anxious about knee ops.

[patientpat]

Hello,

I wonder if anyone could give me some helpful advice on how to prepare myself and recover from knee replacement surgery, which I have postponed because I am very anxious about how it might affect the other existing health problems I have and of course the possibility of a blood clot. I am 67 years old.

I am due to have both done but not at the same time.

I have multiple conditions that include Lupus, Antiphospholipid Syndrome, Severe Osteoarthritis in all my major joints including feet and hands with Cervical/ Lumbar Spondylosis. I also suffer with Gastrointenstinal and skin problems that have all been 'lumped together' under the lupus umbrella.

These conditions impact on my daily functioning and cause me a great deal of pain with movement. I also just wonder how I am going to cope with the recovery/rehabilitation.It just feels such a lot to have to deal with but I know it has to be done.

16 years ago I underwent a major Osteotomy/Anterior Cruciate repair on my right knee, which was partially successful in that it repaired my knee and straightened my leg but left me with constant pain on movement. Now I need to have a full knee replacement and the three metals screws have embedded themselves in my knee bone/joints making the operation longer and higher risk for infection etc.

Having said that I do try to keep moving and do gentle exercise. I take various herbal supplements and eat a good diet(could be better)

.Medication is Hydroxychloroquine,Aspririn and Naproxen. I know there is no 'magic bullet'.There are risks in having it and risks if I don't. After this one I have to face having the other one done so i'm finding it a bit difficult to deal with.

I want to give myself the best possible chance of a successful outcome under these circumstances by preparing my body/mind before the event and have a self help regime inplace for after.

Any relevant and helpful suggestions would be most welcomed. Thanks.

[patientpat]

Hello Londinium,

Thanks for your reply and the advice about vitamin D.

I was under the impression that the Lupus UK community had amalgamated with the Healthunblocked community forums but guess not from your reply, so I am going to post my query there as well.

[patientpat]

hello Londinium,

Thanks very much for clarifying the forum situation as I didn't know that. I will follow up your links as they are more appropriate.

[patientpat]

Hello Londinium,

Thank you again for taking the time to reply and telling me about these other forums on HU. They should keep me busy for a while.

Kind regards

,