5 days post total knee replacement

[Ferret18]

Hi all, back at home yesterday after wonderful care in our local hospital in France. I have to say the healthcare over here is wonderful. Had first physio appointment today and will be seeing her twice a week.

My query is for others who have had this op and had to stop their biologic (I’m on Imraldi) when did you restart it?

My rheumatologist said once the wound is healing but I guess that could be now or after the staples are removed.

I can of course ask him again, just curious as to others’ experiences.

Thanks

[Runrig01]

The advice is to wait till the wound is completely healed, which is around 2 weeks after surgery. Infections in knee replacements are serious, and can result in the metalwork being removed. It’s not worth the risk, taking it sooner

[Ferret18 in reply to Runrig01]

Thank you.

[Chrissycl in reply to Runrig01]

I'm just over3 months since same op but in ukI was told not to restart by drug until the wound was completely healed .hope you are getting on alright after the op.

[Ferret18 in reply to Chrissycl]

Thanks. Early days and don’t think I realised how difficult and long the recovery process will be. I’m struggling with not being independent and having to rely on my husband, but hopefully over the next few weeks I’ll be able to do more. I just don’t want to rush the process and risk causing harm.

[Chrissycl in reply to Ferret18]

I was told by my consultant it takes a year to fully get over it. But if it's any consultation I am now of crutches and no need to use my walking stick all the time.

[Ferret18 in reply to Chrissycl]

That’s great

[Madmusiclover]

after staples removed for hip replacements.

[Jackie1947 in reply to Madmusiclover]

Didn't have staples just self dissolving stitches. Comfortable and much nicer than staples . Did have them 8 years ago for 1st hip replacement.

[helixhelix]

so glad you are appreciating the health service here!

[Ferret18 in reply to helixhelix]

Absolutely wonderful.

[stbernhard]

I had to stop the biologic. I restarted after the wound had new skin over it. About 7 weeks after the op. Good and speedy recovery!

[Ferret18 in reply to stbernhard]

WOW 7 weeks. That’s a long time. I was thinking 2 weeks, after the staples are removed, like runrig01 said.

[Runrig01 in reply to Ferret18]

It’s definitely 2 weeks unless you have issues with the wound. I had foot surgery last year. It got infected, needed 3 weeks of antibiotics and took 10 weeks to heal. So I missed a total of 12 weeks, when you include the 2 weeks before. I’ve just had further surgery to the same foot, on Monday, and hoping I don’t get a repeat of last year. I have been given prophylactic antibiotics in too of the IV one your given intraoperatively.

[Ferret18 in reply to Runrig01]

Oh gosh. Fingers crossed it all goes smoothly. I had 3 doses (I think) of antibiotics after the op whilst still in hospital so fingers crossed it’ll be ok.

[WilfDog in reply to Runrig01]

Good luck with the recovery from surgery Runrig01 xx

[ATBr]

In Guernsey, was 2 weeks after the op before restarting after knee replacement. I had a wound check first.

[Sunflowerdownsouth]

2 weeks after op I restarted Baracitinib. I would def check with your Rhuematologist though.

[Slinkyminx]

hi. I had both my knees replaced last year. I stopped my biologic two weeks before and started two weeks after with no problems Good luck keep up the physio

[Ferret18 in reply to Slinkyminx]

Thank you

[billyboy3]

what city do you live in? My friend is in tou louse, please message me [e-mail]

[Ferret18 in reply to billyboy3]

I live near Bergerac, so quite a way from Toulouse.

[Green230461]

You are very brave good luck with healing 🌸

[getinHealtea]

Well done on your recovery. I’m due for a hip replacement next month & I’m anxious. I was also taking Imraldi injections & I suppose if you restart it 2-3 weeks post op, it should be fine. But good to check with your rheumatologist.

[Ferret18 in reply to getinHealtea]

Yes, I think 2 weeks afterwards is the plan. Back at the hospital tomorrow for my dressings to be changed. Then the following Monday the staples are being removed.

I’m sure you’ll be good with the hip replacement. Just take it easy afterwards, whilst also doing your physio and moving about a bit around your house. Be kind to yourself and recognise each little win each day. It’s too easy to listen to others’ saying I did this or that. Listen to your body.

Bonne chance.

[getinHealtea in reply to Ferret18]

merci beaucoup! Good luck with your dressing change & staples removal.