7 weeks post-op PKR, U.S.A. Normal progression so far, although painful and unpleasant, at least no complications. Up until now I would take an oxycodone about an hour before P.T. exercises or doing anything anticipated to be more strenuous, which would allow me to do it without undue pain, thus proving that physiologically at least I could do more normal range-of-motion movements, otherwise too painful.
But having perhaps “pushed the envelop”, after the exertion the pain returns in full force, only to require medication (icing, elevation, etc.) again. Is the only solution, to struggle with pain and doing less well, a depressing scenario?
At this point my doctor is weaning me from oxycodone (far superior in speed and effect), and is substituting Tramadol (with or without Tylenol and ibuprofen), which has little effect.
I guess my question is, does oxycodone give a false sense of progress (since one is physiologically able to do more), or is the pain there as a warning that some movements are premature to real healing?
I believe that good pain management aids certainly makes exercises easier but I'm at 3 weeks and I would say pain almost gone so you may be needing to cut back now good luck
Me sometí a una doble artroplastia total de rodilla (TKR) y no utilicé analgésicos. Prueba usar una máquina de curl de piernas en tu gimnasio local. Deberías poder "comprimir" tu rodilla con casi ningún dolor. Extiende también.
Sin un manejo adecuado del dolor es muy difícil avanzar correctamente. No es una falsa sensación, sino parte del proceso de sanar correctamente en un tiempo adecuado. Solo ten en cuenta que esto es un trauma como ningún otro, ya que incluye tejido, nervios, circulación y huesos. No es solo lo físico, sino también el aspecto mental. Por eso es necesario no solo tomar medicamentos para el dolor, sino tomarlos exactamente como se indica. Intentar ponerse al día con el dolor es muy difícil y desorganiza todo el sistema.
Oldfatguy1. Completamente de acuerdo con su resumen sobre los analgésicos, si los necesitas, los necesitas. No es una carrera ni una competencia para prescindir de ellos, cada persona tiene un camino diferente para recuperarse. Estoy muy contento con mi progreso, considerando que no volveré a ver los 60. Vi a mi consultor ayer, estaba muy complacido conmigo, y no necesita verme durante 12 meses. Y solo he hecho lo que el dolor me permite. Mañana cumpliré 8 semanas de tkr.
You have gotten some very good advice on here! I am approaching my 7 week (Tuesday) Post-Opas well. I was on Oxycodone to control the pain because nothing else worked for me. My doctor has also change me over to Tramadol. My pain has subsided as I move forward over the weeks. I only take the Tramadol now mostly before PT or possibly in the evening. I still unfortunately still have some pain to deal with at night. Please take your pain medication as directed. I need the Tramadol to get my full range of motion during my exercising. Come home elevate and ice the knee after PT. Please remember our recovery is a process not an advent! If we see progress each day then we are on the right track.
Thank you for your reply. I guess I am analyzing this process too much, but it just seems to me that sometimes the pain meds might enable one to overdo. Since I am off the oxycodone now, and time and staying active are helping the healing process, I will forgo the academic worries and just do what seems intuitive. Best wishes.
Thank you, Alan. I guess the point is to actually accomplish more movement, even though it is only made possible with help from the meds in the beginning. But as time goes on, there is a natural progression toward healing, if one is lucky (and reasonably diligent).. I must say, people on this site who tackle both knees , either together or separately, are brave indeed. These surgeries are "more than a notion", as we say around here.
As usual, your response is intelligent and kind. I guess I have been lucky enough health-wise that the variations in pain that accompany this operation have been first time experiences, and it must be, as you say, because so many physical structures are affected. I was only too glad to take the pain meds, while they were being prescribed, but they have now been reduced, so I'm having to just adjust my level of activity accordingly. Fortunately I am making progress, although I am hoping my "bum leg" won't be that way forever. Being close to your age,however, I'm sure there will be other" delights" awaiting me, so I guess this round is good practice! Thanks.
You are getting some great advice here. I have had 2 TKR's and 1 revision.
I can tell you one thing for certain. EVERY SINGLE CASE IS DIFFERENT.
My 75 year mother had a TKR and had 90 degrees ROM after 3 days. I took me 6 weeks for one and 7 weeks for the other.
I was an athlete in a past life and am now 56 next month. I pay dearly for every degree of ROM.My first PT guy was a nightmare, towel in teeth, being held down by oe staffer, leg bent by therapist. Left him after 3 weeks.
I have the worlds greatest Physical Therapist now. In my opinion epidemic we are having in NY, has caused most everyone to go mad. Nobody wants to write sripts for pain.
Having said that, I found a great team, and I am still onpain meds (dilauded) as needed. The suggestion was to take just prior to PT. ( I take it in parking lot upon arrival). I leave 3 1/2 hrs later. The PT never goes above a level 5-6 pain.
Get home and ice and elevation. Good luck, but do not base your situation on mine or anyone elses.