Right total knee replacement

[bernese1225]

I had right total knee replacement surgery on 17th September so just over 2 weeks post op now. I was really scared beforehand especially with having to stop Baracitinib a week before. I know everyone is different but I feel so lucky. So far I’ve managed the pain with paracetamol and codiene. I was offered Nefopam but it made me feel too groggy. I react to morphine so couldn’t have Oramorph. I’ve been doing my exercises religiously and feel I’m getting stronger. Had my wound check at the hospital yesterday and getting in and out of my daughter’s car was a lot easier than the day I came home from hospital. My wound is healing really well, no signs of infection and the stitches have dissolved. The dressing has been removed, scar is lovely and straight with a few little scabs/dried blood at the ends. I was told to clean it with non perfumed soap and massage Vaseline or E45 in.

The physio gave me ergonomic handled crutches with having rheumatoid and they are brill as my wrists have started to swell this week. I’m going to wait a few days to see how the little scabs go then start my Baracitinib again.

My wrist surgeon gave me a steroid injection in my wrist a few month ago and I told him how scared I was to have the op. He told me he believed I’d be totally fine because I live with chronic pain every day. He wasn’t wrong. I just want to reassure anyone with rheumatoid who’s facing this surgery, you can do it!

[Madmusiclover]

we can. Well done you. I had both hips done but am delaying my knee as ra really is rampant atm and I know I’ll struggle with rehab until things are more controlled.

[Neonkittie17]

Well done. 🩷👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🩷

[springcross]

Glad to hear it's over and that you're healing really well, you must be so relieved. 👍

[Fluffontoast]

Well done! Keep getting Well!

[Fruitandnutcase]

We’ll done you! Carry on getting better. I love your wrist surgeon’s logic.

[Pat2542]

Thank you for reassurance. My TKR is scheduled for next week so positive reaction is very welcome

[bernese1225 in reply to Pat2542]

Oh another TKR warrior 🙂 Wishing you a good recovery too.

[BoneyC]

Glad to hear all is well. Out of interest, how long was your wait for surgery?

[bernese1225 in reply to BoneyC]

6 weeks, I have Bupa through my husband’s company. My friend is going into the same private hospital today for TKR with the NHS, I know she saw her consultant two weeks ago and he booked surgery for today.

[BoneyC in reply to bernese1225]

That was swift! Have a good weekend.

[MyLittlePony25]

Thank you for writing such a positive post - I have my tkr in 5 weeks and with psoriatic arthritis I was worried about pain. You are totally right that in that we deal with it all the time! So good to hear you are healing well - hope you are back on your meds soon.

[HeadInASpin]

Well done, now time to plan something nice for yourself as a reward x

[stbernhard]

What brilliant news!!!! 😃 I'm so happy for you and thanks for posting such a positive narrative and give people encouragement to believe. All the best for the rest of your recovery.

[HevsK]

well done you and thank you for such a positive post. I had my pre op assessment on Tuesday for my left TKR so just waiting for a date now. I’m also on Baricitinib but my Rheumy has provided me with extra prednisolone to help tide me over. I had my right shoulder replaced last year and right hip the year before so hoping my recovery will go as well as they both did. I’m 68 and it’s my aim to be 50% titanium by my 70th as other knee and hip also need doing 🤣

I hope your own recovery continues as well, thank you again for the positivity x

[bernese1225 in reply to HevsK]

I chuckled at 50% titanium 😂

Thank you, I hope your TKR recovery goes as well as your shoulder and hip did 🙂

[Gnarli]

Fantastic news! Thank you so much for your positive post. Wishing you well

[Doodlereggie]

I too had a tkr , 6 years ago now and was terrified,but it was all good.like you I managed on paracetamol alone and did my exercises religiously ,which is essential.now it is the best bit of me!one trick I found invaluable when getting in and out of my sons car,was to use a belt to put under my foot to gentle lower foot to ground,also used this to lift leg out of bed in the morning for first few weeks,he had a Mustang at that time and it was very low!!on the first day after the op,the nurse just forced me out of bed and dropped my leg to the ground,I then passed out with pain and everyone came running.i could have hit her with my frame!!good luck with your recovery.keep us posted x

[bernese1225 in reply to Doodlereggie]

Oh that’s an awful thing to have happened to you. I can imagine the pain 😞 I threw my leg over the side of the bed when I was asleep in hospital and that was excruciating, I managed to pull it back up and in and asked the nurse to put the bed rail up on that side with pillows to stop me doing it again . The physio gave me a leg lifter the next morning which acted like the belt you used. They let me bring it home and still use it to get in and out of bed and the car when I went for wound check. You’re right it’s invaluable. I’m really excited to be able to walk again.

My surgeon said if I progress well with my recovery he’ll book me in for my left knee when I see him on the 30th. I’ve walked bone on bone for 18 month but my right knee collapsed in July so had to bite the bullet and get it done. It would be wonderful to both done before Christmas 🙂

[Pjf0265]

thanks , made me feel better , I have my surgery on Monday !

[bernese1225 in reply to Pjf0265]

Good luck for Monday 🙂

[Pjf0265 in reply to bernese1225]

Thank you

[Gladders]

well done x

[WomanOfFaith]

🥰

[oldtimer2]

Thanks for your positive post! So often we only remember to post when we have problems and it can make it all seem doom and gloom - it's so good to hear positive news, especially for people starting out on this journey.

[WilfDog]

So good to hear bernese1225, that it all went well and you are on the road to recovery. Replacement joints are a game changer and I would be in a wheelchair without my multiple hip replacements.

I hope you continue to recover well and that it makes a huge difference to your quality of life. xx

[greynot]

Great to hear, and all the best for your ongoing recovery.My 1+ year new knee is serving me very well, and I've just got an electric bike!

[Ferret18]

Thank you - I’m due to have a TKR on my left knee in February. Obviously it’s a big operation and I’m apprehensive but hearing your story has helped.