Has anyone figured out a way to get sleep at night? I have tried Unisom but it still takes a couple of hours to fall asleep and then I wake up several times. Leg just aches.
I had both knees done in the summer. Icing my knees before I went to sleep took tha pain away and I could actually fall asleep. Good luck! It does get better, way better, over time.
I haven't and if anyone does let me know too! I take a twelve hour 10 mg OxyContin, four hour norco 5/325 mg, 3 TraZoDone 50mg and still no sleep.
Sorry no help but let's hope someone does. Good luck a speedy recovery to you. 😃😴
Ice it good before bedtime....try OTC melitonine tablets 30 mins before bedtime. Use an anti inflammatory and try different thickness pillows or anything soft between the knees to avoid bone on bone contact between the legs. Increase water intake. Don't do a lot of exercises or walking just prior to bedtime. Rest during the day. Over exertion during the day will cause nighttime issues. Its just a matter of time and you will slowly start resting better but the 1st 2 to 3 months can cause you to think you are losing your mind.
Hi michelle
I'm 11 weeks in and suffered with the sensitivity, aching, etc. No medication during the day and did push myself on the exercises.
At about 8 weeks was prescribed Amitriptyline 1x25mg tablet and two paracetamol an hour before bed but just after an ice pack. Then had a warm wrap on the knee for final 30 minutes.
This was my turing point, still wake occasionally but do go back off straight away. Everyone will be different but the Amitriptyline is a nerve relaxer and at no risk with these doses. Worth a shot
I'm following this as I wake every two hours for an hour a time. Zombie doesn't begin to describe how I'm feeling. X
Check my post, above. I can get you the number for Warner Brothers...
Voltaren Gel (RX in the US). Second best topical anti-inflammatory on the planet. Relief in about 15 minutes. Works very well, especially at bedtime.
PS: The BEST topical on the planet is a green "lotion" made by certain people, distributed at certain dispensaries, in certain states, to certain people, with a certain special medical card. Works in 5 minutes! Amazing stuff... Pain relief; no other effects.
I wish I knew what the lotion is!? Can we get it in U.K. I wonder?
I find doing last set of exercise 60 minutes before bed and icing helps.9 weeks post it gets better but still the odd interrupted night. Sleep with pillowhat between leg ando lie on unoperated aide if side sleeper. Take your pain medicatin before bed.
Why does everyone (me included) without fail,have this problem.
I know it's available in Colorado, US...and probably some other similar states. When you go into a dispensary, you just ask for "lotion"...everyone knows what it is...
I would never sleep, even before surgery, if it wasn't for
Seroquel. If I wake up in the middle of the nite, I can go back to
sleep. Seroquel is a prescription drug. Your doctor should give
it to you without a problem. If not, go to your surgeon. It has
saved my life especially now . Sleep is necessary for the
healing process.
Good luck!
Mary Kay
As you can see from all the posts on here, it is such a common problem! I had my first knee replacement two years ago and my second knee replacement nine weeks ago so I know what to expect! My own theory is that it is the body's way of making sure that you do not stay in one position for too long as you then have to cope with stiffness issues - well, at least, that is what I am comforting myself with! I have gone through taking the painkillers, icing and comfort wrapping the knee and I have managed to dispense with all of these over the last two weeks. I am still waking periodically throughout the night but I just stretch my leg several times to loosen it up and then turn over and go back to sleep. Just waiting for the remaining swelling and stiffness to subside and then I should be able to sleep for longer periods again.
Best of luck with the healing. At least you know that you are not the only one going through the same problems. I found this site such a comfort two years ago when I had my first knee operation - just knowing that what you are experiencing is absolutely normal and that it will get better .,. eventually.
Ice before you go to bed and also ask your Doctor if you can have some slow release Tramadol to see you through the night, hope this helps. All this wil pass and you will be so glad you have braved it through, good luck
Thanks for all your helpful info , taken on board. I just want to ask how long does it take for the swelling to go down ? I still have a dressing on ,by the surgery after 3 weeks post TKR as wound sometimes bleeds & they worry about infection. Thanks in advance.
Swelling is common at this point but the big thing is to avoid swelling in the future by not pushing the knee beyond what it can do each day. Slow and easy. Swelling means you did too much. A FitBit or other pedometer to count your steps is very helpful. Find your swelling point, back off and increase gradually.