Feeling poorly... really am this time....

[leslie]

I have been thinking about that DMSO. I haven't heard about using that for arthritis.

It sounds like you've got all hands on deck. Do let us know about your progress.

[shovelhead]

Well I cant say the Tramadol does any better then Aleve     :-S I put the DMSO in a small (4oz) spray bottle.  Misting the knee you get a very slight warm feeling that goes away quickly. Again cant say how it works in just 36 hours of use.  The stuff is a solvent... I was hesitant in using it.  The Buffalo Trace didnt help the pain but was tasty and made me feel a little better.   I'm icing down pretty regular and elevating. Something that really aggravates it is driving. Probably the knee  position and not being able to elevate it.  I cant drive more then 5 or so miles before I want to start screaming.  Needless to say that really cramps my camping style.  Still taking the gluco/MSM and apple cider vinegar.  I should chase the vinegar with Buffalo Trace .. yuck..... (puke)

I know I shouldnt but the Tramadol is 50mg and Rx say 1 or 2 tablets.  I read folks prescribed 200 mg as needed.  I took 4 = 200mg.  Dont yell at me... I was in pain big time... The 200mg took the edge off,  I could get some rack time.  Still constant but subdued pain. Went from a 10 level to about 5.   I hope to see the Ortho guy tomorrow or Tuesday and maybe get some better meds.   I'm not sure if its exclusive to GA but doctors cant call in pain meds they must give you a hardcopy script.  Its a shame that people have abused prescription drugs and now doctors let you suffer in real pain.....Again thanks for the prayers and advice.

[charliem]

[font size="3"]Dave,

FWIW, I'll relate my experience. I'm in the 8th week of recovery from my first TKR. Before the surgery I was in pain, but the combination of 1000mg Naproxen (Aleve) and 10 mg of Hydrocodon a day controlled it fairly well. Sometimes I needed an extra 5 mg. Walking more than 200 feet was a problem although biking 10 miles was not. I biked a lot to get/keep my knee strength up. Both knees were worn to the point of bone on bone and I walked like a bow legged cowboy. I researched everything and asked everyone I could find. The conclusion was Do It, but one at a time.

The recovery has been painful, but rewarding. I had 126 degree range of motion before surgery on the right knee. I started therapy with around 30 degrees, but steadily increased to the 130 degrees I have now. Right out of the hospital I was taking 60 mg of Oxycodon plus 1000 mg aspirin to control the pain, but I've cut that back to 20 mg Hydrocodon (75% as strong as Oxy) and no aspirin. I expect to get the Hydro back to the 10 mg dosage this week so the higher dosage of Oxy can be effective again for the next surgery. I'm still stiff each morning until I stretch and move, but I can move around, climb stairs, and ride my bike. I'm riding 4+ miles each day, icing after each ride, and officially finishing therapy next week. Therapy, exercise, and and a will to recover are absolutely essential to success.

Anyway my other knee is scheduled mid May. Same routine, therapy, exercise, meds, etc. and the anticipation of being able to hike again. [/font][font size="3"]I'm already making reservations for our 2 month fall trip.[/font][font size="3"] Doc says I'll continue to feel some pain and will be stiff for 2 years, but it's a lot better than deteriorating to a cripple in constant pain.

Good luck and good cheer.
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[dh50]

You are inspiring, Charliem.  Thank you for sharing.