Right Knee Replacement Surgery

Sep 10, 2014

I had right knee replacement surgery on July 23, 2014. 

The first 3 weeks the pain was pretty intense! I had a strong negative reaction to the Hydrocodone (a combination of Acetaminophen and a semi-synthetic opioid/narcotic derived from codeine). I experienced nausea, vomiting, headaches, blurred vision and major depression due to lack of sleep-I only slept about 2 hours a night for almost 3.5 weeks. Of course this led to having to take 2 other medications to combat those side effects!

I needed a 10 day plan of action to wean myself off of Hydrocodone that my RN son suggested for me. He also suggested I take an over the counter sleep aid called Alteril which is helping me get some much needed sleep. I woke up 2 times a night for restroom breaks and the throbbing pain from inactivity while in bed, but at least I went right back to sleep rather than being wide awake.

My surgeon had me take a blood thinner for 4 weeks and wear support hose for 6 weeks to avoid blood clots.

I was completely off pain medication as of the end of week 4 and the pain was manageable and intermittent but the throbbing dull pain in my knee did interfere with my sleep.

My physical therapy progression was excellent and I have always been above the expected parameters for flexion and extension. I had a Physical Therapist come to my home daily for 3 weeks. I did the PT exercises on my own for the following 9 weeks. I can begin a regular exercise program at 12 weeks post op.

I started driving again at the beginning of week 6 post-op and I was off work for 6 weeks. 

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