Another knew knee, here we go again.

Felice forgive me if I am thick but did you say 6€ per month? Six?

I have no doubt you're telling the truth but have to say it would be my idea of hell to stay in hospital or rehab for that amount of time. I'd be climbing the walls. I think a week is the longest I've ever managed and was so drugged up for most of it I have no recall of the majority of the stay. Even being confined to bed at home for a second week was so much better than being pulled and poked at all hours for endless tests etc. I was so glad to go home even though this time I had a private room so didn't get disturbed at all hours by other peoples strange sleeping habits.

Goodness, six weeks in hospital? My mum was back to normal, out & about and doing all her usual stuff by six weeks post-knee replacement, at the age of 86.

Now almost 91, she's very independent, indefatigable even, and it would have driven her barmy to be cooped up for weeks on end.

I guess if one can regard a long stint in hospital almost as a hotel stay it might be bearable, though I wouldn't fancy it.

It seems to be common for long inpatient times with certain healthcare systems. I used to post on the Bone Smart message boards for people having joint replacements and the US posters often went to inpatient rehabs for several weeks after surgery.

Whereas in Sweden they gave you a list of exercises and trust you to do them and then reassess you 6 weeks later unless there are specific issues.

In the UK it was similar unless you had problems then there was a whole escalation of services. My mother was really bad a doing her exercises after her 2nd tkr (I think it was the start of dementia) - and she had a whole team of physios, OTs and nurses giving home rehab help multiple times per week for 10 weeks post surgery.

After my recent TKR I specifically refused physio. My recovery was 100% better and faster than the first. After the first I had dutifully done the exercises which caused inflammation leading to adhesions. I had to have manipulation under anaesthetic. Couldn't drive for 14 weeks (but discharged from hospital at 4 days. No point staying in longer)
Anyway, I was back to driving and normal life at 6 weeks this time. No need to luxuriate in hospital for weeks for me!
I'm sure it's a cultural attitude to want to get out of hospital ASAP and not take up NHS time. Obviously in the continent there is, what feels to me, almost a victorian approach to convalescence. Note this is just my experience and opinion. It's just hard for us to comprehend such an extended hospital stay.

What does any of this matter apart from the fact Felice is having to undergo this surgery and has asked for book recommendations and chat? We should all be more supportive and a little less judgemental. There are ways of asking questions without sounding like an inquisition. Felice, I think it is wonderful you have the chance to have this done in a way that suits you and hope it all goes well for you. Book recommendations to follow in New Year!

Felice, I hope your surgery goes well, whichever country you’re in!

With regard to your grandson, maybe you could approach the local bookshop or children’s library and ask for their advice. I’m sure they would know what was available to help explain why you’re going to be away for a while.

At least they won’t mention the fact the you only pay 6 euros for your healthcare insurance and will be in hospital for 6 weeks!

They probably know about the wine tho!

Wow, what a marvellous system!
What genre do you like to read in, Felice?

Sounds terrific Felice and I envy you your certainty that you will be well cared for and not just rushed home to free up a bed.
Physio/aftercare in the UK is not effectively delivered and I would describe it as a tick in the box rather than a serious aid to recovery. Of course this is because the NHS simply can't cope with the ever-increasing demands on its services. Money largely thrown away on the wrong priorities in my view, but don't get me started!
I wish you well.

Phew ! after reading that all I can say is what would we do without our NHS. In and out in three days (if no complications) to get you back on your feet with Adult Social Care available on discharge should you live alone. I speak from experience having had two THR's in five years.

Definitely not NHS treatment.

I'm another who has had both knees replaced and in for 3-4 days each time. Allowed to go home as soon as you can prove to the OT's that you can manage a flight of steps with a crutch and a handrail. Perching stool, toilet frame, raised loo seat were delivered the day the morning that I was sent home - OT's even arranged for a 2nd handrail to be installed at home and the guy arrived to do that on the day after I was discharged.

Just wondering if the 4-6wks is including Physio and Rehabilitation, especially if the knee is as bad as the Consultant says it is.

I had Physio (at the hospital) for 6 x 1hr sessions - each one 2wks apart. Best Physio is to be at home and to get on with usual 'everyday tasks' as soon as physically possible and to get back to your normal routine - including going shopping (with assistance if necessary)! 'Wally Trolley' at the ready ................. and go!

I'm moving to Belgium. We should aspire to this type of care, instead of being booted of hospital to struggle at home with no support

Have a close friend who just had her knee replacement and truly as others say it is 4 to 6 weeks to recovery. In fact she was in for just 3 days and with good physio was walking with crutches for 2 weeks and managed to get up a steep driveway up to my house without crutches after 4 weeks. She didn't get wine in hospital though just heavy painkillers!

I had mine done in April. I was expected to go in the day of the operation, mobilise the next day and go home the next.
Unfortunately, due to blood pressure problems, I had to stay in two days longer but, the other women whose op the same day, went home as planned.
Once BO was sorted, I got up, catheter out and home that day
I was driving at 8 weeks but, could probably have managed earlier.
If the knee is as bad as suggested in felice’s post, I can imagine it taking longer but not 4 - 6 weeks in hospital.

i had my second knee replacement on 3 august (10 weeks ago). i had an extra two days in hospital while they sorted out what to give me to control the horrendous nerve pain i was left with but went home on 7 august.
almost six weeks later i was back for my check up and was given clearance to drive. crutches (well the second one) given up after another week for my walking stick which i only use outdoors these days.
no physiotherapy as i knew what to do thanks to my first knee replacement op.
was told i shouldn't hoover or change beds for three months but have no idea why - decided i'd follow that advice though.
so i'll ecpect to get the hoover out and change my bed somewhere around 3 november - until then i'll be a slut! and not feel guilty as i'm following medical advice!!

PS Could not fault physio and I was an orthopaedic sister so had a rough idea what to expect.

Worst knee

Yes Maw 6€ a month, DD SIL and Dgs pay the same so it is not just because I am registered disabled.

Thank you for the best wishes, I have an artificial heart valve and have had 2 Pulmonary Embollisms and 5 mini strokes so the thought of a big op always scares me.
Preventory medicine is the norm here, you should never wait more than 48 hours to see a specialist or for tests. If the first Hospital you phone for a rendevous cannot help you just phone around until you get one.
Some Hospitals are part of groups so the receptionist will often find you an appointment at another one.
Nothing is perfect of course, and some people have had bad experiences but the good ones far outweigh the bad.

4 to 6 weeks recovery time, just that here they keep you in.
DGS was born a week after i got out of hospital last time, and a month later I catered for a friends DD wedding reception 100 people.

Your regional hospital board must be rolling in money if they can keep you in for 4 weeks. My chum had hers done last Thursday and was out Tuesday and that was because she had some platelets trouble otherwise she would have been
Sunday.

I live in Belguim as I pointed out in a previous post so your comment does not affect me mabon1.

Sounds pretty impressive to me, felice, good for you and Belgium. All the best for your op.

Good luck Felice! I can see from where you are coming worrying about ops. I hope all goes well for you.

The longest I have ever been in hospital was 11 days and it drove me round the bend! I was well cared for, the medical and nursing staff were brilliant and I was in a small quiet bay but I couldn't wait to get home. No amount of beer, wine or nice food would enduce me to stay for 6 weeks. Horror!!!