Knee Replacement Yesterday

[Janet57]

Thanks to those of you who wished me well yesterday. I had full knee replacement surgery yesterday afternoon. On the advice of the surgical team I had my normal dose of Prednisolone in the morning. Epidural for the op and played nice music through my ear buds to drown out the sound of the team and the sawing and hammering 😬. All’s well. Managed to walk with a zimmer this morning. Taking all meds as it’s painful but feeling good. Will probably take an extra Pred 3.5-4.5 today to help with trip home. Now for the real work of rehabilitation. 😊

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Looking good… and yes remember the sawing and hammering… onwards and upwards… 👍

[powerwalk]

Oh i have butterflies! Thoughts of being awake. Well done you. Best wishes for a very speedy recovery.

[Kendrew]

Hi Janet57,

Really pleased all went well.

I know quite a few people (friends & family members) who've recently had the same operation.

Some made steady recoveries and some had a few complications.

The ones who had the complications only did so because they either didn't follow the aftercare advice and do the physio exercises as frequently as they'd been told to do post surgery, or because they didn't want to take the prescription painkillers, which in turn meant they were in too much pain to do the exercises.

Of course, something unexpected can happen that you can't necessarily pre-empt, but always good to know how to give yourself the best chance of a steady & full recovery

So just a gentle word of advice...

...it is quite painful post operatively but if you take the stronger pain relief (to begin with at least) you'll be able to do the necessary exercises that will facilitate a steadier and more progressive recovery.

Haha! I love the photo......such a familiar sight, after also seeing it on at least 7 friends/family members over past 6mths!

Wishing you a healthy & strong recovery.

[Janet57 in reply to Kendrew]

Thank you for the advice. The physio is just about to visit 😬😳😂. My husband will help me too. I am determined to do exactly as instructed, otherwise no point in having the op.

[granny-b in reply to Janet57]

Exactly!

I have had 2 knee replacements. I was given 2 pieces of advice:

1. From friend who had hers before mine. If you don't do the exercises the op is a waste of time.

2. From daughter, a physio. Take all the pain relief they offer you else you won't be able to do the exercises.

Hope your recovery goes well. x

[Janet57 in reply to granny-b]

Thank you - great advice

[123-go]

Job done! I wish you well on the road to pain free walking and maybe a small hop, skip and jump! Well done!

My friend has had her op’ cancelled twice. She’s compensated with retail therapy and has the tidiest drawers imaginable! 😉

[Janet57 in reply to 123-go]

That must be so frustrating and stressful too. I waited 51 weeks, but glad it’s done thank you

[Kendrew in reply to 123-go]

Love it.😂😂😂

[123-go in reply to Kendrew]

Same sense of humour 🤭.x

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Good bruises!!! Get going well ... As Kendrew says, adequate pain relief is essential.

When I had knee surgery (mangled skiing, not replacement) I never got to listen to my music because the entire anaesthetics team wanted to practise their English!

[Longtimer in reply to PMRpro]

I would have practiced my English to them!

[Miserere]

Well done! It's a winding journey now back to fitness - persevere and it will pay off. There's a six week window in which to regain range of movement as much as possible and I recommend doing all the physio exercises as often as you can - even though it can be exhausting. The journey is not a straight one but you will soon be feeling so much better!! I had mine in December and am so glad. Best of luck!

[S4ndy]

Well done you, don't think I could be conscious for surgery! Wishing you well with your recovery and rehab x

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to S4ndy]

It's fascinating!! Was conscious for baby No 1 by c-section in Dundee, they were too scared to allow it in Germany for baby No 2 and I felt really cheated. I was conscious for the metalwork going in for my knee but although I was (reluctantly I felt) allowed a spinal for its removal they gave me temazepam beforehand so I slept through the procedure - much to my disgust!!

[Janet57 in reply to PMRpro]

It’s a very weird feeling - no pain but could feel what was going on. I think you’re braver than me though. I turned my music up so I couldn’t hear the surgeon 😂. It is quite amazing what they can do these days.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Janet57]

My last surgery was nearly 30 years ago!!

[Bcol]

Agree with everything Kendrew has said. How times have changed, when I had mine done in 1999 I was in hospital for ten days. Amongst other things they wouldn't let you go home until you could walk, unaided, up and down the stairs.

[Pippah45]

Janet57 thank you so much for this post. My knee situation is not good and I am trying to pluck up courage to get one done. Two years ago I had my hip done and being pain free was a revelation! I have been told a knee op isn't the same walk in the park op but your post is encouraging me to get on with it! I take note about sticking with the pain killers which I learnt with my hip. Being brave isn't so clever. Anyway thanks and all the best for your recovery.

[Janet57 in reply to Pippah45]

Thank you. It’s very early days but I’m so glad I’ve had it done. I’m looking forward to being more mobile and eventually less pain. It will be worth all the effort.

[diana1998]

Well done you. Our American friend had both knees done as she was a big skier. Completely successful and on coming here to stay, she walked miles round London, no problem !

[Marley12b]

Well done. Now the fun starts but it’s worth it. Do your exercises but don’t overdo it. I’m 5 years post op on both knees and still do my exercises every day. I still appreciate being able to go for a long walk pain free. Good luck

[Janet57 in reply to Marley12b]

Yes, already started the very painful exercises but know it’s worth it. Thank you for your good wishes

[Numptybrain]

well done you and here’s to a very swift recovery.

Take care

Wendy xx

[SheffieldJane]

Glad that’s over! Wishing you an uncomplicated and full recovery. 💐

[Janet57 in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thank you so much

[Pixix]

Great news, well done! S x

[Mystik]

u will not regret it trust me I had both knees and hips done never looked back

[Janet57 in reply to Mystik]

Wow - that’s amazing. Thank you for your encouragement 😊

[Tiggy70]

Well done!! Glad to hear it went well. Your comments about the hammering and sawing reminded me about what happened when I had an epidural for my hip replacement. As I was coming round after the sedation I asked my husband if he had finished making the coffee table. He had never done any woodwork in his life🤣🤣. Wishing you a speedy and not too painful recovery🌸 Tiggy x

[Janet57 in reply to Tiggy70]

How funny. At times I thought it sounded like DIY SOS!

[Bella59]

Wishing you a good recovery.I had both knees done twelve years ago and both hips about two years ago.My best friend was ice packs,i used frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel.I would apply for about Fifteen mins several times a day.I found it helped some with swelling and made it a little easier doing exercises.Early days yet but you will get there,we are all different some recover quicker than others.

[Janet57 in reply to Bella59]

Thank you - good advice

[Kiwisufferer2019]

Well done and good luck with rehab.