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

I’ve just spoken to someone about the letter I’ve received re my referral and it seems that I have not received the original appointment letter asking me to choose a hospital . At least I’ve been able to tell them that I’m not available till October. I’ve also been given a telephone number to book the blood test I asked for but I’ve realised it doesn’t include thyroid or cholesterol. And my physio can’t understand why my GP won’t let me have a bone density check. I just think that dealing with the NHS post pandemic is like an uphill battle.

My knee and leg must be abnormally huge because a knee support I've just bought which is universal for for men and women only just fits .

Your feet wont necessarily swell to any great extent teabagwoman. Mine didn’t yet they do swell occasionally particularly in hot weather etc.
You will be able to deal with anything needed post operation when you come across a problem.
There are plenty here who can help. Just ask.

Try not to spend extra money; instead, make do with what you have.

I also have very wide feet, which makes it a nightmare trying to find slippers. I don't mind snipping a cheap pair to fit my wide feet. If you have swelling, at least you know it will be temporary.

Are you aware you will have to sleep on your back for six weeks? Preferably with a pillow between your legs to keep the operated hip in place.

I think you should mention to your surgeon about the wrong advice you were given about shoe wear. He may be blissfully unaware.

I’ll have a look at the elastic laces Charleygirl. I have found a pair of slip on trainers, on line, that have a high front and look pretty supportive so I’ll see if they will do the trick. My difficulty is that my feet are very wide so even my slippers don’t leave much room for swelling. To buy an even wider pair of my usual ones would be very expensive.

I was expecting a letter from the hospital about my referral ( the doctor said I would get one). But I’ve just received a letter saying I haven’t chosen which clinic I want to use. I didn’t know I needed to choose a clinic. At least there’s a phone number I can ring tomorrow.

teabagwoman I am putting my ex-professional hat on and I am appalled you were told to wear slip-ons as that, along with Skechers, are the last items you should have on your feet.

I buy lace-up shoes from Hotter, and if I needed surgery, I would purchase elastic laces from Amazon. Using the long-handled shoe horn, you should be fine.

I find it more comfortable to wear slippers with backs indoors because they can accommodate swelling and are more relaxed than shoes.

If you buy elastic shoe laces for your trainers, make sure they are long enough. You can practise before surgery.

You are on your way. Long handled shoe horn is a great start,
When is your operation?

Thank you ladies, that’s very helpful. I have a long handled shoe horn and I’ll make sure I take it with me.

teabagwoman I was told specifically not to wear slip on shoes or slippers after the operation. My feet and legs were very swollen after the operation and I wore slippers in hospital (with backs) and also to go home in because I couldn’t get shoes on. After a couple of weeks I was able to wear trainers and still wear them!

Silver girl how are you doing.? Hope you are getting on ok.

I mean support re Skechers not protection.

Congratulations teabagwoman, that’s exciting. Personally I wouldn’t wear slip ons and am surprised the hospital have suggested it. The shoes you have will be fine but it would probably help to use a long handled shoe horn, or a short handled would do. Ikea have them if you are nearby.
I am very attached to my range of shoe horns and use them still.
You are right, Skechers don’t give protection and my podiatrist would not recommend using them.
There is lots of other information on here so have a look on our hip and knee thread (always look for the dancing girls 👯‍♀️ 👯‍♀️) and don’t hesitate to come back with any questions, concerns or advice because there is too much to take in on our very long help thread. There are many of us with experience and all are happy to help.

I have a date for my hip replacement op! I saw the consultant recently and it was going to be at least another 9 months if I waited for the NHS so I’ve bitten the bullet and gone private. I’m in my late 70s and have sight and hearing impairments to cope with as well.

Can anyone advise me about what shoes to get for after the op..The hospital specifies slip-ons, something I haven’t worn for years as I have arthritic feet and live in wider fitting, lace up trainers that accommodate my orthotics. I did try Sketchers when I had a foot operation but hated them. They felt too soft and unsupportive. I really don’t want to shell out £100+ for shoes that I will only wear for a short time. Any advice will be gratefully received.

It’s only on the inside of my knee. A stabbing pain. No pain when I’m not walking. And the pain isn’t there all the time. I’m keeping a record of everything I do each day so when I see the physio in a couple of weeks time I can discuss it with her. I stupidly tried to do the one exercise that I struggle with the night before the walk.

Severe to me sounds like a grade 4, bone grinding on bone.

Walking almost 2 miles to me seems like a marathon as I can barely make 1/4 of a mile, with rests, to the bus stop. I have had both knees replaced, and I now have twinges in both hips. I am missing my car so much that words cannot describe it.

I thought the x Ray would tell me exactly where I was with my knee. If I had the money I bet if I went private I’d be given all the information I need straight away. My family just think I’m being a wimp and the knee isn’t that bad. Looking after the grandchildren today and my son can’t understand why I can’t walk to the park with them.

My hip showed mild to moderate arthritis but an MRI scan revealed more details and it’s now classed as severe.

I found a steroid injection very helpful with the as yet unoperated knee. No help for the now replaced knee, possibly it had deteriorated too much by then. We’re all different maybee, I thought the potential for real pain relief was worth a managed risk. Perhaps discuss it with the appropriate medic and have a think.

My x-rays were also noted as moderate arthritis. The surgery physio looked at my very misshapen knee and leg and referred me to MSK where I was immediately referred to a surgeon. . The surgeon asked why I had not been sent to him before as the knee was overdue surgery. I explained systems!

It probably wasn't even two miles and was on a flat pathway. I now feel the way I did when I did another walk several months ago and struggled to get back to my partners house [which was when I realised I had to do something about the knee]. I'm wondering if I should try a steroid injection as suggested by the GP even though I don't think they're a good idea.

You might have overdone the walking with your dog. I can think of no other explanation.

These appointments take forever.

I’ve been doing the exercises given to me by the physio and was really feeling that they were helping a lot. However, on Saturday I did a two mile walk with my dog walking group; walked better than I’ve done for ages so I was chuffed with that. However, since then my knee has been as bad as it’s ever been so I’m pretty deflated. Still waiting to hear of my referral to the hospital. And confused as to why the x Ray just seemed to say the arthritis was ‘moderate’ and yet I really struggle to walk normally. Voltarol etc is making my skin sore, too ( I do have eczema prone skin).

The swelling is a bit better and no explanation offered. I think the ache is coming from the bit of my knee which was completely numb but is now developing sensation again.

What a relief Nannytopsy, good to know!

Has the swelling gone down? Have they said what it might have been?