TKR. Anxiety issues

It’s so reassuring to hear about someone else experiencing this type of anxiety. I’m 9 weeks post tkr and have suffered with this “ inner agitation to varying degrees since the surgery. I’ve got a great support system and have tried different meds. Nothing is helping that much.
I plan to try acupuncture soon.
I’m really hoping this decreases with time. I’ve found the surgery to be really traumatic both physically and emotionally
I hope we both feel better soon!

I had bilateral TKRs 2010 6 months apart. I did have anxiety. The recovery is tough. The surgery and recovery is one of those life changing events. At the time my first husband was very ill. He passed in 2012. Try meditation good nutritious diet hydration rest.

Just a note bilateral means both knees done in one surgery … that’s what I had

I am facing a tkr in January and my anxiety is through the roof. I am worried about everything that can go wrong. So upsetting. I try to get through the days and be positive but it is very difficult friend.

nme1985, I’m 68 and I’ve had 2 TKRs -1 in Jan 23, 1 in Jan 24. It’s definitely no fun but it is just as definitely worthwhile imo.

Your job is, 1. Be Positive! Our brain “hears” all our doubts, I believe and that simply cannot help our recovery. Say positive reinforcing things instead. 2. Do the PT like a madman! My mom was in her late 70s (former orthopedic nurse) when she had her TKR and told me (we knew I was headed for one) to do MORE than they ask. Do 12 reps if they ask for 10….that sort of thing.

Your attitude and focus on the work - more than they suggest! - is the key. You can do this and make it better.

I just restarted yoga after a 4 yr break because of the pain. It’s making a huge difference.

If you don’t do the work it will be a terrible result. My surgeon is a friend and he told me that is huge. It hurts, no lie, but it will get better.

Last comment is to choose a surgeon who SPECIALIZES in TKRs. Many can perform one but choose someone who makes that a focus of his/her practice.

Good luck and stop worrying. It’s not fun - neither is the near constant pain you have now - but you can make it better with your attitude.

Thank you so much for your encouragement. I too am surrounded by medical people. My son-in-law is an orthopedic surgeon and he recommended a knee specialist at Rothman in Philadelphia. I told my son-in-law he is coming to my house every day to check my wound. Laugh out loud they live two blocks from me thank God...we try to have a sense of humor but deep down I am filled with anxiety. I am now in Pilates two days a week PT two days a week and I lift weights every day. I am working like a wild woman to strengthen my quads. I plan to get a PT to come to my house hopefully for three weeks because we have a gym in our building… if I can have her every day I will! If not I will be down in that gym! Hearing you reinforce my thoughts makes me feel so much better. My biggest fear is infection at the site. I know so many people with positive results and your case just makes me a little stronger to take a deep breath and be positive. I have never had.surgery or been in the hospital except for my kids. The fear.of the unknown and not being in control is daunting. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. Nina

Thank you so much for your encouragement. I too am surrounded by medical people. My son-in-law is an orthopedic surgeon and he recommended a knee specialist at Rothman in Philadelphia. I told my son-in-law he is coming to my house every day to check my wound. Laugh out loud they live two blocks from me thank God...we try to have a sense of humor but deep down I am filled with anxiety. I am now in Pilates two days a week PT two days a week and I lift weights every day. I am working like a wild woman to strengthen my quads. I plan to get a PT to come to my house hopefully for three weeks because we have a gym in our building… if I can have her every day I will! If not I will be down in that gym! Hearing you reinforce my thoughts makes me feel so much better. My biggest fear is infection at the site. I know so many people with positive results and your case just makes me a little stronger to take a deep breath and be positive. I have never had.surgery or been in the hospital except for my kids. The fear.of the unknown and not being in control is daunting. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. Nina

I am facing a tkr in January and my anxiety is through the roof. I am worried about everything that can go wrong. So upsetting. I try to get through the days and be positive but it is very difficult friend.

I experienced what I would call regret, rather than anxiety, but it didn't last long. As soon as I was able to recognize that I was getting better, stronger, and no longer getting weaker and less able to participate in things, the feeling went away. I still experienced some frustration! A lot of people are posting on this site because they have had some problem with recovery. I moved into a 55+ community about a year before my TKR, and I'm not sure if I've met anyone who hasn't had a TKR on one, if not both knees, and none of them regret it! In warm weather, everyone walks around in shorts and the scars are faint, but visible. Most get around very well. Even those who complain seem to be thinking about "younger days," and walking around just fine. I'm assuming you were physically struggling quite a bit before the TKR. Seven weeks isn't very far out. I'm about 15-months out. I have had set backs and struggles, but I know I'd be a mess if I hadn't had the surgery. Close your eyes and imagine how great it will be to get past this! Focus on any bit of improvement. It takes time, but it is so worth the effort! You have already done the hardest part!