Knee Replacement

[Barsel]

Saw the orthopaedic surgeon yesterday who has told me I'm going to have to have a knee replacement at some point this year..
Have never had anything replaced before, and I'm dreading it.
I've known of people who have had this done and are in more pain than they were before.
It also worries me about how I would cope with day to day living being on my own after the op without a carer.
Have you had this done or know someone who has?
Are there any good stories about having this op?

[Bonefixer1]

Your alternative is weight loss if required and exercise, combined with walking aids and painkillers.
The benefit of exercise is understated. Get in a gym, build some muscle - leg press, squats, exercise bike etc. It’s hard, and the majority don’t do it but it’s extremely beneficial if you do.
There’s always an option not to have surgery, and there’s no such thing as an operation that can’t make a situation worse.

[Sqad]

////////There’s always an option not to have surgery, and there’s no such thing as an operation that can’t make a situation worse//////

LOL.lol very, very true.

[bednobs]

Hi i have had both done. Although i was significantly younger than you, i also had other problems which made recovery more difficult. my first one is brilliant, my second one less so and with a limited range of movement. I was offered serial casting afterwards to inrese it, but i declined - by that time i had had absolutely enough of being in hospital and couldnt bear seeing the place any more. It's 80% better than it was before and that was good enough at the time. it took about 6 months before it felt completely normal, and not like i'd had someone elses leg reattached!
having also had both hips replacd, i concur knees were harder

[alavahalf]

Thirty years ago I was in a lot of pain as I had no cartilage in one side of my knee, due to an accident. Back then I was told I needed a knee replacement, but they wouldnt do and said I was too young. However after struggling on for years I got to the point where I ended up on crutches due the pain. So it was 5 years ago I had it done. For me it was unbelieveable. The day I left hospital the physio said she would have me walking a mile within a month. I said I hadnt walked a mile in the past 25 years. Believe it or not I walked my first mile on day 2 after the op.
Yes I did need the pain killers like oxi contin and oxi norm, but after my first visit to physio they told me not to bother going back. I am working reduced hours at work now and only cover around 10 miles a day, but a year ago I always walked more than 15 miles a day. Not bad at all for someone who previously couldn't walk at all.
It has just gone on to get better and better, I have no thought or feeling about it not being my knee. I can kneel on concrete without hesitation, the only thing I back away from, is very heavy lifting.
Having spent years working with the disabled I can relate to their being many people who wish they had not had their knee done, but in my case, no regrets.
One bit of advice after the op would be to get your favourite chair and a sleeping bag and live in the chair day and night until you get more mobile.
Good luck !

[Sqad]

Alavahalf ...you had a good surgeon in a prestigious unit.

[jennyjoan]

Barsel you may be offered a few days respite rather than carers but worry about that nearer the time

[alavahalf]

Sqad .. I never did find out who the junior Doctor was .. the one who was always chasing the nurses and collecting their phone numbers !

[Sqad]

Alavahalf......lol.

[Giggsie]

It’s coming up to 3 years since I had my knee replacement never had an issue yes pain when done but day by day it got easier.. would not hesitate to get my second one done. As long as you do what you are told and exercise.

[Barsel]

Bonefixer1/// Get in a gym, build some muscle - leg press, squats, exercise bike etc. ///

I'm a 74yr old lady who has Seropositive Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoporosis, and have had difficulty walking for a long time now.
I was referred to the Orthopaedic consultant by my Rheumatoid consultant with a view of talking about options but unfortunately, I was given any. I have heard of things like arthroscopy but don't know whether that might be suitable, I wasn't given an opportunity to ask.
Will phone the Rheumo nurse next week to see if she can help with some advice as I know she will spend more time talking to me about it as will the Rheumo consultant. I got less than 5 mins yesterday.