Questions about post op care

[katieoxo60]

Hello I want to know how I can rest and exercise on my bed after Knee replacement if I cannot get upstairs? My bed is an adjustamatic and too heavy to carry downstairs only by people who are trained to do this. I no longer have a stair lift as I was supposed to have moved before this operation. Any help on this matter would be appreciated.

[Malone9139]

Hi Katie,

When my mother had her hip operations, our wonderful National Health Service conducted a 'risk assessment' of her home. The aim was to deteremine whether she could get up and down the stairs and access the bathroom etc. The risk assessment also included advice on how my mother could carry out her post op mobility exercises.

I might be wrong, but it seems as though you've not had help with that assessment.

Warmly,

Tony

[katieoxo60 in reply to Malone9139]

Hello Tony, you are right I have not been assessed by the NHS for after care, in fact I have been told I am not entitled and if I need care it has to be supplied by social services after financial assessment. I have been advised that Ambulance Patient Transport in my case would depend on how the OP effected my mobility as to whether I fit the criteria. I have been advised to contact the referring hospital to question the criteria for after care. Physiotheraphy have advised they will be looking after me once the op is done, but that requires a two hour journey by public transport to the allocated clinic. Many thanks for your reply it is much appreciated. Tony I have five steps upto my front door.

[Emma2017]

My friend just had a knee replacement as well. She had to practise the stairs before she went home. She has help morning and evening. If you cannot get up and down by yourself which seems doubtful can you ask for carers twice a day or possibly a loan bed to be placed downstairs?

[katieoxo60 in reply to Emma2017]

Hi Emma, a loan bed might be an idea, I recall someone in the past having one for a terminal relative. Last time I had major surgery my husband was still around and he moved a bed downstairs for me. I don't even know if its a full aneasethtic or the one in your back. In the past I have usually had three visits from carers for at least six weeks, its about rehabilitation. There are so many things to consider including preparing a meal when you live alone, there are of course companies who deliver ready meals, washing & ironing so you have clothes to put on, shopping not just for food, theres things like cleaning materials, getting money from the bank to pay people to do jobs for you. Its very difficult to alter things to cover emergency crisis like this but many of us do. Thank you for your suggestions and reply.

[Emma2017 in reply to katieoxo60]

I have just had a double spinal op. I order my groceries on line and my husband or son puts it away but the delivery drivers are more than happy to carry stuff through for you to wherever you want it to go. You could possibly get a few ready meals and easy things like the home made soups with some nice bread. There are people who collect your ironing and deliver it back for a very reasonable price. You could ask your bank for a cheque book and pay people that way. It’s hard but there are ways around it. My friend had one knee done just over a year ago and 2 weeks ago her other knee. She says it’s hard but with determination you feel a lot better 4 weeks after the op although it takes longer to completely recover. Hope it all goes well for you, when will you have it done?

[katieoxo60 in reply to Emma2017]

Thank you for your optimism , I am sure I will get by but it is an added worry beside the health matter isn't it? I have cheque book but many wont accept cheques these days, I was anticipating around 6 weeks as I have arthritis in both feet also. Some of the other problems are due to arthritis in my hands, so I do have a few adaptations to make life easier. So now its just a wait and see for appointment, Have a nice day its sunny here but very cold . x

[Emma2017 in reply to katieoxo60]

Yes of course it is an added worry and I feel for you. All you can do though is be as optimistic as possible. My friend who has just had this op is also on her own and had the same worries, it’s understandable. But with preparations beforehand she gets by quite well now. No not everyone takes cheques nowadays but you can transfer money 💰 by direct bank transfer or just get some extra out beforehand. I am sure as you say you will get by. It’s snowing 🌨 here but nothing is settling, still fairly windy too. You take care and let us know how you get on.

[katieoxo60 in reply to Emma2017]

No snow here today but my freind says there was a little yesterday when she was out to the hospital.I will keep you updated on my progress once we start the job at the hospital. Bye for now x