13 months ago. I haven’t had a full night’s sleep and still have night pain. Some nights no sleep. Doc said to walk. Yes, if I get up and walk pain goes away. But I can’t do that all night. My GP gave me a prescription for Pregabolin for the nerve around the knee. Maybe not strong enough as it doesn’t help although it did for a few nights. I live a half life as I am exhausted. Can’t sleep during the day. No knee pain during the day. I am
so discouraged and need to see the surgeon again to find the cause of this.
I know this is not usual for this surgery. All my best to each of you having difficulties. Be assertive with finding a solution.

@lynnn
I had TKR about a month ago. I am walking my dog, driving and riding a stationary bike for at least 30 minutes. My
ROM is 135. So I should basically be A ok. However, like many of you, my knee keeps me from getting the sleep I used to have. My doctor says it is normal to have sleep problems but I don't understand why my knee hurts so much when I sleep while during day, I am fine. So, now I take 2 Tylenol, 2 Advil and a gummy before I go to bed. I sleep but wake up with very painful knee about mid of night.
When I get up and walk around it gets better. But will this be how I live from now on? ... not what I signed up for.

@frannee
I was where you are now, so I feel a lot of sympathy and understand the anger. It won't always be like this. It just takes forever to heal. Your body can't really finish healing both incisions till about 12 weeks post-op. After that it continues to form new blood vessels and nerves and bone. Some of the night pain may be what my mother used to call "growing pains" while all of the new tissue forms. The nerves in your knee had a rough time in that surgery and nerves don't heal quietly. The new bone is what anchors that new joint safely, and I have read that bone growth can be painful. This is why you have to be careful with physical activities for several months up to a year. It's a long, miserable process, but it will end. The new knee will probably be better than the old bad one, but never as good as a healthy knee. Stiffness and swelling will be a problem for a LONG time. Hang in there. I spent a year in anger and depression and that's normal. At 17 months out I can use that leg in ways I couldn't when it was so arthritic, and I don't have to think about it all the time anymore. You will get there. I'm still not saying that I will ever go through another joint replacement though. I wish you good luck in healing.

this is not an easy recovery for some of us. There are those who have little difficulty and are in great shape after a couple of months. I just want my life back as we all do.

@frannee

Try gabapentin ……my neurologist suggested because it is for neuropathic pain. But when patients came in for follow-up they would tell the doc the drug was helpful “but boy can I sleep”