👯‍♀️ Hips and Knees part 7

When I was deciding/ waiting for my new hip op date there were days when it didn’t hurt and I wondered whether I needed the operation or not, then there were days when the pain came back, especially after I had a guided injection, so decision was made for me, the pain post injection was unbearable.
Thing is your knee is only going to get worse, not better and suppose it depends on how much pain you can bear.
Recovery from hip surgery is probably quicker and more straightforward than knees. I do understand your dilemma.

I’ve got to decide soon whether to go ahead with aTKR. Since I saw a physio last year I was doing the exercises she gave me religiously every day. But I stopped doing them at Christmas time because the intermittent stabbing pain in my knee was permanent and I’d resigned myself to having the op. However I recently restarted the exercises but missed some of them out. Then was sofa bound for several days with a nasty cold. I then spent most of yesterday working in my garden and, blow me my knee is painless for the first time in ages. Is it the rest, the weather getting warmer? Or all the medication I’ve been taking for my cold? Rather questioning my own sanity about it at the moment .

I had my THR at the end of October and have done generally very well. However I’m still getting bursts of nerve pain over the top of my affected foot especially at night. Getting up and walking around settles it for a while but the extra disturbance at night isn’t helping. It never seems to coincide with me needing the loo. Has anyone else had this and did time do the trick or do I need to accept this as my new normal?

Topsy, just spotted your post.

I think it’s about medical cement which for some reason we get most of from Germany. They have problems at present and fir the next couple if months, so what we have has to be saved for trauma operations rather than elective ones until this sorts out. Apparently we have some from Holland which will help. But why can’t we provide our own.

I am so sorry. I am beginning to think they couldn't organise the proverbial in a brewery and like you, I was unaware that the 20th was close to the start of the month.

The only good thing will be that as it is later there is less likelihood of frost for trips and falls.

Informing patients is an afterthought there.

Try not to fret over it but I wouldn't be a happy bunny.

The German firm that make 80% of the UK’s bone cement has a breakdown in their production line and it will be some weeks before it is back to strength. Hospitals were told to prioritise trauma and emergency cases.
Addenbrookes said today that anew supplier has been found.

What is all the talk about a shortage of the special cement causing delays?

This is the second cancellation because he is unwell. The last was a month ago. A lack of communication I think.

That’s disappointing nannytopsy. W I’ll you have to go through all the pre op stuff again? I hope the hospital doesn’t “lose” the surgeon again!

Oh how disappointing topsy. I hope you get seen when s/he is back, given you have the upset of cancellation.
How can they confirm on Monday for Friday the same week without being aware of this phased return. Implies the surgeon has been away.
I am sorry. 😞

And 24 hours after confirmation, another person phoned to cancel. The surgeon is on a phased return and won’t be in surgery until “the beginning of March”. When I said that’s next week, she said “well, March 20th”.
You couldn’t make it up!

Give me strength . Just phoned my surgery to arrange to have a steroid injection in my knee as advised by my consultant. Was told I needed to have a telephone appointment with a doctor first. Said there was no point as it had already been decided that I should try the injection. I’m 35 in the queue. Pointed out that I needed to make arrangements when I have it done as I want to do it by the book and rest it for a couple of days afterwards so the dog will have to go to my partners. When I worked at the surgery years ago we used to keep the injections in the dispensary and patients could have them as and when they were needed. I’m trying to save the NHS the cost of a TKR for heavens sake. Every time I have any dealings with my surgery I ended up all shaky and angry.

Keep it up Jax. I’m sure you will get your confidence back.
I have been confirmed for Friday - no shortage of bone cement here it seems. I will be back on the other side!

Much better to be safe rather than sorry Jaxjacky.

Jax I don't think you are being overcautious, just careful.

I was taught, albeit 100 years ago that crossing of legs was forbidden for life and in your case, I would forget about it unless you get permission from the consultant himself.

Sorry, I meant to feedback after my appointment a week ago.
Basically keep on keeping on, I’m still on restrictions (90deg, no bending, leg crossing etc) for up to 3 months, 5 weeks today.
I’m now on one crutch for most of the time, a lot of it is my self confidence which has had a battering.
God forbid, if it happens again, they’ll operate - I do not want a recurrence at all, hence over caution!

Fingers crossed for you, Jax 🤞

Sorry to hear that Jax, I used a stool to help get me into and out of bed which helped and did my best to keep to the 90 degree rule. Different surgeons have different views about post surgery management, which makes one wonder.

First one was sitting in suitably high chair, feet on floor, knees together legs moved left.
Second one, getting out of bed (which is elevated).
However, the hip felt unstable after the first relocation in hospital, this second one feels better - I hope, tomorrow will tell.

'curious', aka 'nosey'...

Please, Jax, how did your new hip become dislocated?

I was very sad that you had to endure that particularly as you'd already been traumatised by your accident and first THR. But I've been so curious...

I think it is confusing when one is told to do the chest hugging whereas I learned it was not to be done. Jax because of your bad luck, I would be extra careful and I personally would extend the 6 week rule for certain activities.

If this rain continues swimming will be your main activity.

Just shows how it varies, I’ve had the 90 degree rule from day 1 for 6 weeks, no twisting, no low seats/toilets etc. I’m 4 weeks along from last dislocation, consultant tomorrow, a bit exuberant exercising yesterday so it aches today.

Nannytopsy

I’m just back from my physio and occupational therapy advice session. I am very reassured by the advice given and now I just have 14 days to wait.
The latest advice is that dislocations are very rare ( I’m so sorry Jax ) and that the instructions not to bend beyond 90 degrees, not to turn etc don’t seem to make a difference. Phew. I did wonder how to survive without any bending.
Onwards!

I've been saying that ever since my THR 18 months ago because that is just what my physio told me.

In fact, one of the early exercises he gave me (from about 3 weeks on) was to bend my operated leg at the knee and try to hug it to my chest (lying down, of course).

I. glad to see that someone else has been given the same information