Another knew knee, here we go again.

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!

Definitely not NHS treatment.

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.

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.

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

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

I had my knee replacement in Sweden and was in for 4 days because it was and especially difficult operation with a hinged secondary prosthesis.

I was really ready to go home after 4 days (my surgeon was happy for me to stay in for 7-10 days) and would have hated to be in 4-6 weeks.

Belguim is not France, as I said I pay 6€ a month for my health insurance.
I will pay approximately 65€ for my entire stay on top of my 6€.
I have been hospitalized here 8 times in 23 years so really do know what i am talking about.
I am not a pensioner nor did I work in one of the 'institutions', I am just an economic migrant.
By the way a lot of people from the UK here seem to go to the really fancy health insurance companies, and are then very surprised to be told they can use the same ones as the locals.
Unfortuately many ask advice of other Brits instead of checking into the local system, then are amazed to be told that they qualify for the same benefits.

This might seem like luxury to people in the UK but it's usually covered by the insurance policy which most people pay into. We used to pay out about 200 euro a month for 'top up' health insurance.
As well as that, in France, unless you were a british pensioner, you had to pay to join the french health service, 8% of income after allowances. Which covers 70% of costs.
I don't know if it's the same in Belgium.

I have mentioned it so many times and had a lot of nasty comments during the referendum.
Well thats the way it is done here, obviously it depends on recovery time, the rehab is very thorough, you even have to cook a meal from scratch standing without any aids, as I am a Chef I found that quite funny.
You go to the local supermarket and must be able to walk 500 mts outside the Hospital with 1 crutch or a cane.
Stairs are essential too using them again with one walking aid.
I feel as though I am apologising for living in a country with excellent health care which is geared toward the patient.
Another point is that all Doctors here are self-employed, and sign individual contracts with hospitals, as far as the patients are concerned if you do not like a doctor you choose another one. I went to 5 GPs before I found one I felt really comfortable with when I moved back into Brussels 6 years ago.
Physio after I leave the hospital is also my choice, I had a young man come to the house for 2 weeks last time 3 times a week. He also did some Cardio physio for me to ensure all was working well with my heart.
It may not be the 'same' as yours but that is the way it works here.

I doubt most people knew you live in Belgium. I certainly didn’t. Had you explained that in your op I expect the comments would have taken a different tone.
I have had both knees replaced and each time I was in hospital for 2 days with outpatient physio. By six week I was leading my life as usual. I can’t imagine being in hospital for 6 weeks for this.

It is in Belguim, last time I went to a rehabilitation centre out in the country.
They like to keep you until you can do most things and are off crutches, my normal health insurance of 6€ a month will cover it. They would also be quick to take action against the Hospital if I went home when I was not ready.
Not all Hospitals offer alcohol, but I had my Heart valve replacement in this one so know they do.
It depends on your condition, and alchohol does not affect my medications, I do not drink much anyway.
I do know what i am talking about and i can assure you I will be in hospital for 4 to 6 weeks at least, I booked my room yesterday when i made all the arrangements. I have had the same operation on the left knee so no matter what you think Stella I will stay in this particular Hospital for that time. I have chosen to stay there rather than go to a seperate centre as the Hospital is close to home so easy for visits.
Kiné(physio) will be arranged to suit me, and I plan to keep Wednesday afternoons free as DGS is off school then and can have a long visit.
Visiting hours are from Noon to 19.00. Yes they are.......
I have a friends who work nearby and the last time i was in they came in with their packed lunches and we all had lunch together, it was all very nice.
The reaction to my post has been as I imagined, everyone more or less telling me I was not telling the truth.
How many of the posters have been in Hospital here.
Why do people assume it is always done the way they think in every country
I assumed by now that most posters knew I lived in Belguim, sorry.

The time frame can't be right. 4-6 weeks is the time it takes until you are fully recovered and independent - NOT the time you spend in hospital . No matter what country you are in, the normal hospital stay for a knee replacement is a few days. And you'll be busy with physio while you are in hospital - don't expect to read too many books or do a lot of chatting !

4 to 6 weeks!!!!!!

It must be overseas, anyone here would be afraid to turn down such a quick date for fear of the NHS being overloaded as it was last winter and their op being delayed

Why 4 to 6 weeks? I've had both knees done and was in for 5 days each time.....NHS, and very successful both times.

I think Felice lives in Brussels.

My best mate had a TKR last Friday afternoon, sent home Monday morning, physio arrived Monday afternoon. Is already climbing stairs to bathroom & bedroom and walking around with crutches. She's aiming to be driving and back at work in 6 weeks.

It sounds as if felice could be in France. I had my hip replacement their and people said - you'll get wine with your meals. But I never saw any.
I was insured so didn't have to pay, but was sent a list of costs and it was about 8500 euro, that was 12 years ago.
Maybe felice is going to one of the spa places for 're-education'. Some french people are covered for that by their health insurance policy. My hairdresser told me she had that after she broke her ankle.