?‍♀️Hip Replacement #2 ?‍♀️ (Knees Welcome!) ?‍♀️

Knee op here.I'm stressed about it tbh and that's not at all like me.I'm having a partial replacement on the medial (inner ) side because after tearing a cartilage an MRI scan showed in that compartment I was bone on bone.So was advised an arthroscopy or injections wouldn't restore my knee function enough,and things would eventually get worse.
I am now wondering if I've rushed into it as I'm using some money I was fortunate to inherit to pay to go privately.The op is tomorrow. The surgeon is meant to be very good, and was happy to put me back in the NHS system.But as DH has degenerative ankle arthritis and really struggles all the dog walking,gardening etc that I enjoy anyway falls on me .Plus I love walking holidays.I decided to get on with it and recover before a couple of trips I have planned next year.
I can't say I'm in a lot of pain. The knee was locking a lot in bed at night.Now that's stopped.More a grating,burning sensation and going downstairs and inclines are tricky.Has anyone else had a partial knee?Reading about how painful knee ops,and hearing how much some people persevere with bad kneesI'm now wondering what on earth I'm doing having such an invasive procedure!Thanks for reading.

Hello and welcome washerwoman. There are knee grans on here so hope someone may reply. I had my hip done and think what I was saying is it’s a more straight firward procedure than knees but if it helps I know quite a few people who have had new knees of one sort or another who are all back to painfree walking. My neighbour has had both done and she walks fir miles.
It’s natural to be worried before any operation. Come on here if you need a chat and let us know how you are in a day or two. Good luck. .

I've had two total knee replacements so can't comment on partial ones. However, have everything ready back home. Raised toilet seat, icepacks/frozen peas (vital for post op swelling), trolley/something to push meals or hot drinks through while you're still on two sticks. Ooh, maybe some laxatives for post opioid problems. Have a good night's sleep tonight while you can still sleep on your side or front. Good luck.

Thank you silverlining, all the posts are so helpful. I am gradually going through all of it!
I have bought a long handled shoe horn, it is great, got a good plastic one the fits is a bag and goes happily in my handbag.
My physio suggested the toilet seat, which I already have bought.
Also the sock puller-upper. I find ankle socks on my right foot (the knee and hip leg) tend the work 360 degrees around my foot as the day goes on, so not wearing socks at the minute.
I have also made a note of the shampoo, wipes etc.
Anyone would think my op was imminent, but doubt it will be before early next year.
I have joined a gym class for hobbles like me and going in the warm water small pool next week.
So trying……
The hardest thing is finding a comfortable sitting position/chair. I have had 4 cushions to sit on, on the sofa, but getting up is painful. Also getting harder to get comfy in bed.
Anyway, will keep reading this thread, as feel you are the people who understand!

A long handled shoe horn or even two ( Ikea £1) are really useful, also a litter picker/ grabber. Would heartily agree with Aveline, constipation can be a real problem if using strong pain killers. Best be prepared.

Hello Susytish, you sound really organised, it’s good you are already preparing with some exercise. It should make a difference to recovery. I have just started self referred hydrotherapy at the local hospital, the water is lovely and warm.
Getting up from a low chair especially a sofa is awkward, a higher chair with arms might help you or else you might try sticks.

Good luck for tomorrow Washerwoman! I can't offer any advice re knees as I am 9 days post op for my hip.
I am struggling with lower back pain/sciatica at the moment but I am in a routine of walking, resting, icing or heat and regular meds.
Be kind to yourself. The physio in the hospital said listen to your body. If you don't do your exercises one day don't beat yourself up about it.
I'm finding every day is different at the moment.
However, I had a real treat today....my hairdresser washed my hair and finger dried it....bliss...

Glad you arecon the mend Labradorlinda. Still early days so take it easy.

Thank you.I will post an update when I'm home.It's an overnight stay for a partial, then home all being well.

You may find that few have had a partial knee replacement. I had bilateral knee replacements, in 2012 and 2018.

For many reasons I cannot walk far but being almost pain-free is fabulous. Good luck.

Hello all, I’ve just been re-reading the thread. I am due to see a surgeon about my hip replacement on Tuesday. I’m hoping that it will be leading to a date being set. Like labradorlinda33 my deterioration has been quite quick. I am now using a walker full-time in the house and getting upstairs is really painful. I have to steel myself to make the first step up. Sometimes it’s just so painful to even lift my leg onto the first step. I’m also taking co-codamol very regularly and have them on a repeat prescription. I have a step to help me get into bed and the bath, for a shower, but I’m going to have to get another step for the bath, as it’s getting more and more difficult to lift my leg over. Luckily my partner is very understanding and agrees. He also is willing to have a new walk in bath and shower fitted.

I’m pleased to hear about other people’s recovery and I’ve already got some of the gadgets that have been recommended from when I had my hysterectomy. I’m very lucky to have my partner who has been helping me put shoes and socks on, plus he’s good (ish) in the kitchen and he works from home, so is available if I need help.

Thank you for all your suggestions and hope you are all managing to take it nice and easy.

Do you realise you will not be able to sit normally in a bath for a few weeks?

I had to get rid of my bath once I realised that I had mega problems getting out and there was insufficient space for a bath and a shower. I personally do not think showers over a bath are safe.

For many years I have used a shower which is large enough to have a stool in it because I cannot stand for long.

Please think about it before you spend a fortune.

TKR here susytish. You sound very well prepared already. Please don’t worry, it won’t be nearly as bad as you fear. My surgeon advised three things pre surgery. To keep as mobile as possible, to strengthen thigh muscles and to keep the skin supple to help with healing.

Knee surgery patients are often told to expect pain. Pain is very individual, we all experience differently. I can honestly say I never experienced great pain post surgery, pre surgery was another matter though. Hospital staff will help you manage it while an inpatient and advise on pain killers for the near future post discharge.

Hospital physio got me going in the right direction, up walking with two sticks very quickly, A few sessions after discharge helped me straighten the knee. I found bending it easy. Don’t be afraid to ask hospital staff any questions you have, no question is wrong.

As I said we’re all different. Our bodies react differently to the violence that is joint surgery. I had avoided surgery for a few years and soon wished I had a greed to the operation much sooner. Wishing you well, relieving the pain you experience now will make a huge difference to your quality of life.

Thanks Charleygirl5 for that information re the bath. I haven't been able to have a bath for a long time now. We have an over the bath shower now and it's just getting harder to get in it at the moment. I can manage to stand it it as long as I can lean on the wall for support. I tend to wash my hair leaning over the bath rather than in the shower because it doesn't take as long that way. I've not managed to drop off yet so I'm in the bathroom and have been reading on the Kindle app on my phone. I'm usually going to sleep as the others are getting up for work. My daughter has moved back in with us and she is working from home too. It's great fun. I'm having my son and young grandsons here from Portugal next week for a few days. Hooray, that will take my mind off my aches and pains!

Get a bath board? It fits over the bath. You slide on to it and if you have a detachable shower head you're all set.

Well had my covid/flu jabs yesterday. Felt tired but then sick all night and still being sick. Haven't even felt like looking at my messages til now. Hope on the mend.

Oh dear Susytish, that's not nice! Hope you're feeling much better very soon..

Day 2 after my partial knee replacement. Had been told to expect a lot of pain in the first few days and it's pretty ferocious now.I have been sent home with strong painkillers and oral morphine in between for the first week if I need it.Walking around isn't as bad as trying to do the exercises.But I was also given a cryo cuff ice bandage so hopefully if the swelling goes down I can actually do them better.I keep thinking this time next week should be better and at least I've got ot done.The staff were all lovely,and the spinal not as bad as I thought.I was completely oblivious in there.Thankfully!

In theatre I meant !

Take it easy washerwoman. No need to exercise more than walking about. Use that ice thingy and remember to keep your feet up when sitting. I used a graduated pile of pillows to raise the affected limb in a gentle rise. It's important to let the swelling die down and that helps.

Thanks Aveline.The physio I saw before discharge was a bit brutal tbh and bent my knee far too much.It was agony.Afterwards the ward sister said the same as you.Walk around regularly and do what you can exercise wise but for the first few days prioritise ice and pain relief. I did sleep reasonably well considering I don't like sleeping on my back.

Forcing a swollen knee just makes it worse. You can't bend a hose pipe full of water. Let it settle then gradually increase the walking and introduce steps. You'll be fine in no time.

I agree with Aveline. When the swelling does go down it will be important to bend to 90 degrees and later more and also to be able to totally straighten your leg. If you walk around with a mini bend that is when your knee can give way.

Take your time and try to get the pain sorted first- you are not catching a bus.

Pleased you are back home Washerwoman. I hope you are improving, even if it's just a tiny bit, day by day.
I bought a Magicgel wrap for my lower back. You get the support brace and 2 gel packs. I microwave one when I need it or ice with the other one which is kept in the freezer.
It is so comfortable to wear.
They do one for knees...it might be worth having a look.
Take care...

Thanks. I was given a Cryo cuff to bring home.A wrap that has iced water in it and its brilliant. I am currently elevating my leg with it on and it's so soothing.I am alternating doing that with walking around.It must so much more painful with a total knee op.So as you say day by day - and I'm lucky to have DH ,and good friends offering lifts when I start going out.All the best to the hip and knee gang!