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Not sleeping well and feeling blah after TKR: What helped you?
One reads many questions and comments, regarding pre, during and post surgery. I’m in week 4 from my knee replacement and my life has I changed. The surgical drugs are leaving my system, I no longer take opioids. I realized that I must keep my mind strong, eat (although I don’t feel like it at times), pray, rest as much as I can, hydrate, peak out the door and stand outside from time to time, go to PT, exercise at home and ice. For how long? Good question. I’d like to hear your go to’s for healing positivity. Thank you.
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I had a TKR in 2020. The surgeon totally botched the surgery. Put in the wrong size implant...too small. It kept moving giving me terrible pain. Then eventually it cracked my bone. Went to a revision specialist who told me I needed to have it redone in no less than a month...this was four months after the original surgery. After second surgery, months of PT, I was better for awhile. Then pain increased and mobility decreased. Top orthopedic surgeon at Georgetown told me no additional surgery would help...just cause more scar tissue. He referred me to a Pain management doctor who has been a lifesaver. Started with Kenalog injections which helped a lot. Eventually had an ablation which gave me significant relief for almost two years. Scheduled for another on in January. Such a long wait to see these doctors.
@kelsie55 I hope all goes well with you after all that time. Continue to be as comfortable as you can.
@ettennam
Thank you for your words of kindness.
Annette, I did PT for 4 months. I had reached my goals and was told to continue my exercises at home and was released from PT. I am almost 7 months post-op and I am still doing exercises at home. They really help with the stiffness, especially the heel slides and the encumbent bike.
I started sleeping all night at 4.5 months in my bed, graduating from the recliner. The first few months are rough sleepwise. I did take naps during the day and after PT. I totally understand the "blah" feeling. That will pass.....it just takes time with this surgery.
God Bless you & praying for you.
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3 Reactions@covidstinks2023 I appreciate your share and words of encouragement. I had the surgery because I know that I’ll be in a better space, in time. Continue to take care of yourself.
Postoperative swelling doesn’t entirely go away for 6 to 8 weeks so I think you might need some patience. I know people get really frustrated when their mind starts to become a little more alert and their body doesn’t follow suit. You need to ask your doctor how long but in my neighborhood people with knee replacements were outdoors walking with canes. There will be an adjustment to not sleeping well after you’ve been knocking yourself out with opioids. So you will have to give your body time to adjust. The best recommendation I can offer is to exhaust yourself in the process and take a cool shower before bedtime and look for some sleeping supplements like melatonin. Call your surgeons office and ask for the triage team and discuss with them over the phone or online your difficulties. They Don like melatonin. Call your surgeons office and ask for the triage team and discuss with them over the phone or online your difficulties. They don’t charge you for that. talk to your doctors team and explain what you’re going through. They can be the most helpful because they have your medical history.
@loriesco your comments and suggestions are so on point. Yes, my thoughts are more alert, and my body is thinking otherwise. I’m meeting with my PCP, because I think I can get better results. My surgeon did an outstanding job and I’m grateful for him. I heard that Melatonin can be a good option. In the meantime, I’ll continue to follow my doctor’s instructions. Thank you again.