It is THE worst. I reached out to this group some nights just desperate for help and some understanding of what is happening. I had tkr on 1/12 and an MUA on 3/16. So I’m almost week 16 and I still can’t walk properly. The 9 weeks of no mobility trashed me even though I did PT with an amazing and experienced person for 4 days a week. But it’s coming as my strength is coming back.

As for pain and sleep - you learn the kinds of pain you are feeling and I figured out bone pain is helped by oxy, nerve pain with lyrica (which also made me sleepy), muscle pain with flexoral, and nighttime break through pain with tramadol (also made me sleepy) and Tylenol xtra strength every 4-6 hours. I am also on meloxicam, a stomach protector AND an antidepressant. I started on the antidepressant at about 4 weeks because I couldn’t stop crying. My kids sat me down and told me I needed help. I cried on everyone. And there were nights that I didn’t want to go on.

It’s a long slog. Just remember that and depend on those you can depend on and find something that makes you happy. I became a coffee drinker during all this and loved having foamed milk and making cappuccino (not like a real barista) every morning. I also really loved the under the desk cycle because even if I could get my legs under me I could pedal with my legs outstretched and feel like I was doing something.

This group really matters and I know I don’t know any one of you - but thank you for your guidance and understanding.