Extreme fatigue

Posted by tealeaf @tealeaf, Sep 24, 2023

I am in my fifties and had TKR once on left now on my Right knee.
The first procedure I didn’t have much difficulty. This one, however pain more pain. and I’m 4 months out now it’s trading pain for fatigue.
I do a few things and I’m absolutely drained. I get frustrated with myself and cry because I don’t understand I should not be like this. I have work a job etc and I’m struggling.

My question is? Is it normal to have this at 4 months out? I can understand 2 weeks after surgery having this, but months later?

Thank you to any and all responses.
Bible says : in a multitude of counselors There is wisdom.

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Have your iron levels been checked?

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@alexalee

TKR surgery doesn’t always go smoothly despite the patient doing everything they are supposed to do. I was very active before and after surgery, did all my exercises, rode stationary bike 2 to 3 times a day, & went to PT 3X a week. However, despite following all the rules, I’ve had serious problems, which no one can explain. Sometimes things just don’t work as they should, and whatever is causing the problem(s), cannot always be easily diagnosed.

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I totally agree. It can so frustrating because you are working hard and doing everything you’re supposed to do yet you’re still having problems and a VB lot of pain. The important thing is to realize we’re all different and no one is at fault if they don’t do as well as someone else. It can be a very tough process (as I found out) and it can get to you if you let it. Don’t let it! Think we all have our issues and are doing our best to get back to leading a normal life. I’m hopeful I will get there but 10 months out it is still tough.

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I am sorry for your fatigue. I've recently recovered from TSR, and my fatigue lingered for months. Having previously done TKR with no such lingering fatigue, it was tremendously frustrating. Meeting with my Dr, we reviewed my meds, eliminated some, and my fatigue is almost eliminated. Perhaps a med review and such a discussion would benefit you as the effectiveness of some meds change over time.

May you be blessed with improved health.

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@loreleiks

I am sorry for your fatigue. I've recently recovered from TSR, and my fatigue lingered for months. Having previously done TKR with no such lingering fatigue, it was tremendously frustrating. Meeting with my Dr, we reviewed my meds, eliminated some, and my fatigue is almost eliminated. Perhaps a med review and such a discussion would benefit you as the effectiveness of some meds change over time.

May you be blessed with improved health.

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Thank you, glad to hear you’ve had some improvement. Yes, my meds have been reviewed & a few changes made, I’m hoping time will bring full recovery.
(Hard to be patient after a while though…)

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I am 75 and 2 weeks post op TKR. I am exhausted and fall asleep almost every time I sit down during the day even though I sleep well at night. I have lost weight and have no appetite. PT is going well but exhausts me. Before surgery I was very energetic traveling the world, sailing and working out. I have had rotator cuff and spine surgeries and bounced back quickly with both procedures. I have never felt this kind of severe fatigue. I am glad to read others have similar experience but would like to know how to recover my “old” self.

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@hvannort

I am 75 and 2 weeks post op TKR. I am exhausted and fall asleep almost every time I sit down during the day even though I sleep well at night. I have lost weight and have no appetite. PT is going well but exhausts me. Before surgery I was very energetic traveling the world, sailing and working out. I have had rotator cuff and spine surgeries and bounced back quickly with both procedures. I have never felt this kind of severe fatigue. I am glad to read others have similar experience but would like to know how to recover my “old” self.

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You will get better slowly. The body goes through some changes on with this major surgery, and it may take several months to recover from the fatigue. I am 75 and did require a lot of extra sleep after both knees were replaced in 2022 and January, 2023. Ask your Dr to check for reasons for fatigue, such as thyroid and anemia.
Best wishes for recovery.

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@ladybug4joints

You will get better slowly. The body goes through some changes on with this major surgery, and it may take several months to recover from the fatigue. I am 75 and did require a lot of extra sleep after both knees were replaced in 2022 and January, 2023. Ask your Dr to check for reasons for fatigue, such as thyroid and anemia.
Best wishes for recovery.

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Thank you for sharing your experience. I feel somewhat “lost” with this recovery. I don’t know what is reasonable to expect. I have never felt this bad or had this much fatigue with any other surgery.

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@hvannort

I am 75 and 2 weeks post op TKR. I am exhausted and fall asleep almost every time I sit down during the day even though I sleep well at night. I have lost weight and have no appetite. PT is going well but exhausts me. Before surgery I was very energetic traveling the world, sailing and working out. I have had rotator cuff and spine surgeries and bounced back quickly with both procedures. I have never felt this kind of severe fatigue. I am glad to read others have similar experience but would like to know how to recover my “old” self.

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I experienced the same thing after my THR surgery. Give yourself time. While you may never get back to where you were before the surgery, you will improve. For a long time I tried and tried to recover my old self. That has not happened and I have learned to be grateful for every day and for what I am able to do. Focus on what you can do rather than what you cannot do.

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@mitfit

I experienced the same thing after my THR surgery. Give yourself time. While you may never get back to where you were before the surgery, you will improve. For a long time I tried and tried to recover my old self. That has not happened and I have learned to be grateful for every day and for what I am able to do. Focus on what you can do rather than what you cannot do.

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I appreciate your positive approach. I do hope to recover my old self. I have a lot of plans. I do not want to miss anything! Good luck to you with your continued journey.

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@hvannort

I appreciate your positive approach. I do hope to recover my old self. I have a lot of plans. I do not want to miss anything! Good luck to you with your continued journey.

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I hope you get back to “your old self” and I hope I do too! We will both keep working on it, expecting good results. Best wishes to you!

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