Navigating senior years.

Donstar · March 12

On 3/9/2026 at 4:27 AM, diyer2 said:

The recovery sucks. I'm real prone to constipation from pain meds. So it's a big problem for me. I've tried it all to help.

The morning you wrote this post I was suffering from the worst constipation discomfort/pain in memory! I was able to make a phone appointment with my Doctor and he talked me through a solution. Basically, the solution was to exceed the daily recommended dosage of stool softener for my current situation. Now, I am being proactive and take the softener on a daily basis while I am on elevated pain meds. I recently watched a YouTube and the lady was talking about her painful experience with knee replacement and the accompanying drug induced constipation. Her purpose for making the video was to advise people considering knee replacement of the actual pain they may experience. She claims that most people who experience knee replacement won't tell you the bad stuff. I think she's right. I was speaking yesterday with an old friend who has had both knees replaced in the past couple of years. When I told her about my recent negative experiences, she opened up and described in detail her excruciating experience (X2)! We met with her on a couple of occasions prior to my surgery and never uttered a negative or cautionary comment!

diyer2 · March 12

People tend to hide their pain so their not called babies I guess. I don't get it. It's surgery, it causes pain and everyone's pain tolerance is different.

They should call it RECOVERY not surgery, the surgery is a walk in the park, you're knocked out.

KARNUT · March 12

My wife had five surgeries one year apart to correct a botched first surgery. We got familiar with remedies for constipation. It can also be a problem with antibiotics, even schedule changes. I take magnesium and fiber supplements daily as a precaution. Probiotics work wonders too.

diyer2 · March 13

This neck brace is real hard for me to deal with. Only removed to eat and shower. 6 weeks of enjoyment.

Donstar · March 14

I hope the next six weeks go by quickly for you and you emerge stronger with significantly reduced pain. Of course there is often a new challenge in waiting however this particular issue will be remedied. Yesterday, I was with my physiotherapist dealing with my recent new knee. He made a point of telling me how impressed he was with my shoulder replacement I had done 9 months ago. I know he was trying to keep me positive but it is difficult when recovery periods like you have experienced are served consecutively!

KARNUT · March 14

I was always anxious for time to advance. In a hurry to get my license, to find a wife and to become an adult. Master my craft, become financially independent. Then to retire to finally slow down. The hardest lesson was to enjoy the moment no matter what it brings. I’m still working on that, my latest quest. So when someone says I hope time passes fast. I think don’t worry, it does.

diyer2 · March 16

Well my left arm, shoulder and hand are showing some improvement, YEA. My neck is a little better.

diyer2 · March 19

Two week post surgery check up. All OK, took x -rays. One of my issues has been my throat, hard to swallow and sore. The PA asked about my throat, she said they move your esophagus to the side during surgery. That explains it.

txab · March 19

Edited March 19 by txab

diyer2 · March 20

I have been getting by without drugs for pain, using Tylenol. Might have to use drugs today, pain is elevated.

Grumpy Bear · March 20

1 hour ago, diyer2 said:

I have been getting by without drugs for pain, using Tylenol. Might have to use drugs today, pain is elevated.

You be a tough ole bird. Good for you.

How's the Mrs.? Any improvement?

KARNUT · March 20

1 hour ago, diyer2 said:

I have been getting by without drugs for pain, using Tylenol. Might have to use drugs today, pain is elevated.

Try using Tylenol and Advil together, but a little staggered. My brother told me after his first knee replacement he tried to go off medication too soon. He didn’t make that mistake the second time.

Grumpy Bear · March 21

22 hours ago, KARNUT said:

Try using Tylenol and Advil together, but a little staggered. My brother told me after his first knee replacement he tried to go off medication too soon. He didn’t make that mistake the second time.

When the wife had her ankle surgery the doctor told here nearly the same thing. Switch back and forth to keep them effective.

KARNUT · March 21

18 minutes ago, Grumpy Bear said:

When the wife had her ankle surgery the doctor told here nearly the same thing. Switch back and forth to keep them effective.

Years ago I had an abscess tooth on the weekend of course. The Tylenol-Advil dance got me through it. It also got me on the Metamucil- Magnesium dance to counter the antibiotic effects.

Donstar · March 24

I see my surgeon on Thursday for my 6 week post knee replacement checkup. My physio said yesterday that my progress is good and that my surgeon will likely be pleased. My concern now is when, or if, I have my other knee replaced. I spoke to a neighbour about this and he told me his 81 year old sister's greatest regret was choosing not to have knee replacement surgery when offered a few years ago. Apparently surgery is no longer an option for her and her mobility is now exceptionally poor. I have another friend who had her second knee replacement 5 weeks after her first and thinks I should do my second as soon as possible. Her logic is that it gets the pain over with all at once! I know the decision is up to me but I know there really isn't a choice! I'll get it done when my surgeon thinks is best. Short term pain for long term gain!