👯‍♀️ 👯‍♀️ 👯‍♀️ 👯‍♀️ Hips and knees part 6 👯‍♀️ 👯‍♀️

Good news that you’ve finally seen a consultant and that he was helpful. It makes such a difference if they’re prepared to explain things.

Well, I finally got to see a consultant about my knee. He was really nice and not as stuffy as some of them can be. He said I could go on the list for a TKR now or ( I was worried about losing my place on any queue and having to start all over again) have a review in six months time, which I agreed to. I’m also going to try the steroid injection. He also showed me my x Ray which was interesting and reassured me that having to push through the pain when walking wouldn’t cause further damage.

Sympathies Silverlining, it’s so frustrating when you have to wait so long for an appointment. I’m supposed to be seen at the eye clinic every 6 months but it works out at more like once a year.

If only my appointment could be so prompt.

Talking of months away, I was referred to a gastro consultant. I was given a choice of hospitals, and the earliest appointment available is in late June next year, 2026. !
I tried phoning the hospital to better that, but the answer was no, sorry, and my appointment letter for over 9 months hence arrived yesterday.

All I can think of is that, unknown to you, it has taken extra strain. At least with crutches, you are less likely to fall and end up on the floor. At least Tuesday is not months away.

Ive gone back to using both crutches to be on the safe side and I’ll be seeing the physio on Tuesday.

Having done well up to press I’ve had a bit of a setback today as the knee on my good leg has felt as though it was giving way on several occasions. I’m finding this worrying. Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions?

Thank you for your reply Charleygirl5. I fully understand what you’re saying about the likely pain levels and the practicalities of coping around the house and it does sound rather daunting.

I don’t need to decide yet as I’m likely to be waiting another year for surgery. So, I’ve plenty of time to mull it over while I’m hobbling around.

Please, please do not think about having both knees done at the same time.

Pain post op can vary considerably. I was in a lot of pain a month post-op, whereas a friend was able to negotiate stairs very easily a few days post op.

To start with, you do not have a leg to stand on, so washing, dressing and doing basic things would be difficult. You would need good, reliable help at home because you would have mega problems making a cup of tea. At the very least, you would be using a pair of crutches.

I have had both knees replaced, but at different times. This is my ex-professional knowledge emerging. I could go on, but you get the idea.

Hello ladies, I hope you’re all doing well post surgery. I’ve been following your thread with interest.

I’ve had my long awaited orthopaedic appointment and I require both knees replaced. The surgeon has suggested doing both at the same time.

I wasn’t expecting that and was just wondering if any of you have had both done at the same time. I’ve waited a year to see the surgeon and he said probably another year’s wait for the surgery. He was confident I’m a good candidate to have both done together as I’m otherwise fit and well apart from my knees.

Maizie that must have been a shock. Though it’s obviously not great breaking ribs but lucky that the hip remained in one piece.

Thanks MaizieD. Glad to hear that, though you had broken ribs to contend with, very painful indeed, your new hip was unscathed. I’m already feeling much more like my old self with life in general being less of a struggle.

I haven't been to this thread for a while, but as, IIRC, one of the people cheering you on to get the THR a while ago I'm delighted to hear that you are doing so well.

My op was 14 months ago now and I feel completely and utterly 'normal'. There is nothing that I can't do. I forget that I have a 'spare part'...

I did get a few odd pains in my lower leg from time to time for a few weeks after the op, but it stopped after a while.

I regret to say that round about the anniversary of my op I managed to get 3 broken ribs, on the same side as the new hip joint, but it was completely unaffected; solid as a rock.

You are doing exceptionally well teabag, and it makes a difference being pain-free. The simple things in life please us, like buying a loaf of bread and withdrawing money from an ATM.

It’s wonderful to be pain free. My walks are still short but it’s great to be able to get out and not have to cope with the pain. There is a small parade of shops not far from me, with a small cafe, so I can now walk there, shop, use the cash machine, have a coffee and then walk back. Life is getting a little easier every day. Hope your appointment list helps you Silverlining, I have to have a yearly planner to keep them all sorted.

Being pain free is most important of all. I seem to be caught up in a whirl of trying to get appointments for different health tests and my brain is struggling to get around it all, so I have made a list which I hope will help. One appointment is a long wait, June next year!

I couldn't do a 3 mile walk, but that doesn't matter because my knees are pain-free. The brain is disintegrating faster than my joints.

Also retired 23 years ago and am some years past three score and ten.
Just back from a 3 mile walk, lovely to see the trees changing colour, so many acorns on the ground. Squirrels won’t go hungry this winter.

I agree, I didn't realise it was that long. I retired 23 years ago. I don't apologise for passing my three score years and ten.

Goodness we are a page away from a seventh iteration. I am thinking just how much knowledge, advice, help and support there has been on this thread over the last 3.5 years.

You are more than welcome teabagwoman and am so pleased things have gone so well for you.

I was out with a walking group today and walked with a lady who I’d waiting for a new hip ( and knee) who was worrying, but after our little chat she was reassured and much happier. It is brilliant surgery which makes such a difference to so many lives. It wasn’t a long walk, about 3.5 miles, but something I could only dream of 3 years ago.

Keep on going teabag, all the very best and don’t be a stranger, you are now a fully paid up member of the hips and knees support and advisory service. 👯‍♀️ 👯‍♀️ 👯‍♀️

I’m just back from my first physio appointment and I’ve had my stitches out. Everyone seems to be as amazed as I am at how well I’m walking. I’m still using one crutch but I rarely need to put any pressure on it.

I’m still getting a bit of pain in my heels at night but I’ve layered a couple of quilted pillow protectors under the bottom sheet, where my feet come, and that seems to have helped. I’ll try putting a small cushion under my ankles tonight and see what that does.

Thank you for running this thread Silverlining, I’m sure the advice here has made my recovery easier.

Oh ok, best not. I found it more comfortable but didn’t do it every night.
Sounds weird but I remember someone posting a year or two ago, using blown up plastic gloves attached to the foot which raised/protected the heal. Certainly its easy to get bed sores and I remember having a cushion to raise my foot off the bedding worked, sort of, for me.

My physio told me not to put anything under my knees in bed because it would put the hip at an odd angle.
I had sore heels too because I was sleeping on my back. Some of the lying down exercises rubbed up blisters on my heels, but they went when I stopped doing those exercises.