It's now 4 weeks post op and the ups and downs of this journey isn't something I'd been expecting.
First week and I was on a high thinking 'what's all the fuss about?' but then the sleepless nights, mood swings and pain tell you otherwise.
Guess I'm just feeling a bit sorry for myself after a rough night and appreciate I've had it simple with just one tkr that went fine.
I'll look for light at the end of the tunnel and hopefully look back and realise it was all worth it.
Another few weeks and you should be over the worse , I found I had a big change in pain levels at about 7-8 wks and could stop all strong pain meds and slept better , able to sleep on side etc
This is for the mood swings...
https://patient.info/forums/discuss/tkr-and-post-operative-depression-604195
Print this and stick it on your fridge........
https://patient.info/forums/discuss/the-reality-of-a-tkr-recovery-in-one-picture-626038
...and don't forget your oars for the boat part.
Thanks for your replies and great advice
There is a light at the end of the tunnel . hang in there. Time will heal all wounds .
The mood swings and insomnia are perfectly normal. It is just one of those things you are not told. When I told my surgeon I could not sleep and always wanted to cry, he told me that was a complaint of 90% of his patients. It goes away as you heal. As long as you know this is normal, it is easier to handle. The best of healing to you.
This is very common. My surgeon told me 90% of tkr patients experience insomnia and depression. I cried all the time and could not sleep more than 2-3 hours at a time. As I healed, it all went away. It may take weeks, but at least you know it is very common. Happy Healing!😄
Thanks Patty your case was like you was writing about me!
Saw the consultant today and he's pleased with me and said I should never of been ametriptoyln and just cut back on the Tramadol over the next 6 weeks.