👯‍♀️Hip & Knee Replacement #3 👯‍♀️

Has anyone had the Spinal Anaesthetic or Epidural for hip surgery? I had the general one last time and I've heard that the other methods have less after effects. But not sure if I want to be awake. I know you can get sedation so you are not really present.

I'd love to hear someone's experience of it?
I'm due to go in for hip number two at the end of this month.

Happy New Year and Hip, Hip Hooray for those who have decided to do something about the daily, nagging limitation of hip and knee pain. I’ve read this latest thread with interest since my DH has just had a TKR and he’s now 10 days post surgery.
A lovely, helpful Cornergran was able to offer some really good advice and the whole experience has made him focus on recovery in a very positive way.

It would seem clear from the professional advice he’s received, and that of friends, that the benefits of very early exercises/rehab/Physio/movement etc., cannot be too strongly stressed. Taking care to recover from such surgery, resting, elevating and icing are vital; but anyone thinking (not any of you posters 🤞) that healing is all and the knee will once more miraculously behave as it should - and of it’s own accord) could be in for a disappointment - so both Surgeon and Physios have warned.

He was released from the Clinic here in France 2 days post op’.
Physio started the day after surgery via a machine which automatically and very gently raised and lowered his leg. The flexion was set at 35. We have been provided with a machine here at home and his flexion is now comfortable at just over 90. Next he will need 110 before he can comfortably travel in a car, so although he was able to walk unaided 7 days after surgery, he is not allowed to travel seated in an Ambulance to Physio, he still travels on a stretcher, which also avoids the climb into the vehicle. 15 Physio sessions are included in the government care package and daily trips for that are necessary. The Physios are cautious and kind and no one pushes for super-early results, only sensible progress. The Nurse who visits every day for a month to check his health and give an anti-coagulant injection, doesn’t deal with stockings, but we have 2 monster carrier bags of drugs, injections, dressings etc from the Surgeon via the Pharmacie here and a machine to use to reduce swelling, pain etc via icy water pumped into a wrap for the leg. Both machines are used 3 times a day - it’s all go here!

However……every cloud……DH has just insisted on making me tea. It’s lovely to see him so positive and upbeat and really looking forward to a life when guaranteed knee pain and no sleep just from a stroll on the beach is no longer part of life’s plan.

So good luck to you all and please be pro-active with regard to Physio. Push yourselves just enough to see a gradual change and so that you really reap the benefits of your surgery.

Sorry about your other hip Susie, yes best get onto the list as soon as if you can. I am
Still deciding whether to have my big toe fused, or not. It’s painful walking but mostly I try to ignore. Really not sure what to expect with that.
Enjoy your 🏊‍♀️ swim . The nearest I get to water is hydrotherapy and my bath ( which I am particularly pleased about).

Hello all , yes this weather is so depressing. Not good for walking. I’m glad I have been able to go to the gym.
I’m also looking forward to going back to my swimming next week having had 4 weeks off following my very successful cataract . Quite anxious though regarding my other hip now which is really uncomfortable. Hey ho ,think I may contact my surgery and get the ball rolling as I’m sure the waiting list is even longer now 😕.I think I have to go via a physiotherapist.

Sorry, I ate the cake

Morning all, another wet day which means staying home as I have clearly become a fair weather walker. I am soooo fed up with all the rain which seems to have gone on fir weeks.
Henetha how are you now? Hope your pain has reduced.
Have a good weekend everyone. [cake]

www.skechers.co.uk/women/shoes/skechers-on-the-go-flex---charm/136408.html

This is a link to similar susy. Hope it works.

As silverlining says any easy on and off soft shoe or slipper with a back will be fine. Please don’t be so anxious, you’ll have good advice from the hospital and will soon be on the mend.

Süsy, Most slippers with a back will suit. Mine are from Asda. Soft and comfy. Rubber soles. Easy to put on without a shoe horn. Sludgy pink with a bow £5. Or maybe £6.
Glad you have been sent more info. Easy to say, but try not to worry. It’s a bread and butter type op. You will be fine.

Cornergran, is it possible to photograph them. They sound ideal.
Today I got a booklet from the hospital ‘Pathway to recovery’ Total Knee Replacement Surgery - with pictures!

I’ve checked susy. The shoes are what I’d call a slipper shape. Have memory foam padding under the foot. No name other than Skechers memory foam. Mine fit well, easy on and off without the need for a shoe horn and very lightweight.

Several brands offer a similar style, including Pavers own. My advice would be go with what suits you. In my view shoes or slippers that fit well make life immediately post surgery a whole lot easier.

Fingers firmly crossed!

Thank you ladies. I'm hoping this is just some temporary thing and perhaps will subside again.

Hope the pain subsides Henetha, as Aveline says, it might be because of the winter weather but don't suffer pain if you can avoid it.

Oh no Henetha. That's very bad luck. My surgeon told me that replacements can last up to 40 years now (if you're lucky). The thought of going through all that again is daunting. Take it easy. Maybe it's some sort of flare up due to cold damp weather?? Hoping so and that it settles soon.

I had my first knee replacement in 2006 and it's been very successful. But this last few days I'm having pain in that knee again, exactly the same sort of pain in exactly the same place.
These replacements don't last for ever, although I believe the life of them is now much improved. I can't bear the thought of another operation at my age so will just have to manage.
Anyway, not much chance with the NHS the way it is.
I don't want to put anyone off having knee replacements. Mine has lasted 17 years so it's been brilliant. My other knee was only done 6 years ago so should see me out.

After my first TKR my knee was so swollen I couldn't bend it hence the hoopla!

I had no problem putting my pants on after my knee replacement. I could bend down to my feet and I could also flex to 90 degrees on day 1 so no working around with my picker upper. It would be very different after a hip replacement as I would not have the same flexibility.

Getting in and out of bed was my main problem but I had been given a bandage at the hospital for that purpose. A strong belt would do the trick also.

You need slippers with a back to give you support. I wear slip-on slippers for convenience but I am aware I could easily have an accident.



You need slippers with a back to give you support.

Sorry, no idea at the moment susy. Just normal slip on soft shoes. My apologies, I’ve misled you. Not Pavers make, actually Skechers bought in Pavers where most of my shoes originate. I’ll have a look in the morning, they currently reside under our ottoman bed. Mr C wouldn’t thank me for waking him so I could lift the mattress and look .

Cornergran can you give me details of the shoes please, are they still available?

Hoopla exactly Aveline. Me too.

I remember playing hoopla with my pants after my TKRs!

The hospital physio congratulated me for taking Pavers soft, fabric slip on shoes to use in the hospital. In her view very sensible footwear - mine are pink and sparkly which caused some mirth. I wore them to go home and managed very well.

As far as undies go I had little trouble with pants. I had no problem (TKR) bending from the waist. Sitting down I sort of dangled the pants over the operated leg, hooked them onto the foot and pulled up a little, the non operated leg lifted and bent as usual and job done as I could lean forward and finish the job. Hips will of course be different.

Please don’t sorry too much susyt, it all works out and the staff will advise and help you if you need it.

I hadn’t thought of using the shoe horn, thanks for that. I haven’t bought a grabber yet , will do today.
Also I wondered whether full slippers would be best as I have Pavers slipon ones. Bought so easy to get on.Not much support in them. They would have a back though, so could use the shoe horn.
Any suggestions for makes?

Yes. You can manage pants by deploying the grabber. You'll soon become an expert in manipulating it.

Susytish do get a long handled shoe horn or two. I used mine nearly every day and did so today, nearly 9 months post op when I was buying trainers. You can use the shoe horn to hold up the pants one at a time,, and the grabber to pull them up to where you can reach them.
I wouldn’t be without my shoe horn. £1 in ikea. Bargain.
Good luck with the dieting, not long to wait now. I am doing similar.