Post surgery complications for a 67 year old woman?

Question

My Mom had a complete knee replacement done on Friday morning, and its now Monday afternoon, and she can barely speak clearly. It took her several hours to wake up in recovery, and really didn't become conscious until late Saturday evening. She has had extreme pain, has fibromyalgia, and the drugs they are giving her for pain make her so groggy she can't sit up, eat, or talk. If they don't give her the pain meds, she screams and cries out in pain. The hospital wants us to put her in a nursing home because she isn't able to walk. Prior to surgery, she was working as an accountant, moderately active, completely lucid, and now seems to have almost like dementia and is slurring her words so bad it sounds like she has had a stroke. (I am on the other side of the country, and she, my sister and brother say its not time for me to come out yet.) Is this normal?

Answer 1

So sorry to hear this,  actually I can't began to tell you what's wrong though.   Have you sought out a second opinion?  If not,  please do.

The meds might be too strong for her.

I've had several surgeries,  and I know that the most important thing to do is get up and try to walk,  that will prevent blood clots from forming.

My best to you and your family,  and I hope someone with more expertise can answer your questions.

Take care.

Answer 2

Not normal. You need the attention of a good specialist.

Answer 3

This is definitely not normal.  The several hours to wake up from surgery is the first indication that something is not right.  I cannot believe the anesthesiologist did not mention an epidural for post op pain.  

Do they have a instrument on her leg, or have they had one, which causes the leg to move back and forth?  So her knee want get locked up.

The pain meds will cause her to slur her words, etc.

I would ask for a consultation with a rehab medical doctor, and let him assess her condition before putting her in a nursing home.