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Knee replacement. Help!

(503 Posts)
Jane10 Fri 30-Sept-16 11:41:27

Just been informed that my knee has 'reached the end of the line'. Need replacement. Am devastated and really worried about it all. Any positive info welcome.

annsixty Wed 09-Nov-16 11:08:32

I did not have the stockings muyst the injections but had. been advised,in case, to put my foot in a plastic bag and the stocking goes on better. You then just pull the bag out of the bottom. I think the further up your knee the better.

Granarchist Wed 09-Nov-16 10:42:02

I was never offered those injections - are you at particular risk??
Jane - do ask about ice. good luck with physio.

Jane10 Wed 09-Nov-16 06:08:11

Well done Elrel! I had those injections in my stomach while I was in hospital but was discharged with 6 weeks supply of soluble aspirin. Have to keep the stockings on for 6 weeks too. We have a ceremonial changing of the stockings each day. Not massive fun.
I had my clips removed yesterday. The nurse put on some steristrips as she comfortingly said 'I don't think the wound will burst'! Absolutely the last thing to say to a keen worrier like me. Was scared to even try to bend it. Am excellent at straightening though.
Make the most of your time in hospital Elrel!

Bellanonna Tue 08-Nov-16 23:35:37

Oh glad you're making progress - on both fronts (well maybe not 'front' in both cases). Glad you are there till Friday. Time to get properly prepared for discharge. Hope you've got lots to read in between your physio, walking practice and naps. I might need to ask you for some advice next year. At least it's all behind you now and I hope it won't be long before you are walking normally again. Make the most of the next couple of days. ?

Elrel Tue 08-Nov-16 23:19:45

Good night to all our readers and appreciation for those working through until morning!

Elrel Tue 08-Nov-16 23:15:52

Thanks, everyone! Woke at 7am, plenty of sleep. Shall be here until Friday! Had some twitchy leg, stocking blisters and bruises but ok overall and making progress. Mostly to ensuite!!
Good news- injected stomach!
Bad news- first nurse had to remove plastic needle sheath because I can't pull hard enough!! Pathetic !!

Luckygirl Tue 08-Nov-16 09:08:41

Don't worry - please don't worry - give it time. You are getting there.

Jane10 Tue 08-Nov-16 06:27:53

One of those nights Elrel? I seem to sleep in bursts of 3/4 hours at a time. If I go to bed too early because I'm falling asleep I end up wide awake and with legs twitching at 5. I just get up. The cats always happy to see me. Clips out today. Knee stiffer than ever. Am worrying. Physio on Thursday.

Elrel Tue 08-Nov-16 02:52:01

If you want ice you just ask!! Like an adult ...

Elrel Tue 08-Nov-16 02:49:47

Deep sleep until 2am. See you in the morning! Just flexing toes a little now

Elrel Mon 07-Nov-16 22:54:25

Have had ice until tonight but none offered. Also no wedge/pillow to raise knee. Too warm now.
Suddenly told I was discharged at 3.30 BUT care package not in place. Should have been pre-discharge. Will take a few days so I suspect I'm 'bedblocking'. Oh dear!
Need fan.
Night night all.

Granarchist Mon 07-Nov-16 14:39:23

Elrel are you icing the leg? My physio was very keen on it and I did it a lot. (if it was a horse with swollen joints I would do the same!!). I'm sure it helped. If you have not been lent a fancy pants icing kit, frozen peas work pretty well.

Luckygirl Mon 07-Nov-16 13:45:55

Ah - Oxycontin - that was the bugger! Boy did that make me feel ill - I was hallucinating!

Jane10 Mon 07-Nov-16 10:16:07

Charleygirl I wouldn't say I'm pain free. Twinges come and go some worse than others. However, I hated the effect of the strong painkillers I was given in hospital. I'd rather have a comprehensible pain like a sore knee than the nonspecific feeling of hellishness I had when on Oxycontin. I take paracetamol at times but I'm not convinced it makes much difference.

Jane10 Mon 07-Nov-16 09:42:58

When are you going home Elrel?

Elrel Mon 07-Nov-16 09:41:25

Just seen physio, used sticks, did stairs.

Jane10 Mon 07-Nov-16 09:16:59

Yes it does seem to take ages to do anything. Suddenly have to work out how to do everything with one hand! I do everything for myself except the cleaning. I do really appreciate the support from DH who has been great. However, he's off to work at 8 and I'm on my own until he comes back. I manage though.
Glad to hear that your knee did subside and that you got it to bend well. I live in hope!

Charleygirl Mon 07-Nov-16 08:25:27

Jane10 it took forever for my knee swelling to reduce and like yourself I was elevating my knee every time I sat down. I have no idea how I managed to get such good flexion but it happened so I was not complaining.

It seemed to take forever to do simple things such as having a shower and getting ready for bed generally. I am trying to work out how you are almost pain free when I was in agony for around 5 weeks post op. Admittedly I had to do everything except clean my house which did not help as it tired me out no end.

Jane10 Mon 07-Nov-16 08:08:25

Glad to hear you're doing OK Elrel. I currently feel 'beached'! I seem to sit about all day alternating position and walking about about every half hour. My knee is still very swollen so much bending is pretty impossible. I'm sitting with my leg raised a lot for bursts. This results in tingling and twitching in my scar area so it does seem that something happens. The pressure on the stitches/clips reduces too. So all in all I suppose it'll be more of the same this week. Bit boring though!

Elrel Mon 07-Nov-16 07:03:14

Good morning - sodium lower so fluids more restricted. Rare treats for me: crisps, cheese advised!! Otherwise ok, leg jumpy in the small hours.Stay well and warm, everyone on GN. ?❄️⛄️

Elrel Sun 06-Nov-16 22:55:20

Each time I move it's a little easier. Wish I'd done lots more pre-op leg lifts! Out of bed all day with regular little walks to ensuite. Should see physios tomorrow, haven't yet tried the tummy injection myself! All the best to Jane, Hennetha, and all who have had, or will have, similar procedures!

Jane10 Sat 05-Nov-16 18:56:47

You sound cosy and settled Elrel. I remember I watched 'Strictly' in hospital last week. Watching it again tonight and progress made. Tiny steps though.

Elrel Sat 05-Nov-16 18:41:47

Still awaiting 'movement' TMI!! Now have 2 green stockings.Losing appetite a bit although food is fresh, well prepared and healthy. Tired, should sleep well tonight! DD brought my cosy new Tu polar bear robe. I have mags and puzzles and am enjoying No Place by Katharine D' Souza, local author.

Elrel Sat 05-Nov-16 18:13:55

Riiight! ?

felice Sat 05-Nov-16 16:08:32

I have just come back on today,I had a wee funny turn and DD called an ambulance and I have spent 5 days in the local Hospital, after having every test known it turns out to be fluctuating low/very low blood pressure. Noticed by a nurse actually.
Whilst I was in I mentioned my 'new knee' which has always been very painful and never felt comfortable.
I had an Xray and saw an absolutely georgeous Orthopeadic Consultant who told me it was just one of those things and only 4/10 new knees are painfree, in fact 2/10 can be more painful than before, although people can walk on them.
He asked if I had asked my Surgeon at the time, I sort of blushed and said no, he then asked why British people do not ask lots of questions and just accept the doctors opinions.
The other one needs done so i will go and see this man and see what he says.