Despite having a lot of information prior to my TKR, I didn't really expect to be in such pain at this point.
Like most contributors, the pain is worse at night. I started a journal about 10 days ago; should have done it sooner. My journal entries seem all the same, however. Some nights are tolerable, others not. The tolerable nights I take pain meds (leftover from a Total Hip replacement a year ago.) Or I take Advil, or Aleve. Nothing provides total relief.
I fall asleep for about 2-3 hours, then evaluate if it is time for more meds. I ice, change positions, practice various mind relaxation methods to fall back asleep. Most nights I end up with 8 hours of sleep, but it is intermittent.
Daytime is not usually too bad. It surprises me that this changes day-to-day. Today I am having a lot of pain on the lower inside of my (right) knee.
I have tried compression, hot baths, gentle manipulation alongside my usual icing, elevation, and meds.
Sometimes these things bring relief, other times not.
I thought I was all alone until I happened upon this blog. I see that it can take anywhere from 4 months to a year to feel good. It is somewhat heartening to learn that I am not alone, although I am sorry for others in misery.
Honestly, this has been the worst experience of my life. I will never go through this again. Since my left knee is also bad, I am looking into stem cell therapy, despite the out-of-pocket cost. Nothing can compensate for the last 8 weeks of pain and sleep disorder.
I do my exercises faithfully. I do have full flat extension and 120 degrees of flexion. The exercises are getting easier. I have no trouble walking or exercising. It is just the pain and sleep interruptions that make life difficult.
Like most contributors, the pain is worse at night. I started a journal about 10 days ago; should have done it sooner. My journal entries seem all the same, however. Some nights are tolerable, others not. The tolerable nights I take pain meds (leftover from a Total Hip replacement a year ago.) Or I take Advil, or Aleve. Nothing provides total relief.
I fall asleep for about 2-3 hours, then evaluate if it is time for more meds. I ice, change positions, practice various mind relaxation methods to fall back asleep. Most nights I end up with 8 hours of sleep, but it is intermittent.
Daytime is not usually too bad. It surprises me that this changes day-to-day. Today I am having a lot of pain on the lower inside of my (right) knee.
I have tried compression, hot baths, gentle manipulation alongside my usual icing, elevation, and meds.
Sometimes these things bring relief, other times not.
I thought I was all alone until I happened upon this blog. I see that it can take anywhere from 4 months to a year to feel good. It is somewhat heartening to learn that I am not alone, although I am sorry for others in misery.
Honestly, this has been the worst experience of my life. I will never go through this again. Since my left knee is also bad, I am looking into stem cell therapy, despite the out-of-pocket cost. Nothing can compensate for the last 8 weeks of pain and sleep disorder.
I do my exercises faithfully. I do have full flat extension and 120 degrees of flexion. The exercises are getting easier. I have no trouble walking or exercising. It is just the pain and sleep interruptions that make life difficult.
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