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

I would recommend getting some sleeping pills if you can. I was prescribed pfenerghan 10 mg and they helped a lot because sleeping on my back for so many weeks was hard.

I don’t recall taking much if any painkillers Apple, I wouldn’t worry too much about that now, though bear in mind coedine can bring on terrible constipation.
A walking stick with a round handle is another option fir leg lifting. as it won’t bend.
There are thousands of posts on this thread so unless you have loads of time, just ask your question , whatever it is. It may have been asked many times before but someone will be happy to help. Or even a few people.
You are very welcome to the thread.

Not all stick handles are curved. Mine is straight, so it would be a liability. I agree that the old-fashioned ones would be ideal.

Applegran

Thank you Charleygirl5. I do have two specific questions I'd be grateful for answers to : I have seen on line leg lifter things - are they a good idea? And also, the hospital is giving me pain killers for I think three days - should I ask my GP practice in advance for pain killers?

The centre at which you have your op 'should' inform your GP of what medication you will need, surely? But everywhere differs so much in their practice. I'd check with the centre before contacting your GP.

I was discharged with a month's course of blood thinner, about a week's worth of codeinephos, a laxative and oral morphine. If I recall rightly I did have to ask my GP for more codeinephos but everything else was adequate. (Actually, I never took the oral morphine because getting a dose out of the bottle was a faff, most of it ended up on my fingers, and I never really needed it..)

Leg lifter? Scarf or towel as suggested or hook a stick handle round it.

I personally think you will need painkillers for more than three days but I would be happy to be proved wrong. You would sleep better at night if you did not worry about running out of drugs.

I do not believe in buying anything. I would use a strong scarf or a towel to get myself in and out of bed. Try it a few times by popping it behind your calf and lifting your leg.

Thank you Charleygirl5. I do have two specific questions I'd be grateful for answers to : I have seen on line leg lifter things - are they a good idea? And also, the hospital is giving me pain killers for I think three days - should I ask my GP practice in advance for pain killers?

Applegran You do not have to take it all in at once. If you have a specific question, please ask, and somebody will, I am sure, answer it. We are rarely stumped because between us, we have vast knowledge, and we like to do it as cheaply as possible.

I have hip replacement surgery on 23 May and have been helped by another thread I started, asking about what I can wear as I recover. I have been grateful for the responses I have had. I have looked with interest too at this thread - and am a bit discombobulated by the range of things I read here! But some is really helpful for me as I approach surgery - thank you - and others make me want to send hugs and good wishes to people facing challenges.

Redcar I so wish I had a long-suffering son or daughter. There is only me.

It is going to be another lovely day, so after I hang out my washing, I may have breakfast outside in the peace and sunshine. I live close to Heathrow, but it is more like the middle of the countryside.

grammargran yes, the back is another major problem for me too. Like you I rely on a stick or a wall to prop me up at times.

charleygirl i think I’m double 39! But in my mind I’m still about 39, and therefore ought to be able to do everything I could do then.😢 I hate having to ask for help from my long suffering daughters.

Oh Charleygirl, how I wish there were a laughing emoji I could use - you are sooooo right, but only marginally, mind!

grammargran Another minor problem that we tend to forget is that we are all marginally over the age of 39.

Thank you Redcar and you, too, Charleygirl. Hope you find your thinking cap. Sorry to hear about your ankle, R, just another bloomin’ inconvenience, like the back - mine complains bitterly if I stand around too long, that’s where the stick comes in handy for leaning on. I honestly don’t think it’s the new hip, I can do most anything I could before flexibility wise, just the ageing muscles! Obviously I must try to take my own advice not to be an impatient patient.

One of the main problems is that this is major surgery, but some almost treat it as a day case. Gone are the days when you would be admitted until your wound was clean and dry, and if you lived alone, offered two weeks convalescence wherever, and then you would be ready to live alone.

I do not understand why your hips are seizing up if you have sat down for a while. I must put on my thinking cap if I can find it.

Hi grammargran. Good to hear from you. I’m progressing ok, but like you,I find it hard to get going if I’ve been sitting for a while. I think I was better back in March and April,but when I think of what I do now, I know I’m still making progress. Unfortunately I have a painful right ankle, which the physio thinks is arthritis so has given me some exercises to do. I haven’t been to the doctor because they will only prescribe painkillers and tell me to see the physio! I can walk a few hundred yards without any walking aids, but then my back protests, so I generally use either walking sticks or the rollator. I do try to pace myself with all the housework and garden tasks, so am sitting outside at the moment, basking in the sun!
My consultant said it would be a year before I’m back to normal, but possibly two years, so we have to be patient I think.

“have” moved onwards and upwards …

Hi Redcar, I see you’re around this sunny morning. How are you progressing? I seem to be at another plateau, reaching the six month mark for our THRs. Weirdly, I don’t know whether I’m doing too much or too little. I was doing really well at the back end of Feb/early March, since then I’ve started to stiffen up again & now when I get up from sitting, I can’t put any weight on my new hip for several steps until I get going. I’m thinking of going back to see one of the physios at the hospital to check it out (might as well take full advantage of the extortionate self-funding cost!). All the exercises are very easy now and cause no pain, it’s just this wretched stiffness, and I wondered if you were experiencing it or and moved onwards and upwards! Actually, answers from anyone appreciated!

WalterAlter Only apply moisturising cream when the wound is completely healed. There is nothing specific; Nivea would be fine if you have any. Your skin would appreciate it if you applied it and left it to soak in, and the next time you apply, you could apply with whatever pressure the knee pain allows you to do so.

Bea we are all different, and it does not help you, but I was in a lot of pain day and night post-surgery for nearly two months. Please take pain relief as and when you need to; you will not become addicted.

WalterAlter I recommend DERMOL cream which was prescribed by dermatologist as have dry sensitive skin …I can say 100%.it has worked on my THR scar very successfully and if your scar is itchy this will prevent healing , I would definitely recommend this to you🤞🏻good luck
You can buy from the pharmacy not sure how much it costs but it does work

Hello Walter. Congratulations and welcome to hips and knees. I had a new hip, but plenty of advice available for new knees and someone will be along shortly to help.
As for scabs that means it’s healing so will be dry, I think Vaseline might help but don’t dislodge the scab until it’s ready to go.
If there is anything particular you want to ask let us know, otherwise there’s lot of advice on this thread. .

Good morning everyone. It’s a nice sunny May morning and so far. I’m two weeks post knee replacement op and wondering if I can ask for your tips and advice on a getting a good recovery.

One thing is how to look after my wound as it currently healing and looking ugly and scabby and the skin looks rough - is there a cream or lotion that I can use?
Thanks for any tips etc you can pass on

bea it’s distressing when trying to sort out one health issue leads to others! Orthopaedic surgeons are apparently known as “carpenters” in the medical profession!
I hope you can get some answers soon regarding your painful knee.

Charleygirl5 I don’t have a temperature but yes knee still noticeably inflamed ..beautician noticed and refrained from massaging the right lower leg all part of the luxury pedicure in case it made it worse…

Yes you’re probably right..the ingrown toe nail has been treated before by the podiatrist who said I might need the nail to be removed..can’t cope with any more issues ATM🙃

Nannytopsy

Bea65 I took the pain relief because you can exercise more when you are comfortable and that helps healing. Also I took painkillers at night in order to sleep. You will feel more human. They will not harm you and you can give them up when you don’t need to take them any longer.

I’m still taking 2 co-codomal and naproxen at night but still waking up with stinging knee pain at 1-2am every night..think consultant twisted my knee/leg a lot during surgery..have been told that they operate like carpenters when they have you on the op table!

What a difference it makes being told that somebody has replied.

I agree you should not stop taking your pills Bea, especially at night, if they work.

If your knee is inflamed, do you feel okay? Have you got a T, or is it mainly the operated leg that has a problem?

I hate to tell you, unless you have had minor surgery, your ingrown toenail will grow in again.