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How to deal w/intense night pain from total knee replacement surgery.
I had a total knee replacement last June. That recovery wasn't bad. I had my 2nd total knee replacement 12/5/24. The night pain from that surgery has completely worn me out. I have not slept through the night since surgery. I keep hearing that the night pain is "normal" and could last months. But the incredible level of pain is very difficult to accept. I need someone who understands what it is like to go through this nightmare day after day. Just being heard is so important.
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Oh, my goodness. These are some shocking results. I am 6 months post TKR but I see some of you have suffered for a long time. I am so sorry and can only wish you can somehow find some relief.
That "tight band" is a common description after TKR. Have you read through this discussion?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/has-anyone-had-a-tight-band-feeling-after-total-knee-replacement/
@lynnn I'm so relieved that I'm not alone in my discomfort. You have described my symptoms and discomfort like no one else, and I'm thankful for your comment, which brings relief mentally. I'm at just over 6months from TKR, had MUA at 2 months with little relief. Daytime is ok, but I dread evening/bedtime. Up about every 1-2 hours, haven't had 5 plus hours of straight sleep since the 1st night of surgery (that was because of medication and anesthesia). Dr keeps saying I'm still healing/recovering and give it time....same old give it a year. I'm at my wits' end and pray for healing almost every evening. Paul had his "thorn" and this is mine 🙁
@bently99
After my TKR's I would get restless leg syndrome at night which made it harder to relax enough to fall asleep. I assumed it was because I couldn't yet get enough strong exercise during the day to wear off their energy. I had little pain from the surgery itself, just an overall dull ache for a couple of weeks.
What I did that helped sometimes, was to do the two simple exercises I was given pre-surgery to the point where my legs got exhausted. Laying in your bed you can do the toe point/toe up heel down flex, slowly stretching to your limits. Do 10 or til you get tired. Then do 10 or more sets of knee tightening, trying to draw the back of your knees into the bed. Alternate the two exercises until you can't do anymore. It beats getting up and walking around in the night. Also, if you don't have a bedmate to disturb, you can do knee slides under the blanket. If it's early after surgery use a leg lifter strap to help with the slides. I think if you can exhaust the muscles in your legs it may help to get some sleep.
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1 Reaction@bently99 also to cohortjr. I am so sorry you also are suffering with night pain. I have a half life at ten months. Hardly do anything.. Miserable nights. My GP prescribed Pregabalin for nerve pain. It doesn’t help. When they say one year to recuperate, I don’t think it means a year of night pain because so many are doing just fine after 6-8 weeks. May need the other knee done, but why would I want to. Well, I hope your pain ends. In the meantime, we have to get on the best we can. Try to find a few things to enjoy during the day.
I thought I am going crazy. This is my 1st week in I'm total knee replacement. This night pain is just horrible I've tried every combination of pills to help. But it's like I take nothing at all. I'm in tears most of the night. You're not alone my friend. This surgery is the worst pain I've ever experienced and I'm a mother of 3. No one tells you how constant pain changes you from the inside. I feel like I'm starting to get angry. I'm continually asking God to stop the pain just a little.
@nativewhisp My mother had a TKR at an older age and she refused to go to therapy. I saw her suffering like you, so I know what you are experiencing. I know my reply doesn't help you physically, but know you have my true compassion.
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1 Reaction@nativewhisp
Surgeons prescribe pain pills based on what has worked well for the majority of their patients. But everyone is different.
Your surgeon should be willing to adjust your medications to help you with your pain. My surgeon provided me with a phone number for after hours that he promised would always be answered by either himself or his principal PA.
It is part of your surgeon's job to handle your post surgery pain. Make him do that!
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2 Reactions@nativewhisp Good Morning,
I am so very sorry for your pain. I am a Mom of 1 who is out of the house. I cannot imagine all the stress of being a Mom of 5 and managing your relentless pain. I will remember you in my special prayers.
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1 Reaction@steveinarizona thank you. I had physical therapy yesterday and he said the same thing. I have a number also I didn't realize. I'm calling today. Thanks for your time