👯‍♀️ Hips and Knees part 7

I am with silverlining, collagen wasn't around when my knees were replaced. I took glucosamine but it did zilch for me.

I agree, all drugs appear to be getting larger. I used to be able to take most drugs without a liquid but not any more.

My knees were glued. When I had ankle surgery, the wound was stitched, and it was painful because I had a POP in situ and it was removed after 7 weeks, so the stitches were embedded. That was 2009 and I still remember!

What’s a POP, Charleygirl?

Apart from the staples, Nannytopsy, how are you doing?

Plaster of Paris.

It has changed its name now because it is made from a different material and I haven't bothered to keep up with latest trends.

I’m doing well thank you MaizieD and the muscle aches are definitely getting better. I’m going to reduce the cocodamol now as I think that’s why I’m lightheaded all the time.
I was disheartened to find I have put on 12lbs in 12 days but then I realised there is a lot of swelling! I shall just steer clear of the scales 🤣

I am unsure what a hip replacement weighs and if it weighs the same as the ball and socket removed. You will slowly return to normal so don't stress by weighing yourself. You have done so well in a short period of time.

I’m glad to hear that you’re doing well, Nannytopsy. I wouldn’t worry about the weight, once you really get going I suspect that increased activity as a result of freedom from pain may deal with some of it. I lost a stone in 12 months.

I looked that up Charleygirl - there isn’t a huge difference. This is all swelling so it will go eventually.
I had 30 staples removed this afternoon which was decidedly ouchy!! Sitting is now more comfortable 🤣

I’ve really struggled to walk for ages now and the stabbing pain in my knee which was intermittent had become permanent. However, for two nights running now I’ve been able to do the evening walk I used to do every night and there is no stabbing pain. I’m questioning my own sanity over it. I’m at my partners and haven’t even been able to walk as far as the beach to walk along I; he’s been walking our dog each day. Unfortunately I’m going home on Sunday. Is it because the weather has warmed up? I’d completely lost my mojo knee wise and had stopped keeping a record of which exercises I’d been doing etc. I’ve had a bad knee for many years and there have been times when it has been pain free which is why I’m still undecided about having a TKR.

If the pain keeps you awake at night or wakes you up, it is a good time. You don't want to leave it too long when you have bone grinding on bone.

Would never advise anyone to do what I have but just be before Covid was told I needed two new hips, right being the worst,, I had Covid a few times badly but I never had the surgery. Sometimes the pain is unbearabe, others not so and in another climate very often pain free? At the moment am having a flare up. I can't understand it. I know if I lost a stone at least it would help and I am trying but do lapse.

Allsorts I have lost 3 stones and while it may have helped a little, it certainly wasn’t a cure for bone on bone hip or knee.
Maybe I haven’t regretted either surgery and I am only 2weeks post THR.

Tipsy, I am pleased that after what I recall were delays and irritations that everything has gone so well. It’s the 4 year anniversary of my new hip and I have never regretted having it done.

Topsy…. Oops.

Having a steroid injection in my knee next week. Will it hurt? Planning to rest it for a few days afterwards, assume that needs to be done?

I imagine it will be uncomfortable at the time, just take it easy for a few days and follow the medical advice. Hope it helps.

I haven’t had one but I’ve heard that the knee can be painful for a day or two afterwards. Definitely rest it and you may need to use ice packs.

What worries me is that I’ve read that they sometimes do scans to see where to inject but the nurse is obviously going to just bang it in in the general direction of where it should go ( I don’t have a great deal of faith in my surgery these days). My neighbour drove herself home after she had it done but I like to do everything by the book otherwise there’s no point in having it done.

I’ve found the Arthritis Uk helpline very helpful when I’ve had questions. Lots of information on the website too.

www.arthritis-uk.org/information-and-support/support-and-resources/online-community/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17250947660&gbraid=0AAAAADBwqpmno4l02PIri5cnrlEQVq1Mq&gclid=CjwKCAjw7vzOBhBxEiwAc7WNry3D58wNHdpj13LvkWnIGHpwhKdA2_zQXOKtBVGCz5S1QF3VbVQOphoC_RcQAvD_BwE

Have had one hip done, and other protesting now! Am using Capsaicin 4x a day and find it really helps

I took my exercise walk ( only one crutch!) to visit a chap in the village who had a new hip 8 days ago. He’s 14 years older than me but is struggling a bit - can’t get in and out of bed etc. His wife is having to do everything for him. While I was there, another man came to discuss hip surgery! Will he be able to drive his motorbike to Germany in August? 🤣 Or Scotland in June? I think that one’s unlikely but if he goes NHS he won’t have had surgery anyway!
My swelling has suddenly gone and sleeping is pretty comfortable now. I’m hardly taking any painkillers and it’s only 3 weeks ago. Really pleased.

Maybee, your knee injection could be guided, when a screen is used. I didn’t feel a thing when I had one in my hip. But I was unlucky, it didn’t work for me.

It’s just been done at my doctors by the nurse so I think she’ll just ram it in anywhere!

These jabs can be painful but no one should ram them in. Good luck 🤞

Perhaps I am doing more than I should? In a bit of pain if I walk without a crutch and at night. I sleep for 4 hours then struggle to get comfortable again.
When is your injection Maybe?