Tramadol and TKR

Hi jennyr! I am interested in your post, because I took tramadol myself for quite awhile. It depends a lot on your pain level, where your pain is coming from, what medication you tried previously, etc. Tramadol is a very effective pain killer but doesn't help everyone. After awhile it was no longer effective for my pain. But it does help control pain and make you more comfortable. Good luck! Let us know how you make out with pain management! Best Wishes, Peggy

I am not able to take NSAIDS due to many stomach issues taking prescription diclofenac caused (actually just needed to have gastric bypass surgery because of them. Anyway, I am 1 1/2 years out from a PKR and still have daily pain. On days where tylenol doesn't help, tramadol does. I'm thankful my PCP was Ok prescribing it for me.

I took Tramadol for 2 months after my TKR. It helped me with the pain and really helped at night with sleep, which I found to be very difficult. When I stopped using it, it took about a week to withdraw from it. I am sensitive to meds and I had some weird withdrawal symptoms.

@jennyr I was on Tramadol for a brief period of time after my last TKR. My doctor is very conservative so he did not prescribe a lot and wanted me to start weaning off of it after about 2 weeks, which I did. Like @kibe75 I also cannot take NSAIDS so it's Tylenol or nothing. They have been saying for a while though that ibuprofen seems to be as effective as prescription pain relievers. Tramadol does help, but it is addicting so you don't want to take more or take it longer than necessary.
JK

Hi @jennyr - I had two TKRs - one in 2017 and one earlier this year. Both times I took oxycodone after surgery and then switched to Tramadol. Tylenol did nothing for me and I'm happy to say that Tramadol made a good transition for me. I would have liked to have taken it a little longer to help me sleep after the last TKR, but as @contentandwell noted, my doctor was conservative. He wouldn't prescribe another refill so I just lived without it. I think you will be happy with it - not as strong as the opiods, but definitely better than tylenol.

Hi Jenner. I had TKR on my left knee in March 2019. I had over the top pain that made me cry. My doctor gave me Oxycodon right after surgery. It did not help with the pain. Then I started taking Tramadol which I had for a back injury. I did not see much change in the pain with that either. I finally sent my husband to the store to pick up some Aleve. OMG! I finally got some needed pain relief. Who would have thought an over the counter medicine would take that horrible pain away. I am so glad I got the Aleve. Give it a try. I know you will be totally surprised how much better you will feel. Good luck and I hope you feel better soon.

Thanks Carol. Pleased you have found a medication that gives you relief. Tramadol works for me when I need it occasionally ... just not sure about long term side effects etc. I am very fortunate to have had manageable pain to date.

I'm 9 years out with constant knee pain. I get some relief from elevation. I don't accomplish any of my daily tasks however while elevating. I am 74 and a type 2 diabetic. I have tried everything I know but the pain always returns within minutes. I regret the surgery.

You can try compression sleeve helps with pain and swelling …. Get the extra long fits entire leg…. Hope it helps

This was exactly my experience. Tylenol as really useless I had TKR end Jan. Didn’t feel I need Oxycodone after 2 weeks but needed more than Tylenol. Tramadol fit the bill right. Didn’t need it all the time but took it when I did. After 3 weeks I again didn’t feel I needed an opioid but couldn’t find a reasonable pain med. I can’t take anything with ASA. I tried the Kirkland Muscle & Back Pain Relief (Costco) which is a combination of acetaminophen & methocarbanol. It worked great and I continue to use it rarely if I need pain meds.