I am due to have a TKR on my right leg on 17th March and was hoping you lovely folk might help me get prepared. Given the huge waiting lists on NHS we are using a chunk of our savings to get it done at our local Nuffield hospital, but they don't link with occupational therapy so I have no idea what equipment might be useful or essential post surgery, so if anyone can share their experiences of what I might need I would really appreciate it.
I have a list of physio exercises to practise ahead of surgery so I am familiar with them to do post surgery, and I am walking about 2 miles a day in 2 sessions to try and strengthen my leg muscles in preparation. I have to lose a stone pre surgery, 9 lbs down since Christmas, so a sensible diet and walking regularly will continue.
Thanks for your help. Xx
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If you live alone you will need a table in the kitchen or a trolley to put your food on. I found something with big pockets useful for carrying small things e,g a small flask of coffee whilst still using 2 sticks.I was able to get up from bed and chair and toilet and do stairs, although I found the settee more comfortable than bed to start with. Good Luck
Thank you. Happily I live with my hubby, who can't cook but can use the microwave😂. I wonder if a small crocheted bag might be useful for carrying things in the house....perhaps I can make one ready.
I haven’t had knee surgery… but when I had my foot operated on my best friend was a little vegetable trolley on wheels….. because if you are on crutches you need both hands free….after a bit of practice …..you can nudge the trolley along with the crutches! Just make sure you have firm lids on anything that can spill!
Can’t help with knees but when my husband had his hip done a few years ago I found this site and it proved to be very useful bonesmart.org/about/
Sounds like you are doing all the right sort of things by getting yourself fit before you go in for your operation. I think that makes a big difference, I know the physio who came in after he had his hip done commented that he must have been fit before the op.
Doing the physiotherapy afterwards as you realise is absolutely vital - you sound like you’re well aware of that though. We have a friend who has just had his second knee done and I persuaded him to invest in Nordic walking poles - before his operation - and the hospital physios he worked with before and after were very impressed that he had them. They help with your balance and take the weight off your knees and hips.
Ice packs are worth getting - we’ve got a couple of nice physio packs that freeze and remain pliable but I also bought a box of single use ones from Amazon - you twist the bag and they freeze up - the hospital use them too because I was given on pe in casualty when I broke my wrist.
I like the sound of AC’s trolly on wheels and one of those travel mugs with a screw on lid might be useful … and dare I say it a little bell to ring when you need to attract your husband’s attention 😉
You might find it worth paying privately for physiotherapy after you’ve had your operation but you’d need to look around and find a good physio who specialises in knee replacement physio. Some are better at some things than others.
Thank you for the excellent suggestions. Haven't got a bell but I could dig out my old play ground whistle😂. The charge for private surgery included some follow up physio, but I could investigate private physio just in case. The hospital supply a cryo cuff for icing, but I have a pliable freezer pack .....My zoo keeper daughter is clumsy and it comes in useful when she's bashed herself constructing stuff for the animals.
Yes,,,a few sessions with a private physio is definitely a good idea.So is getting a plastic sort of stocking from Amazon that you can put on to keep your wound /scar dry when you shower ,think they are called Limbo.
Yes it is called a Limbo…you can get cheaper ones……but I tried a cheaper one when I couldn’t find my limbo when I had the other foot done …& it wasn’t nearly as good.Be warned…when the warm water hits the plastic..,it feels as if your leg is getting wet…but it isn’t!
Yes, I bought a limbo from Amazon for my arm when I broke my wrist. It’s really good - a nice tight and totally waterproof fit - you do have to give it a good tug to pull it up though.
Thanks, perhaps hubby will help me put it on. My daughter has offered to take a few days off after I get home to help so I think I will be well looked after, if not gently bullied into resting!😂
Oh and the decompression socks afterwards- I put them on ad off for my husband after his hip. Total nightmare because they were so tight. Eventually a friend who uses them all the time said she rubs in CeraVe cream then they go up quite easily - so I did and that worked well. He also had two pairs of compression socks which made things easier too.
hi rounder i have had three TKR i agree with fruit nut case most important is the physio after surgery good luck well worth it pity it is not avaible on the NHS for you take care.
Thanks. The NHS waiting list is huge, and my GP said to qualify I would have to shed 4 stone.....My consultant at Nuffield does the same surgery at the local NHS hospital tells me it's how the local GP's ration care, in his opinion it's unrealistic, particularly if you have conditions like RA that restrict physical activity due to pain. He suggested losing a stone to help with mobility post surgery, I have managed 10 lbs since Christmas so hope to do more than a stone.
Tbh..if it won’t bust the budget do get physio privately…it really is the answer looking forward.Years ago I broke my ankle & at the same time a friend did the same.
I had a job where I had to be able to walk properly…..so I had physio & stuck to my exercises.
My friend said as she worked sitting down…so it didn’t matter.
Apart from old age my ankle is fine….but my friend has really bad OA & can hardly walk…so dig dip & get that physio.
The waiting list for the NHS even when you can get it is so long when I was referred back in July and I’m finally going on Monday!I was advised to go privately by the NHS hand therapist I was working with on Zoom, at that point there was a 16 week waiting list.
Hope your procedure goes well. It's very frustrating but I guess understandable given the last couple of years and the unprecedented pressure on hospitals....My son is a hospital doctor so I have heard about the adjustments made by everyone from porters to consults and every one in between, he worked in a stand alone children 's hospital and they were sending entire ward teams out to work in an over stretched adult hospital running Covid wards. Sad to say both he and his partner have recently left hospital medicine completely for the sake of their own health and wellbeing.
I’m not expecting the physio to do much when I see her. When I told my Pilates group - teacher is a physio - they all held up their hands and told me my appointment wasn’t going to happen any time soon and told me to book with a local guy who is amazing.On my second visit he said if I was prepared to pay privately he could refer me for a private MRI scan. I ended up having three in all and as well as a lot of lumbar problems my pain was being caused by a sacral insufficiency fracture - pretty much what I told my GP what it felt like.
So I do Pilates three times a week - all very gentle and I walk for at least half an hour every day. I do what the physio and my Pilates her told / tell me to do and I avoid the things they told me not to. For me exercise seems to hold things at bay..
So basically I’m going to show willing and to see what the physio has to say, also because I told my rheumy I did not want to take bisphosphonates for my osteoporosis because four months on them left me feeling so ill that I gave them up - he was not pleased - and I think I’m pretty much on my own unless I ask for an infusion of bisphosphonates which I won’t do.
My neighbour is an anaesthetist and she was all over the place at the height of covid not doing what she would normally have done at all.
Hi I worked as a ward sister in elective orthopaedics for many years. It certainly sounds as if you will do well post-op, you gave the right positive attitude. Knees are much harder than hips to recover from, and knee exercises are essential, otherwise you will never get the knee straight and have a permanent link. We used to hold a joint school months before surgery to prepare patients and teach them the exercises to build up the quadriceps muscle before surgery. The only 2 items that nhs advise patients to buy is a helping hand, to help get pants and trousers on, and a device for pulling socks or tights on. You can purchase socks to put over the wound for showering, although you may find they provide you with a few dressings which are often very waterproof. My ward used to admit patients to the private wing when we had bed pressures. Surprisingly physio was very limited, they generally just made sure you could walk to your ensuite, which is not far in private rooms. They also didn’t do stair practice and just provided a leaflet explaining how to do it. It might help to practice stairs prior to surgery. It’s easy to remember going up stairs you lead with your good leg (good leg to heaven), coming down lead with your bad leg (bad leg to hell). That’s how I was taught to remember it. Also after surgery focus on short frequent walks rather than just one or 2 longer walks, to reduce the chance of blood clots. I see their providing a cryocuff to use which is excellent and is also good for pain, if your not quite due analgesics. A long handled sponge or brush for washing feet in the shower will help. If you have a walk in shower a stool to perch on may help. I wish you all the luck, and sorry that it can’t be done on the nhs in a decent timescale. Feel free to contact me if you have any queries 🤗
Maureen that is so kind, I feel sure I will absolutely rely on this forum for support. I am alternating between huge hope for better mobility eventually and feeling slightly sick with apprehension. I will absolutely do the physio, 3 years ago I managed to hurt my back on holiday in South Africa and spent 3 weeks in hospital there before a medical flight home, it was physio that got me moving again and I still do the exercises when my back is sore. Physios are a mixture of amazing and terrifying😂 but they know their stuff, I found stairs scary with crutches back then, but hopefully the previous crutch practice will help.
I may well stay in touch if that's ok, no doubt I will have lots of questions.
Agree physios do a tremendous job, we used to call them physio-terrorists. It’s easy to see the patients who do well, and that’s patient lack like yourself who continue exercises between physio visits. It’s amazing the number of patients who will only do their exercises when the physio or nurse is standing over them. Then they wonder why their not doing as well as others. I’m confident you will do very well. Congratulations on losing your weight, no easy task when we have inflammatory arthritis. I have also got adrenal insufficiency, diagnosed when I had a massive stroke due to a crisis. I recovered well physically but now have memory issues so had to retire. It has meant I’m on steroids gir life as I produce no cortisol, it’s the only hormone bar insulin the body can’t do without. I gained 35lbs when they changed my steroids, and no matter how hard I try I can’t lose it. Tried low carb, don’t snack, tend to leave 1/2 my evening meal due to hiatus hernia I can’t eat the same, yet it still won’t shift. I do walk 2 mile a day, and have an exercise bike. I’m determined I will shift it though. Take care 🤗
Physio terrorists is a great description. The physio in Africa was firm but encouraging, as I left on a stretcher she came to say goodbye and said she knew that my determination would get me back on my feet, and as I struggled to stand and walk she could see the pain on my face but the determination in my eyex.....hubby just says I'm stubborn😅 .Life is challenging when we live with chronic conditions isn't it, and often the meds create other problems. I have asthma and bronchiectasis, and the immuno suppression meds make me incredibly prone to chest infections. The combination of RD and bronchiectasis drive me out of teaching at 55.
Keep trying with that weight loss, celebrate the tiny victories, you will get there eventually. I am basically calorie counting but treating myself to something nice at the weekend, I walk 2or 3 times a day which is definitely making a difference. ....having a little dig gives me a good reason to walk.
I have asthma too, about a year ago my breathing got worse. Had a HRCT scan which initially had me diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis and given a prognosis of 2-5yr. After 7 months coming to terms with this, respiratory specialist said they sent my scans to the Brompton who say I have damage from aspirating stomach acid, quite extensive but not as bad a diagnosis as PF. Thankfully since retiring I rarely get chest infections. In the winter of 2017-2018 I missed 12 out of 14 weeks of MTX and biologic due to recurring chest infections. The price for working on the frontline nhs. However no infections since then, I had to retire in April 2018 when the adrenal crisis resulted in a stroke. I will definitely keep trying with the weight loss. Have just acquired an allotment so hopefully that will help with exercise, hubby will do the more physical tasks 🤪👍
My bronchiectasis came from endless chest infections, I was an early years teacher and small children share their germs liberally. My rheumy at the time was largely disinterested hence the lung damage. I changed consultants and the new one was great, arranged blood tests for immunology and discoUnts lacked a specific antibody...a series of injections out it right and I have been much better since. The bonus of shielding had been no infections for 2 years every cloud has a silver lining they say!
Same here my rheumatologist was disinterested, and the respiratory specialist was disappointed it had all been left to the GP to investigate. It’s all secondary to my AS, which has fused my ribs, so lungs don’t expand, diaphragm therefore got weak resulting in a hiatus hernia, and the aspiration. I’m sure my lack of infections is also partly due to shielding for 2yr. I’m
on 5 immunosuppressants plus 2 steroid inhalers, so been instructed to avoid shops and public transport still. Take care & stay safe 🤗
It sounds like you are well prepared and willing to do all the right things before and after the TKR. That's half the battle won already! I only had crutches and an extra handrail on the half landing for my stair exercises. All the very best to you!
Might be worth messaging allanah as I believe she has had this and still working thro post op process! Good luck I need both mine done eventually but not causing too much pain at the moment they are behaving!
Hi! I had my knee replaced 2 yrs ago and it’s been a life changer! The recovery wasn’t as hard as folk said it would be, maybe because any pain I had felt positive?Keep up with the exercises. I only visited a physio once, other than that I just followed a regime I’d been given. I had a big plaster on the scar so showering was fine. The ice cuff is really handy altho we had to buy our own even tho I went private.
My sister ( who has had both knees done) said that the most important thing for her was the physio afterwards. She actually aimed for, and got back to, playing tennis 'socially' as she called it (i.e. not competively). It might be worth budgeting for this? I've been to the physio at my local private hospital and they have the most amazing facilities and really pushed me hard.
As been said already physio is the most important thing post op. I’ve both knees done . I got myself a small back pack to carry my things up and down the stairs and a travel mug so I didn’t spill any tea or coffee when moving around .ice packs for swelling and when the clips came out made sure I creamed the area to help scar healing.I had both done privately as hubby had health insurance from work and both times found the care and physios were great.
Having a replacement on st Patrick’s day! Hope all goes well for you and you get a green bandage! Flask for drinks and all your things around you will be important 🙋🏻♀️
Frequent cups of tea are a must, don't think hubby realises his prime responsibility yet😂.I shall have my kindle fully primed with novels and word games and crochet close to hand.
I had both knees replaced ten years ago.Exercise is essential post operation to get decent bend.I recently had a hip replaced privately but they did not include physio after.I phoned physio at nhs they came to my home and showed me exercises to do.Physio was great very helpful even got me new crutches and trolley to push that had two trays to carry things about.Hip is doing well now trying to arrange other hip operation afraid nhs wait is too long at eighteen months.Good Luck with your operation.
Hi, I can’t help with a knee replacement but before and after having my wrist fused and later on my big toe fused and others shortened I took arnica for pain, swelling and general post op recovery and symphytum (knitbone)I used 200c arnica but some say 30c is good enough. I had very little pain and swelling and healed very quickly.
I spoke to a homeopath and she said it was fine to take with my meds. I’m on methotrexate and humira.
My husband is 6 wks post TKR . He is quite mobile now still in quite a lot of pain. He had district nurse out for a few days afterwards and to take out staples. Had crutches for a few weeks then just a walking stick. I also bought him summat to wee in so he didn’t have to get up in the night. You won’t be able to carry stuff unless in your pockets etc he has been having physio every week since op. He uses a rubber band which physio gave him for leg exercises also bought a exercise bike thing which you can use seated which is good .. make sure you keep your surgical stockings on for at least 2 wks and Ice ice and more ice .. we used frozen bag of peas ..can’t stress that enough and take the pain killers. Hope all goes well and you will be fine and be able to enjoy getting around for when the better weather comes. Take care
I had mine done last July and found ice on the knee at least twice a day very helpful for getting the swelling down. Take it easy and don’t push yourself too far especially in the early days. Make sure you continue with the physio stuff home. It helps with the bend. Maybe a perching stool for the kitchen may be helpful. Can you batch cook some food and freeze for the first few days as you won’t feel like cooking.
Last thing I would say is take the pain relief regularly for the first month. Even if you don’t feel in pain. Pain can creep up on you and will hinder you moving which you need to keep doing. Good luck and hope all goes well. X
Thanks for the advice. My leaflet from the hospital says to ice 5 times a day and do physio 3 times daily. I think I will freeze some pasta sauces and casserole type meals, and maybe order some prepared veggies in my online shop. Hubby can't Cook but can use a microwave and make tea😂.
I had a TKR on my left leg 3 years ago & I have to say it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. You sound like you’ve got things planned properly & aren’t frightened of the post-op exercises which is great - they are absolutely essential! A lot of people say that the post-op pain is horrendous, but I did not find this. My pain was horrific before having the surgery & whilst it was painful afterwards, I knew that the pain would eventually go away so maybe that’s why the pain was never an issue for me. 6 weeks after my op I self-referred to my local NHS physio (got the form from my GP). I saw her twice & then I volunteered for a 6-week rehab course at my local NHS hospital. It’s a group class where they work on things like balance, going up & down stairs, riding a bike, stepping over items, moving from sitting to standing, etc.I highly recommend it if your local hospital offers it. The physio gave me exercises to do at home every day & then the classes once a week meant I was working on my own but also getting regular input from a professional. The only other thing I would recommend is taking part in the Active Health program offered by your local leisure centre. You have to be referred by your GP but that won’t be a problem after having major joint surgery. I was 6-months post op when I started the classes & whilst I found them hard they were excellent for getting my leg strengthened & helping to restore my quality of life. The 2 main classes are water based exercises in the pool (you don’t need to be able to swim to take part) & a circuits class where you use hand weights & some basic equipment like a static bike, aerobic steps and a yoga ball. The classes helped immensely with my balance & strengthening my leg muscles. The classes & support from the instructor also gave me the confidence I needed to get out & test my knee doing simple things, like walking my dogs, that I haven’t been able to do pain-free for nearly a decade. Like I said, having the op was a life-changer for me. Good luck with yours xx Work hard on the rehab & you’ll never look back
That's really useful information, thank you. It's great to hear positive experiences, I am so frustrated by the pain and limitations of my knee now it's the only option. My surgeon was amazed I walk on it because it's so bent, but sitting round makes my dodgy back worse , he's hopeful that improving the way I walk will reduce my back pain.
I had hip surgery last March and physio exercises are vital. Make sure you work on your arms for the crutches. Speak to occupational therapist to ask if you need anything Good luck. X
I had both knees done one 10years ago other one 9 . Brilliant. Doctor gave me exercises to do for strengthening muscles beforehand. makes recovery quicker . You sit on chair , leg straight lift heel few inches of ground and tighten muscles hold 10 seconds . Do this about 10 times a day . Exercises after very important but well worth it . I lay in bed at night and did exercises (couldn't sleep ) A small skateboard let's you bend it when sitting on a chair ,and an exercise bike is good . Hope everything goes well 🤞
Hi Rounder I had knee 1 done in November after only a four month wait but it got cancelled by 2 weeks due to anaesthetist being ill. I got preassessed and had to be off all steroid and RA drugs starting one month ore op.and different timings for my anticoagulant drugs. Don't shave your legs in the week pre op , they will cancelled if any " nicks".
I got a spinal and sedation which was wonderful as you wake up immediately not feeling sick and in no pain for most if the day. However my biggest piece of advice when it kicks in be prepared for a roller coaster of pain and tears. Do take your pain meds before it gets out of control and I eventually needed nerve pain tablets gabapentin which for me were gane changers.
I had a waterproof dressing on my knee which stayed on 10 days and I had dissolvable internal stitches.
So big tips initially you can use a bandage or dressing gown cord to move your leg out of the bed. All your muscles you bottom and side and back will hurt.
They will get you out of bed next day and you will get home when you can do stairs one at a time . You will get leg lifting and strengthening exercises .
Sleeping downstairs initially maybe more comfortable and a roller tray will be helpful as you can't carry using crutches and a backpack to pit soft things in. I now after 9 weeks can walk a bit but stairs continue to be a problem. I did my first drive in an automatic car 2 days ago as its my left knee done , the road bumps hurt!,
I did not have any Ted stocking , but elevate and ice my leg lots every day.
First few weeks you may only manage the physio exercises, after that you can use a shoe lid to slide your knee backwards and forwards and I just started using an under desk peddler as I could not stop an ordinary bike.
I still haven't been able to get my leg into the bath but showers are fine.
I would get many meals ready in the fridge as standing to do them or sitting at a stool is very painful at first.
I bought a large ice pack from amazon which covers all sides of the knee and also got a tip of using a warm water bottle on the back of the knee which eased it.
They will give you crutches to use first few months.
There is a Facebook group which has been invaluable the knee replacement support group uk ( don't use the USA or international ones there treatments are very different).
So really you don't need a lot of equipment for personally I couldn't have fine it alone first few weeks so I'd call in favours!
Good luck, my next op is in 5 month for my second knee. !! Yikes.
Pm me if I can be of any help before or after op if you need an op buddy x
HI Sounds as if you have had good advise. I have had both knees done at the Nuffield. The ice thing they give you to take home is great. Also I had special crutched with shapes for my hands as I have damaged wrists and hands. I arranged that well before I had the op. I could not leave hospital until I had mastered the stairs. My worst problem, at home, was getting off the toilet. I got a booster seats and a frames. 1 for upstairs and I for down. Saved a lot of embarrassment. We borrowed equipment from the Red Cross for a donation. The physio was ok but I needed more.
The bests tips I can give are to keep loosing weight. You are doing well. Keep it up. Do it slowly - Slimming world and Pinch of Nom are my best help.
I joined a gym with a swimming pool and jacuzzi. I walked up and down in the pool and did exercises in the large Jacuzzi . Warm and takes the weight of your joints.
Later I found Pilates - started with a seated class ( on large gym balls) and eventually got to floor exercises. Had physio from an instructor, who is also a physio, 1 to 1 until I was confident enough. She helped with correcting my walking which was unbalanced after all the problems with my knees. I also do Nordic walking, with poles, our group all have mobility problems so we take it at our own pace. So much more fun with a group and a great instructor who is very knowledgeable and supportive.
Thanks for the insight. I was wondering about a raised toilet seat, maybe it's something to investigate now in preparation. I have the toilet frame from a back injury 3 years ago, also a step for my bed and by the front door to make access easier as I was on crutches for about 3 months. Unfortunately my GP advises against gyms and swimming pools because my immune system is rubbish so don't think I will be able to use a pool of go to a class until Covid is much less prevalent.
I hadn't thought about an online class, that's one to ponder when I can function again. We see a Nordic walking group in our local park, so something for the future perhaps. We have a delightful little dig who gives us a good reason to walk every day too.
That's great Allanah thank you. Happily hubby and grown up daughter will be at home to carry and cook. I sleep downstairs and have a walk in shower which should make life easier. Did you get a waterproof sleeve thing for the shower, and how soon did you start using the cycle thing?I think I will have general anaesthetic because I have lots of lower back problems, last time I had one it made me really sick so not looking forward to that at all.
3 months post surgery we are due to have a short break in a cottage about 2 hours drive away, really hope to be able to go as it's a surprise celebration for hubby's 70th birthday.
I'm sure I will have lots of questions so appreciate the offer to stay in touch.
I too have lots of lower back problems, anaesthetist said ill try a spinal if you don't mind , if it doesn't work it will be a general. I didn't need the sleeve as they put a full length waterproof dressing which I could easily shower in.
I think you need to have realistic expectations, Zuma etc will be very very difficult. You will dread doing your simple exercises even for first two / three months !! You will probably be fine for the husbands birthday!!
If you can get on the UK knee replacement site you will get realistic posts from people having the op today !!
It's definatly a very difficult painful time , you will be tired from lack if sleep and forcing yourself to do things.
I do hope though you are one of the ones out and about in 3 weeks lol !!
My peddler is from amazon and I can now just about use it at 9 weeks! I just got discharged from physio where you have to push your knee onto the bed and get it completely straight to 0 degrees plus bend your leg backwards to over I think it was 110 but I can't remember , but it has to bend back a lot and it hurts , they show you how to do it. If you can't the do a mua ( manipulation under anaesthetic) to break down the scars !!!!
So yes no problem if you want moral support etc . I didn't use a raised toilet seat as you need to get used to bend the knee and you can straighten it in front if you if needed.
You WILL need ice and crutches !!
Sorry to sound so boring but I wish I had been warned pre op !!
Absolutely appreciate the prewarned, I like to have a clear idea of what to expect. Maybe I will look at shower sleeves but not order till I know if I need it....our daughter is great at ordering stuff if necessary.
Do you have Facebook? There is a fabulous page there called Knee Replacement UK. You get the good, the bad, and the ugly in there. But better to be prepared I say. Lots of advice and tips (and links) on rehab.
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Knee Replacement
knee replacement surgery 
4days after knee replacement.
