Returning home after surgery

My son's FIL, and my brother, have both had both knees done in the last 2 years, both discharged the day following surgery each time. Physio begins prior to surgery, and stairs assessment before discharge. A lot depends on how you feel, and your confidence in climbing/descending the stairs with crutches. The exercises are so important especially to get your knee to the 90 degree angle.

I wonder if you have been warned that your leg/knee will remain swollen for some time (months possibly) post surgery? Patients are generally warned about this, but so many are surprised that the swelling remains for so long. The swelling will settle. My brother complained so much about it! Some people are lucky in that their swelling disappears more quickly.

Good luck. It is awful for you that your husband is unhelpful.

You could ask your DH to go up the stairs behind you if you don't feel confident.

Jaxjacky

I believe, but happy to be corrected, you won’t be discharged until you can climb stairs.

Oh good.
That was something that was concerning me too
Mind you, I am not very adept with crutches.

Scaredycat do you have a downstairs loo and wash basin? Could someone else move furniture and bring a bed downstairs? If you would feel more confident sleeping downstairs for a time, then that is what you should do.

I feel so sad for you, that's so unkind of your husband.
If you don't think you will feel confident it honestly doesn't matter what others have done.

www.gransnet.com/forums/health/1329958--Hips-and-Knees-part-4
There’s a lot of advice and experience in this thread Scardycat

Me too...Had TKR. as soon as I could manage the stairs I was discharged. They show you how to use your crutches, going up the stairs .
You don't need any changes to your home except check mats are not in your way, in case you slip.
With Hips they "loan" you equipment but not TKR. I have had both hips and one knee so far...
Good luck, it will soon be History and no pain.

My neighbour had knee replacement at 68 and slept downstairs for several days as did an older lady opposite. Both were not confident and the older lady’s stairs were exceptionally steep.

Hi, I’m sorry to hear you need a new knee, but you will be assessed regarding the stairs before you are discharged. If you aren’t offered this then insist you are shown how to do the stairs. Remember to go up the stairs good leg first and down stairs you lead with your operated leg (good to heaven, bad to hell). You can ask for an extra crutch so you can keep one at the top of the stairs for when you get there. Good luck with your op it will be worth it in the end.

Do you have a daughter/ son / sister /brother/ friend you could stay with for the first week
I think your husband is being unkind and unfeeling and I d ask someone else and leave him to his selfishness for a week

I’ve had both knees and one hip replaced.
Had to climb stairs before I left hospital and yes, part of the exercises.

Is there any particular reason for you to think you won’t be able to get up the stairs ?

You've 2 problems, imo.

Clue, second is your real problem.

1. I've had both knees done TKR, I was only discharged after I could go up and down stairs. Done and dusted.

2. My husband and I (60 yrs married) do for each other, we attempt to be the best partners possible. If my husband dared tell me he wouldn't do an easy task for my recovery - I'd go stay "Chez Daughters" and we'd see where we proceeded from there. It would not be pretty around here!

My neighbour climbed the stairs after having his knees done (one nee first then later the other). They did not bring a bed downstairs.
I think stair climbing is part of your rehabilitation to be honest.

Get well soon!

I meant to say, the “stairs” they used in the hospital were like 3 wooden treads. Joke really.

I’d be hurt too! If I were you I would be in no rush at all to be discharged. When my Mum had knee replacement she had to show them she could manage stairs before they let her home but she was in her 80s then.

Have you any children who would be more understanding?

By the way there are stairs and stairs! I’ve been in several houses where the stairs are so steep they are almost vertical.

You poor thing , it is very daunting to be expected to do everything post surgery that you can do today .
I only had a hip done a few years ago , but was shown how to manage on the stairs before I went home on the third day
Actually it wasn’t a problem and handier for the bathroom at night
I know a knee is different , someone with up to date information will be along to help here xx

I thought that too Jax.

I believe, but happy to be corrected, you won’t be discharged until you can climb stairs.