Hi Everyone!! I'm back for some more help. Tomorrow I am 6 weeks TKR. Everything now has seemed to be going good.. next physio tomorrow ... Last week my bend jumped to 93... Icing slowed down along with pain pills then last weekend happened. My first official outing (that wasn't doctors or physio) was Friday for a family lunch. I did everything possible to inflict more pain on myself.. I seemed to sit wrong .. Stand wrong inflicting pain on my knee. Then Saturday morning I had my grandmothers funeral... I was worn out... And later that day was a huge surprise bar b q party for our moms 70th. All of her closest family and friends of over 30 people squished into her yard under the blazing sun. We got there a little late.. My boyfriend set me in a comfy chair and one to put my injured leg on... Next thing you know I felt everyone wanted to see my knee.. Touch me hug me (there's the problem... I'm the hugger of everyone). I was crowded in and overwhelmed and had a panic attack and anxiety.. Ready to throw up... I was in major pain.. Lyed down on moms couch and cried ... I needed to get out... Which eventually we could. I feel I have been crying non stop since then. I am receiving invitations for a lot of things.. I don't want to go. My boyfriend is begging me to come to our cabin this Canada Day long weekend ... I'm not ready and I'm freaking out abd I know he's sad. I have trouble sleeping now even with my melatonin. Am I alone? Do I need a therapist or has anyone else experienced this. God I'm crying as I write this... 😭😭
No, you're not alone It's all good because you are intune with your body. This is totally normal, just don't let them guilt trip you. You'll get there. Have faith in yourself when you know that a particular event will be too much for you. You're not just opting out, you're being kind to yourself. Please don't worry, before you know it you will be back to your normal self. Keep confident about what you feel you don't want to participate in..
Now for the 1st lesson in rehabbing properly.....the use of the word NO....as in Hell no and I mean it.
You are the most important figure in this aspect of getting on with life. Absolutely, under no circumstances, let anyone else, no matter how dear they are to you, push you into something that could make both of you miserable and most important, could jeopardize your recovery. Friends and familycan be great allies but on the other hand, they can become major pains in the a**. Let your body and brain direct you, not some well meaning do folder that or won't leave you alone. I've had to say NO more than once, including missing my sons wedding. A s my wife advancing Parkinson's has taken over our lives completely, NO has become even a more often used w Ord. You'll feel better about everything when you take control of your life. STAY STRONG....
I found myself a depressed discouraged at 6 weeks but by 8 weeks I was amazed how much better I felt. Hang in there, this will hopefully pass. I am 13 weeks post TKR and resuming my life- finally! Stay focused on your healing and as others have said, listen to your body. Best wishes.
Sounds like you're getting around really well for 6 weeks post op! Remember the importance of rest, ice, pain meds. This is major surgery and you need time to recover. I would space my pain meds and take one just before bedtime and it helped me to sleep. Everyone is different so pay attention to what your needs are in controlling pain so you can rest and do the exercises. It's normal to feel frustration, helplessness and depression, you've gone through a major change, but you will feel better as your knee heals over time. Best wishes.
Read the section on Post-Operative Depression...
https://patient.info/forums/discuss/the-tkr-experience-or-wish-i-had-another-kidney-stone--524499
TOTALLY NORMAL!!! No anti-depressants needed. Jedi Mind Trick. Now you know what it is, kick it out the door. First encountered it when I had my hip replaced in 2009...cried for days. Then I discovered the cause that no docs talk about. When it started this time with the TKR, I knew what it was so it was gone immediately. All in your head...really.
Six weeks is common time for post op depression. You completely over did things and tiredness makes things so much worse. You need to protect yourself and pace things so you don't get too tired. At six weeks i nearly fainted when i took a day out that lasted five hours. Restrict outings to short periods of time and recover your strength. All thisvtime your body is using energy to heal your knee.
Three months is good....four months is great! Look forward to it! Things continue to improve rapidly!
This is so true and vital. It is possibly one of the most helpful life lessons from an experience like TKR...
It's all normal. I started having depression and anxiety attacks at 4 weeks post-op . I'm now 14 weeks and still have some panic attacks. I will be seeing my Dr for possible my immune system is out of whack by checking any changes in my blood. Possible my hormones or thyroid. I don't go anywhere at 6 weeks except walking and get few things from the store. Now, I am on anxiety meds, working with my inner self to know everything is ok. Take it easy, you'll get there where you can go enjoy yourself!
You are not unusual as you will see from all the responses. You have been through a major, if controlled trauma, to the body and emotions.
When you go out into the wider world, your body is trying to protect you and preserve your strength while you are still healing. The senses are heightened and there is sensory overload.
I'm 18 weeks post TKR and everything has been slow progress for me this far. I noticed that I feel somewhat vulnerable out in the wider world and have lost confidence. Even driving have felt like a new driver after over 40 years on the road! But having been ill for a couple of years and having 3 different operations, I can understand it and am trying to be patient with myself.
Taking one day at a time is helpful and as others have said, say no to big or long gatherings for a while. So you don't become a recluse, why not visit for a set time with one relative or friend, or arrange to have a coffee in a quiet place, nothing more. Or have someone to come over for coffee at yours. But don't lock yourself away totally, just take baby steps, literally. Spending time in nature - garden, coast, forest or lake can also help healing the senses but don't go hiking or anything like that until you are ready, just sit and enjoy.
Thank you Cynthia... Your comment helped me decide I will go to the cabin this weekend.. I will go for the last day and the day after the long weekend if only to inhale the fresh air!!! And be around a couple loved ones. I can always escape to my room if I feel it's too much!!!
Ive made a doctors appointment to help me get through a few months as I do have a history of anxiety and panic attacks... It's just been awhile...thank you ❤️
Thank you Jenny ... You and Chico always make me smile and give me that push... I really felt like such a freak at my moms... I wasn't looking for a pity party. truth be told after the Friday lunch and the funeral.. I probably should of did one outing less... It's completely wore my body right down still a few days later.
Thank you Cheryl!!! ❤️
Thank you for the encouraging response... I am now looking forward to my next mile stone!
Yes... Sleep has been a big frustration... Especially since I have trouble still with anything touching the area around the incision... It makes it very difficult...
Thank you Chico.... That link you provide I have used many many times as a guidance and it has really helped me!
Make sure you call the shots and everyone knows - you can always say "doctors orders - have to rest and ice and elevate my leg after exercises". That is a true reason, I used to say that to escape for a rest in the afternoon and no-one can complain. I hope it helps you. Anyone would have found your last weekend a lot to deal with. Take care!