Exhaustion after TKR months later?

Bones, joints and muscles
1

I have found this discussion board so helpful! It's good to chat with others on the same journey. I had my TKR 10 weeks ago, and just went back to work this week, teaching part-time (about 12 hours/week) at a local university. Even though it's short hours, I am "on stage" for the entire time. After I get home and have a late lunch, I can't do a thing until I take a one or two hour nap! I feel like I'm wasting precious time, but I can't function otherwise! Have others been through this too? When did you get your energy back?Thanks!

2

Hi Diane,

I can sympathise with you as a lot will on the forum.   It is still very early days for you and I think it's been pretty normal for patients to feel tired after such an operation.  I'm not sure why but it is a big operation and we all have to work so hard to get over the initial pain, stiffness etc, not get very much sleep either.  I think our bodies just rebel or something.  I am almost a year on from a bilateral tkr and don't work but still get very tired.

I wouldn't feel bad about resting if I were you.  Take it as it comes and rest if needed, no harm done.   I don't think any of us get back to how we were.  I admire people like yourself, who go back to work.  Be kind to yourself.

best wishes

Sue xx

3

Thanks Sue-I can't imagine having surgery on both knees! My husband doesn't quite understand the long recovery period needed for this surgery. He's finally understanding why I booked a hotel room for our annual camping trip with friends rather than staying in a tent! I can't imagine crawling in and out of a tent...ouch😩

 

4

A tent???? You're right, ouch!!!! There was a turning point for me at about 4 months post op. My kitten ran under my bed with something in her mouth, I panicked and managed to get on all fours to look. The pain was something else, I screamed as it felt my scars were ripping open.  They weren't of course.  I managed to scramble to my feet and although stingy, the knees felt better somehow. Like I'd stretched the scar tissue or something.  I haven't tried kneeling since lol.  Surgeons did say that most recipients are unable to kneel again after the op. My knees still get stiff and sore if I sit too long or when I first get up but on the whole, are ok but it's my back that aches now, I think because I'm walking differently now. 

Your husband wouldn't know just what toll this operation takes out on patients bodies unless he went through it.  People think nearly a year on, I should be running marathons or something.  Enjoy your holiday, the hotel, you deserve.  Get your husband to read this forum and he will be able to see how we all struggle.

5

Thanks Sue for your support and advice!

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Get as much rest as you need.  Your body is still healing and directing a huge amount of its energy in that direction.  Sleep when your body tells you to.  Also, eat really healthy (no junk food and empty calories) and hydrate all day.

7

Hi Diane

I'm Almost 9 weeks post op for LTKR and I get tired too. This surgery takes a lot out of you for sure and the pain and exercising makes you tired as well . Don't beat yourself up for being tired - take your nap and enjoy it - good time for icing your knee!

8

Thanks for the good advice Chico. I am sleeping and staying hydrated....now I really need to focus on healthier food choices.

 

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Thanks Barb....future naps will be guilt-free😊

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My daughter is a graduate nutritionist and an ACSM/ACE-certified personal trainer...she even tracks my FitBit.  There is no escape...

11

Wow...you better behave😉

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Hi Diane,

I'm three months post TKR and went back to my office job last Thursday (two days ago). I'm on a phased return so only do four hours a day but am finding that I'm absolutely shattered. Yesterday I actually went to bed for a couple of hours when I got home in the afternoon and then slept through all night too. I think at the moment everything pre TKR that we took for granted just takes time to adjust to post TKR but it's exhausting. One thing I have learnt big time since having this surgery is not to expect anything as normal as my expectations were far too high and then everything else is a bonus. Just listen to your body. It knows what you need. Hope your recovery goes well x

13

Hi Diane... wow back at work after 10wks I was still on crutches for 3mths .. totally understand how exhausted you'd be!  I don't think that you're knee is probably ready for all that non-stop standing.  Do you ice & elevate when you get home?  Having a nap sounds absolutely normal, I don't work I used to have afternoon naps and wasn't doing anything except some exercising.  At 11mths post op I still stuggle with alot of swelling .. your energy will come back when your body is ready always remember how big an op this is and total recovery is anywhere from 12-18+mths.

Wishing you all the best... Tracey

14

Hi Kate,

You're absolutely right-I need to be patient and get used to the new normal.It sounds like you and I are going through the same stage. Wishing you the very best in your recovery! Diane

15

Hi Tracey,

Thanks for reminding me to be patient. I really didn't know everything I was getting into when I started this journey, and it's probably a good thing. I don't need to stand the entire time I teach, and I do ice and elevate. I'm sorry to hear that you are struggling at 11 months; please take care. I am thankful for you and others in this discussion group! Wishing you well,

Diane

16

Hi there Diane, just echoing what the others have said, really. Your poor body has been through a huge trauma, and youve undoubtably had several months of broken/disturbed/nonexistant sleep, and your body is now telling you what it needs. Time may well be precious, but not as precious as your well-being. Nap away to your hearts content, its good for you! 

17

Hi Diane

i am also 10 weeks post op.  I am due to go back to work in 2 weeks time   Can't postpone it because my full sick pay runs out then and we can't afford to be without my wage

i work 35 hours a week in a kitchen /dining room so am on my feet all day 

at the moment I am trying to spend as long as I can on my feet at home. I also am walking 3 miles a day up and down our road   

Saying all that I think I will be coming home and resting on my bed for an hour after work 

I will let you know how I get on.  

Hope your recovery goes well x

18

I did learn part of the reason for feeling weak and having lack of stamina is that I am anemic now.  Not sure if it was stopping all medication for three weeks or why.  Hoping my cell counts come back soon.  I hope I can be on my feet more soon.  I weeded my garden for over an hour and really paid for that by losing 15-20 degrees of bend from the resulting stiffness.  Sure is frustrating how long this takes to be better.

19

Hope you're feeling better soon Lynn!

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Please take care Gillian...starting with 35 hours and standing all the time will be tough. Please listen to what your body needs. I hope your co-workers will be understanding.  Take care!