News0 min ago
Knee Replacement
30 Answers
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?
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?
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My ex had both done, so long as you do the post op exercises absolutely to the letter ( take the painkillers they give you about half an hour before hand) you should be fine. most of the problems seem to be people are frightened of the exercises because they are sore, then the new joint gets locked up And it is far worse sorting that out than it you had put up with the discomfort from exercising. You will according to my friend need the strong stuff for about 10 days she had oxycontin (slow release) and oxynorm (short acting) before exercises.
yes loads! I used to manage a team who gave post op wound care at home to knee and hip replacement patients. Most of them did very well indeed. There will always be a few who have problems post op, nothing is 100% successful but knee and hip replacements are a huge success story. There should be loads of post op information out there and you should be given whatever your hopsital produces well ahead of the op. Here's the NHS info. https:/
my neighbour got it done two years ago - think it might have been on a Thursday - got out like a few days later. I called over to see her and I just couldn't believe how she forced herself to do the exercises. My eyes were watering looking at her but like a few days later - she was out and about like on a crutch but just for a short time. The exercises are very important I believe.
No I haven't had a knee replacement but it is not a "stroll in the park " and it is a bigger deal than a hip replacement, a much bigger deal
You will have pain which will necessitate painkillers which is substantial initially but will eventually wear off over a period ranging from 2 - 6 months, each person responding individually.
You will need a fulltime carer when you get home.
Providing you exercise as directed, you will find the operation well worth while, but don't expect immediate results.
You will have pain which will necessitate painkillers which is substantial initially but will eventually wear off over a period ranging from 2 - 6 months, each person responding individually.
You will need a fulltime carer when you get home.
Providing you exercise as directed, you will find the operation well worth while, but don't expect immediate results.
barsel it will be one of the things that the knee replacement pre op process addresses and how this is done will vary from hospital to hospital. do try nor to panic ahead of yourself. Make a list of your questions and worries and then you will know what to ask when you are called for pre assessment. Up until you are actually having the op you can change your mind at any point. You can go on the hospitals website and have a look at what they say about the process and they may also have the info for you to download.
I have a dodgy knee (too much squash) which will almost certainly require some "attention" in the future. The sawbones I consulted said there is a saying in the bone business - "If you can walk away from a knee replacement, walk away!"
That said, there comes a point when life becomes intolerable and you have to have it done. I know three or four people who have had replacements and all were very successful. But as mentioned, the post-op physio is vital. One of my mates did not bother too much and he had problems, but he eventually got it sorted.
That said, there comes a point when life becomes intolerable and you have to have it done. I know three or four people who have had replacements and all were very successful. But as mentioned, the post-op physio is vital. One of my mates did not bother too much and he had problems, but he eventually got it sorted.
You won’t need a full time carer afterwards. You won’t be discharged until you’re able to look after yourself.
Outcomes are generally good, providing you’re bad enough beforehand to actually need one. A knee replacement is not a normal knee, but it’s better than a painful arthritic one.
My username gives a clue to my qualifications - I do this for a living.
Outcomes are generally good, providing you’re bad enough beforehand to actually need one. A knee replacement is not a normal knee, but it’s better than a painful arthritic one.
My username gives a clue to my qualifications - I do this for a living.
No idea what happened there?? I live on my own and I think this forces you to do things that other family members might do for you if they were around. Do the exercises, take the painkillers (if required) and give yourself time. Was back driving after 8 weeks. I need my other knee done now and although I'm not exactly looking forward to it, I know what's ahead and I will cope. You will get all the help you need.
Useful info here about recovery if you haven't read it https:/
"Thanks for your answers. At least I have plenty of time to mull this over, but I just wish there were some other options open to me."
That's one of the questions you can ask the pre op team. People do refuse surgery, or can't have it for some reason. The alternatives involve walking aids, perhaps a wheelchair and increasing pain relief. Joint replacement teams (and the NHS) don't want to do joint replacements where they are not wanted. There are always many more people needing them who want one. Your surgeon may well have said "going to have" but a better way of putting it would have been "going to be offered"
That's one of the questions you can ask the pre op team. People do refuse surgery, or can't have it for some reason. The alternatives involve walking aids, perhaps a wheelchair and increasing pain relief. Joint replacement teams (and the NHS) don't want to do joint replacements where they are not wanted. There are always many more people needing them who want one. Your surgeon may well have said "going to have" but a better way of putting it would have been "going to be offered"
