👯‍♀️Hip & Knee Replacement #3 👯‍♀️

This is a 4 th try, does anyone understand what GN have against us hipsters? We have provided good advice and support over the last year yet put posts never get on Active grrrrrrr

👎 nope. Nada 👎

Great minds Fanny as I want to do the same thing. Here we go....fingers crossed 🤞

Hello Hipsters 👋
I trust everyone is well.
Just bumping as the thread has been very quiet for a few weeks.
Hopefully it will appear in the active list

Madgran I am sorry I dont have much advice which might help you but wonder if you might consuder self refering to physiotherapy and in my area and that includes hydrotherapy.
I have just finished a 6 week course of hydro and it helped me. Water is really warm which makes movement easier and a physio might be able to suggest what the problem might be.
I just phoned the hospital dept direct and got an appointment 2 weeks later.

Hi All I've been reading through the thread, helpful and informative. I've been diagnosed with severe knee osteoarthritis particularly in my left knee. Self managing at the moment and back to the consultant in May to discuss options etc

My question is about a "side issue" to all this. In the last 3-4 months it has increasingly felt like my muscles, particularly in calves, hands, ankles, wrists arms are seizing up, shortening or something. It's not just stiff, it's like they are going hard!! My ankles are rock hard and swollen, not really like oedema which I think is softer, and elevation does not reduce them. The muscles do not improve with exercise, stretching etc. My GP insists this is the arthritis causing the muscle problem but I'm not convinced. The muscle problem does not improve with stretching, exercises, movement at all. My hands are not obviously arthritic at all, nor my arms/elbows but the muscles are tight and have increasingly limited movement.

Has anyone else experienced this or something similar with their osteoarthritis please?

While I am on the subject would like to thank Fanny who included dancing people on the thread title. Brilliant idea which saves so much time when checking whether ( or not) we have made it onto Active.
Checking out fir now, greetings to all hipsters and knees too of course.

Have we done something to offend GN maybe, because once again these posts are not on Active, so its only those in the know who know we exist. Will press the button to send but not hold my breath.

It can take a few weeks to start to feel better. I read somewhere its the closest thing to amputation. So, while its understandable how you feel you will begin to feel much better. Its good you have a husband who us helping. I hope his chemo is going ok but its another worry for you both.
Getting into a car can be awkward but if you put a thin plastic bag on the seat you can get in and swivel round, it really works and makes things much easier.
Go to the hospital and ask your questions. They will reassure you. You will be fine, but patience is required ( just remember you have had major surgery).

2 weeks tomorrow since op. Feeling a bit sorry for myself as nothing seems to be changing. Still swollen ankle, sore leg. Trying to do the exercises, icing, elevating. Nothing seems to make much difference.
I cancelled a physio appointment at the hospital last Friday as had melt-down thinking about how I was going to get in the car! Have to try tomorrow again though, as hospital appointment. Hospital told me on Friday to get urgent community physio to visit home, I did but not heard back from them yet.
Husband on chemo so I am conscious of what he is doing for me, and he has been great.
Just impatient to get going I guess. Then I read that one of you had to have the leg manipulated as it was so swollen. Something else to worry over!
Sorry to moan, but you guys are my lifeline.

silverlining48 I go to Aquafit classes twice a week. I love the underwater exercise! They're just held at a sport centre. Nothing to do with physios.

Pointless getting annoyed but my post has not got onto the Active page. AGAIN!

Oh dear Aveline, that was unfortunate.
I have just finished 6 sessions of hydrotherapy and found it very helpful. Its so much easier to do things in warm water than on dry land' and am sorry its cime to an end.
I self referred and got an appt two weeks later.
Its 10 months since my op, mostly everything is ok now but sitting on the floor and getting up still needs practice.
Susy I use one if those childrens stools to get in and out of bed (am still using it) and find it helps. Might be worth a try.

I didn't bother for my second TKR. No point. Physios caused a lot of problems with my first.

The physio, checks out the knee movement, it's about 6 weeks post TKR.
Bit of advise on what you should be doing, and they measure how well your knee bends.
Everyone should have this.

I had appointment at the hospital and didn't go, so when I rang them they said they really needed to see me to check on me.
I suppose as I am self-funded (through lovely children) and physio part of the deal, they have their job to do!

Why do you need to see a physio? You're walking about, I assume you're icing you knee and raising your legs? At this stage that's fine. Physios can't work magic!!

Hi Silverling. Am not doing too bad. Swelling bit better but comes and goes. Have been trying to do exercises and walking. Up and down stairs a few times a day. Sitting in chair not comfy for long.
Had appointment at the hospital on Friday with physios but couldnt face getting in the car. Now trying to get community physio out as really need to be seen.
Doesn't help that dh is on Chemo half the week. He has been brilliant though.
Main thing is getting on the bed, but using dressing gown belt as was suggested.
Using the adult wipes and dry hair shampoo.
I know I was told to be patient........

Susy hope things are improving since last week. Had the swelling gone down and you are not in too much discomfort.

susytish you are trying to run before you can walk! Please rest and elevate, my mantra.

It's a big yes to swelling and stiffness. No need to buy a leg lifter. Simply turn a walking stick round, fit the curved handle round your foot and lift the stick up. You won't need to do it for long.
Don't try to force a swollen knee. You can't bend a hose full of water. Ice, elevate and walk around.

Just back from hospital this afternoon. Have been given tablets for blood clot avoidance. It seems to depend on the surgeon whether they recommend stockings.
I feel a bit tired and operated leg is quite stiff and swollen, but nowhere near the pain I was in. DH has cooked tea today.
Most difficult thing is getting on and off bed. Different methods shown at hospital. Might buy a rigid leg lifter.
When you are in hospital it is easy to do the exercises as you are on your bed a lot and some exercises are lying down. Now at home I am sitting a bit and I know it is not correct.
I have been given crutches to get around. Physio will start next week.
Is all this stiffness and swelling to be expected at this stage?
I know you have said be patient!
When we have been in constant pain, and it is removed, you just want to get on!

susytish no pain in your knee- that is amazing. I agree with Aveline also elevate your limb and please rest. It is so easy to overdo it but you have had major surgery. As Craig R-H would say, FAB U LOUS.

Great news Susytish! Early days yet so don't be tempted to overdo things. Keep up the fluids...

Well here I am 2 days post op. Not doing too bad. Epidural was amazing. Robotic surgery.
No stockings. All consultants different, this one gives a tablet to prevent blood clots. No pain in my knee, and a nurse pointed out I am not limping. So onwards and upwards.
I appreciate all the advice you have all given.
Will keep you posted!