Knee replacement

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Thanks auntieflo, and Bonne Chance to all of us x

Skiing is like most things, easy if you are born to it.

Sorry, re last post. I was i hospital for 5 days.

Hi Granjura, so nice of you and all the GN's to be interested in my recovery.
I think I am doing alright. The scar is nice and straight, according to the young physio on Monday last. I have not used my crutches indoors for a while now, and am down to one only when outside. The exercises are OK, but I do find that behind my knees is still painful. Feels as though there is something there. I am using Bio oil for massaging the scar, and as well as smelling good, I hope it will reduce the scar appearance. Yesterday we trawled around Reading, and I was tired last night with an achey knee. My X rays before the operation showed that I had arthritis behind both knees and no cartilage left in either knee, so may have to have the other one done in the future. I'm not sorry that I had it done, but it has been uncomfortable, but getting better every day. Good luck Granjura, skiing sounds terrifying to me, but each to his own.

How are you doing now Auntieflo? It would be nice to have some news.

Went to surgeon 2 days ago and date fixed for 22nd of March- as we children coming over to ski for half-term and then off to Sicily for DH's 70th... The X-rays were awful, confirming I am bone on bone and have been for quite some time- with bone growths all over the shop and deformation. He has warned me not to expect miracles as this is all consequences from a terrible car crash 45 years ago- and the tendons and muscles around the knee are all atrophied. I told him I'd prove him wrong and be back on my skis next season. See how it goes.

Anyhow, send news. How long did you stay in hospital. He told me 6 days minimum and up to 12 days- then 6 weeks on crutches and no driving until he gives the go-ahead.

Good news Auntiflo. From strength to strength now.

I had the staples removed from my knee yesterday morning. They were due to come out on Dec 25th , but as you know that day was busy. I really wasn't looking forward to it, imagination working overtime, and as I didn't know what to expect, was nervous and jittery. Thought I'd better not Google it. But, the practice nurse was lovely, put me at my ease, took her time and it was soon all over and done with. I think there were 25 staples. Knee still feels ' tight' , but it will be so nice to have a shower. After reading the posts on some OH hygiene problems, what have I got to worry about eh?

Sounds good Auntieflo. Keep up the good work, whatever OH thinks about your efforts.

I am beginning to slowly feel more like myself again, thanks, but still get woozy at times. The greatest thing was the anti-emetics. They are working a treat. Yesterday DH and I ventured out to a volunteers coffee morning, and I'm glad I went. Lots of well wishers and I MADE IT. albeit slowly
Tired and had a snooze in the afternoon. This morning, another outing to collect from M&S, see my Charity shop manageress and have a cuppa and chat, while DH went off for coffee with his cronies. Got home rest on sofa,more tea and a sandwich lunch. He IS finding his way around the strange environs of the kitchen, and also the mysteries of the washing machine. This afternoon we must wrap up the few presents that are left. By the way, whilst having lunch, postman called with a book, no compliment slip, but I think it must be from Gransnet, so Thank You very much at HQ.
I am trying hard to do the exercises, even if DH thinks otherwise.

Congratulations Auntieflo Your surgery is now behind you and you're already on the mend. I admire your upbeat attitude!

So pleased to hear that you are back home - the first week or so your body is recovering from all the upheaval, so take it easy. I hope you stop feeling puky soon.

Charleygirl, no I hadn't been warned of leg numbness, maybe I will be left with that, so will ask when I go back for the post op check up. Have taken the first tablet, just before dinner being served courtesy of DH. He is such a novice in the kitchen, but the guy did good tonight. Don't think I will starve, although it wouldn't do any harm, especially with Christmas coming up.

It will take a minimum of 8 weeks before you start to feel yourself again as you have had major surgery. Because of the nature of the surgery you may have permanent numbness down the outside of the operated leg- nothing to worry about- you may or may not have been warned about it.

The main thing is to do your exercises- I do hope that the nausea wears off with the tablets being collected as I write.

Oh good news Auntiflo. It's all behind you now. Hope the antiemetic helps you to feel better. It's a big op and it will take time but just look forward to your pain free knee days, and do your exercises. I may need your advice in future. Keep us posted on progress. All the best x

Am now back home, DD picked me up but there was gridlocked traffic around Reading, it finally took us two hours to get home, 8 miles !!. I am sore, but trying to persevere with the exercises. Did not sleep well last night, but have slept this afternoon. I am feeling nauseous all the time, but notbeing sick. On the morning of the op, the anaesthetist tried two epidurals and I finally had a general anaesthaetic. Weird. Couldn't have had better care in hospital. My operated leg is still feeling "pins & needly" and a bit cold at times. Maybe it is because of all the drugs. Anyway afetr speaking to a GP he has prescribed an anti sickness potion, DH is out collecting it now. Am managing well on my crutches, and the loo is a little lower than I would care for, but manage OK. Just want to feel ' myself' again, and not sick and tired all the time. Thanks for all the posts on here.

Oooh exciting ! Get back to the thread soon

well here I am in bed and full of those 'Nutricia Pre op' drinks, showered and hair washed to within an inch of my life and ready to go to sleep. The alarm is set for 5 am, as I have a lift booked for 6.20, in time to get me to the hospital at 7. I must say I wasn't looking forward to the drinks, I thought they would be milky or like a dilute yogurt, but not a bit of it. They were actually as clear as water, tasted like flat lemonade and very sweet, so not too bad. The hair washing was a pain, as I don't usually was it every day. so night night one and all, only two more drinks to go tomorrow morning, see you after the op tomorrow.

luck!

I had a new hip last March and, like Ariadne, you will find me moaning and groaning and being scared on the old threads. Nine months later I have a new lease of life, can walk long distances and play competitive badminton - without pain! Wonderful. Do EVERYTHING you are told by the hospital, especially the exercises, and you will be fine. If, like me, you have to sleep on your back for a few weeks, get a vee-shaped pillow, which you will find very helpful. I did come home with pain killers but it really wasn't that bad and I soon gave them up. Good luc - and a very happy Christmas.

My new hip is nearly a year old, and my new knee about 18 months, and I am absolutely delighted with them! Is you find the threads,, AuntieFlo I'll be on them, progressing from whinging and moaning to delight!

All the beat Auntieflo. It must be about time for the op? What a short wait you have had. Better that way. As soon as you feel able do tell us how it went and how you feel. You're bound to be sore for a while but it seems most people are really glad they had it done. I am at the arthroscopy stage but I know I'll have to go for the op sooner rather than later. Good luck - I know I should say break a leg, but it doesn't seem too appropriate

Good luck with your surgery Auntieflo - I hope it gets you on your feet and out and about.

Hope it all goes well Auntieflo I had both mine done 10 years ago and have never regretted it. I am the worst person ever for exercises but I persevered with them after the operations and it was really worth the effort (and discomfort)

I achieved over 90 degrees flexion the next morning so it is possible and that was without any effort except pain!

Thanks for all your support. I went for my pre-op assessment last Tuesday, and came home with a sheaf of paperwork. Also some special body wash soap and six bottles of Nutri drink? I have to drink four on Thursday night! I'm wondering whether I can space them out during the day. Then the final two on the morning of the op. I am apprehensive, but will be so glad to get it over and done with. I know the exercises are important, and will do my best to get flexion ASAP. Will keep you updated on progress.
Off to write my cards now.