Having a total knee replacement in three weeks.

Having a total knee replacement in three weeks.

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Discussion

Wacky Racer

Original Poster:

38,237 posts

248 months

Sunday 5th May
quotequote all
I've read the various threads on PH with interest over the years, so I think I know what to expect biggrin

I had a minor arthroscopy (Keyhole operation) sixteen years ago which helped, but it has got worse the last four years.

I'm 70, fit and active, but things have got that bad I can't put it off any longer, I used to think nothing of walking thirty miles, but now struggle to walk two without being in quite bad pain .

Actually looking forward to it funnily enough.

I'll let you know how I go on.

Mr Magooagain

10,050 posts

171 months

Sunday 5th May
quotequote all
Good luck and do what you’re told.

a340driver

241 posts

156 months

Sunday 5th May
quotequote all
Oh yes! Bon chance.!

sherman

13,408 posts

216 months

Sunday 5th May
quotequote all
My Dad had both kness done during Covid.
Best advice is after the OP.
Get up get walking.
Use the zimmer to start with if you need it.
You wont be allowed out until you can do the stair test.
When your home do your exercises religiously and keep walking until your healed.

You will also have cracking scars.

Wacky Racer

Original Poster:

38,237 posts

248 months

Sunday 5th May
quotequote all
My father in law had two new knees fifteen years ago, I've seen the scars (vertical just above the knee) so I know what to expect,.........joy, smile

dudleybloke

19,900 posts

187 months

Sunday 5th May
quotequote all
When I had my wrist fixed there was a guy in the same ward who had a double knee replacement 2 days before and he was in good spirits and could walk to the bog using a walking frame.
He said he was in a bit of pain but that was just from the surgery but importantly his problem knee pains had gone.
Hope it all goes well and make sure you do what the phisio says.

FMOB

971 posts

13 months

Sunday 5th May
quotequote all
You need to do all the exercises the physio gives you, my Mum had the same operation and didn't get the full benefits.

You get out of it what you put in.

Slow.Patrol

529 posts

15 months

Sunday 5th May
quotequote all
Do the exercises

Also spend £100-150 on a gravity fed Cryo Cuff. Save the empty tubs of butter, fill with water and freeze and use frequently. Sometimes they are available secondhand on Facebook.

And take the painkillers. Tramadol was my friend.

Slow.Patrol

529 posts

15 months

Sunday 5th May
quotequote all
sherman said:
You will also have cracking scars.
Something else that is long, red and swollen.

dobly

1,202 posts

160 months

Monday 6th May
quotequote all
My other half (under 60) had her left knee replaced back in August. She enjoyed the experience so much that she is getting the right one done this coming August!
She built up her strength and fitness in the 6 months before the first one was done - this really helped her have a speedy recovery. She was almost a religious fanatic about doing the physio - it really is essential. We borrowed an exercise bike from a friend that hadn’t used it for years - it’s in one of our spare rooms and got a lot of use, and still does get some.
As others have said, movement is the key - not a lot at first but some, building up gradually. She was on her feet the day after the op using a frame for a day, then 2 crutches, then one She loves swimming and swam as much as possible from about 6 weeks after the op.
The scar has faded to be just a faint red line, not bad when you see the size of the thing they shoved in there!
Best of luck with the surgery and recovery OP.

Wacky Racer

Original Poster:

38,237 posts

248 months

Monday 6th May
quotequote all
dobly said:
My other half (under 60) had her left knee replaced back in August. She enjoyed the experience so much that she is getting the right one done this coming August!
She built up her strength and fitness in the 6 months before the first one was done - this really helped her have a speedy recovery. She was almost a religious fanatic about doing the physio - it really is essential. We borrowed an exercise bike from a friend that hadn’t used it for years - it’s in one of our spare rooms and got a lot of use, and still does get some.
As others have said, movement is the key - not a lot at first but some, building up gradually. She was on her feet the day after the op using a frame for a day, then 2 crutches, then one She loves swimming and swam as much as possible from about 6 weeks after the op.
The scar has faded to be just a faint red line, not bad when you see the size of the thing they shoved in there!
Best of luck with the surgery and recovery OP.
Cheers. Appreciated. thumbup

bristolracer

5,552 posts

150 months

Monday 6th May
quotequote all
Can I ask how long you need to take off work to get this done?
I’m 60 and my knees are shot. It’s something I’m going to have get done at some point.

sherman

13,408 posts

216 months

Monday 6th May
quotequote all
bristolracer said:
Can I ask how long you need to take off work to get this done?
I’m 60 and my knees are shot. It’s something I’m going to have get done at some point.
It would depend on your work.
If its desk based 2 months and could probably walk far enough to get to or from your desk.
Driving will be a nono for around 6 weeks.

The other thing to note is you may develop a limp as your new knee will straigten your leg and make it longer than your other leg if they are both affected.

bristolracer

5,552 posts

150 months

Monday 6th May
quotequote all
sherman said:
bristolracer said:
Can I ask how long you need to take off work to get this done?
I’m 60 and my knees are shot. It’s something I’m going to have get done at some point.
It would depend on your work.
If its desk based 2 months and could probably walk far enough to get to or from your desk.
Driving will be a nono for around 6 weeks.

The other thing to note is you may develop a limp as your new knee will straigten your leg and make it longer than your other leg if they are both affected.
Thanks thumbup

The Gauge

2,045 posts

14 months

Monday 6th May
quotequote all
A bloke I know had his done many years ago. I recall him stressing the importance of the physio. He made a device from pieces of card that pivoted, and was placed against his knee. Every day he marked off on the device the angle of bend he had achieved, so he could see the improvement. I never saw this device thing he'd made, so I can't explain any better than that, sorry.

He made a full recovery and took up walking as a pastime

dudleybloke

19,900 posts

187 months

Monday 6th May
quotequote all
The Gauge said:
A bloke I know had his done many years ago. I recall him stressing the importance of the physio. He made a device from pieces of card that pivoted, and was placed against his knee. Every day he marked off on the device the angle of bend he had achieved, so he could see the improvement. I never saw this device thing he'd made, so I can't explain any better than that, sorry.

He made a full recovery and took up walking as a pastime
Sounds like a home made goniometer.

gareth h

3,569 posts

231 months

Monday 6th May
quotequote all
My dad had both done many years ago, his surgeon said we had the IRA to thank for his expertise in knee reconstruction!

dobly

1,202 posts

160 months

Tuesday 7th May
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sherman said:
It would depend on your work.
If its desk based 2 months and could probably walk far enough to get to or from your desk.
Driving will be a nono for around 6 weeks.

The other thing to note is you may develop a limp as your new knee will straigten your leg and make it longer than your other leg if they are both affected.
My wife was back in the office part time in week 5, full time in week 6, driving herself the next week. She had been doing emails etc. from week 2 or 3, subject to painkillers / sleep levels…