KNEE ARTHRITIS - Total Knee Replacement :

pain management - - Posted by jeff138 (jeff138), 31 March 2004

I'm 42 and will have my bilateral tka's in 3 weeks. I'm living now on very strong narcotics, and I'm concerned that following surgery, even with complete success, I'll have problems getting off the meds. Any help out there?
Posted by Stevejw (Stevejw), 31 March 2004

Hello Jeff

Prior to my TKR I had need to rely on frequent use of Tramadol (known as Ultram in the states) and then, post operatively, a cocktail of opiate based mediactions due to surgical complications. 18 months on I am free of all medication (actaully this was the case after 5 months). In my case the doctors simply monitored my progress and adjusted the medication in line with the progress that I made and as a consequence I experienced no side-effects or dependency issues..... Good luck
Posted by maxfactor (maxfactor), 26 April 2004

Hi Jeff,

Have you had your BTKR yet? I'm also 42 and on strong narcotics. I'm seeing a new OS and may have BTKR. I'm also concerned that post-op meds will do little good. How did you fair?

Jane

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