Miserable from TKR: What can I do to get better?

Tracy,see if your doctor will give you a prescription for 5 or 10 mg of Ambien.Take this along with the Tylenol and narcotics. I remember you can’t take Motrin.See if that gets you a good night’s sleep.It worked for me

@labbadia1: Yes, it certainly is painful. That’s why for me pool exercises, at least a few days per week as an alternative to standard PT, was a nice break. E.g. instead of standard leg lifts I did those in the water, standing at pool walls and doing Rockette type kicks. Same for side leg lifts. The resistance of the water, and the intensity with which you do those, helps with muscle development. As I mentioned, my pool routine was specifically designed to deal with aftermath of TKR, not just some fun time in the water. Also, since many people will not be able to resume their usual active lifestyle for a while, some nice and easy laps of swimming won’t hurt either.
I resumed my daily walks fairly soon after TKR, much abbreviated of course. First outing, about 3 weeks after surgery, I aimed for a slow 1/4 mile. Did it. And forgot that I had to walk 1/4 mile back as well.
After almost 3 years I consider the replacement knee about 85% as good as the original one. Still some limitations with kneeling, and twisting motions sometimes, but otherwise just fine.

MFR is myofascial release. It’s a massage done by a PT.

Thank you

Hi @judybearden1 and @tracy70 Thanks so much for introducing Tracy to MFR. I thought I woud add just a bit and some video a video that might be helpful. MFR is, as Judy has said, Myofascial Release Therapy. Experts who have studied for years with John Barnes work from an understanding of how the fascia in our body connects all of the parts that enable our bodies to move. Remember the song....the leg connected to the hip bone, etc. That is kind of what fascia does for us.

Here is the video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eW0lvOVKDxE

The treatment for tight and restricted fascia begins with a therapist who finds restrictions that cause pain and discomfort. The goal is to release them so they do not hinder and cause pain.

Connect has a discussion about MFR here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/

For additional information go to http://www.myofascial.com

At this point, I have two MFR sessions a week for my SFN (small fiber neuropathy). It keeps me moving and helps me have a smile on my face.

May you both be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.
Chris

Once you get that sleep under control and you get a few nights sleep, you will wake up a completely different person and you’re gonna be motivated to tackle that knee and get on with your life. It’s almost impossible when you can’t rest because when you can’t rest and sleep your body can’t heal so I hope you’re able to get some thing to sleep and I look forward to your next update telling us to year walking around your neighborhood!

Oh! And if you have never tried Sleepytime tea before bedtime it actually works for a lot of people. If you can’t get a prescription for a sleeping medication like an Ambien try a Sleepytime tea or try that first and see if it works!

I love your positive attitude….yes eluding sleep is not good for anyone! I’ve pretty much tried to get some restful, solid sleep but haven’t been so lucky, teas don’t help, hot milk doesn’t help, melatonin doesn’t seem to do anything. We even bought,a new mattress. But lack of sleep isn’t my real issue. I have tested on my skin positive for methyl methacrylate. As well as neomycin. But I found all this out,after my surgery over 2 yrs. ago. I made my rounds of seeing a good amount of drs. 9 being the total. It was the last dr who had me do a very costly blood test the LTT. This checks for allergies to metal and cement particals . WELL I finally got the results….I DO NOT HAVE ANY ALLERGIES TO ANY OF THE FOREIGN SUBSTANCE IN MY KNEE.
So now I’m at a total loss and am worse off than before my TKR. AT 3 mos. post op I had been cycling for 15 mins. And the next day I couldn’t do a full rotation. And that’s when I began my tour of doctors both in NY and NC! And am worse than before. I hate to be a “debbie downer” but really think long and hard before doing a TKR.

I am 3 weeks post op and my pain at night is worse than the first week. I had even cut back almost off the opioids and now it’s worse. Doctor’s nurse says I cut back on opioids too soon. Wants me to get back on them on regular basis. I’m not liking that as am so scared of getting hooked.
But I have to as not getting sleep. My swelling has not subsided at all therefore-all that tightness and pressure when I’m up and around.
Pain killers do work but once that pain gets ahead it takes SO long to work.
Just don’t get why Week 3 would be more pain than 1&2. Doctor too busy to see me. Says I should see my family doctor or go to ER. Next appt not till 6 weeks out.
I’m doing PT 3 times a week at hospital and try to do twice a day at home. It’s tough but I want to feel better and get some sleep.
Anyone else out there get worse at 3 weeks?
Disappointed!!

Gobigred , I went down your path as well and I really feel those pain meds are there to help you.IF YOU NEED THEM I FEEL YOU SHOULD TAKE THEM AS PRESCRIBED. IT'S SO IMPORTANT TO STAY IN FRONT OF PAIN. I think if you stay strong and remind yourself why you are taking the meds addiction does not effect every person. But with that said you must be careful and use them as prescribed. Now with your pain if you don't see improvement DON'T LET YOUR DOCTOR SAY JUST GIVE IT ANOTHER MONTH AFTER MONTH. There is a real problem that can start and that is CRPS. I am not saying you have this but it is so important that if you are still in so much pain at the 3 month mark that you have your doctor consider this as a possiblity. I let my doctor lead me down the road of '' just give it more time' and now 3yrs later I can't walk a step without terrible pain. If only between the 3-6 month period I had been treated for CRPS I would have stood a good chance of having no problems. STAY STRONG , DO WHAT YOU MUST TO GET BETTER AND BEST OF LUCK
. STEVE