Knee replacement. Help!

I hope my hip is that quick (assuming of course that's what the x-ray shows, but it is so painful, I can't imagine what else it can be.)

Sooner the better- so glad you've got a date- and just enough time to do a bit of advance preparation x Bonne chance.

Can't remember but not longer than a month ago. I think that was why I was in such a state of shock. Maybe its a cancellation.

Great news Jane, how long is it since your Dr referred you ?

Just heard- I've got a date 26th Oct. In some ways I wish it was sooner but this does leave some preparation time and its really quite quick. Can't complain (except about my sub standard knee!)

What a rotten things to happen granjura. Hope you're feeling a bit better now.

I've had scars on either side of knee (holes for traction pin) and all along side of thigh (smashed femur) for 46 years - so the one on the knee is not going to make much difference!

I've been wearing just below knee shorts all Summer- the scar is aboslutely amazing, apart from a tiny patch of keloïds above the knee where trousers 'catch' the skin. Honestly, the least of your worries.

Burst into tears this am at physio's as someone smashed straight into me as I was going there- she came out of smally side road without looking at all- thank goodness I saw her and took avoiding action- caught the full length of my car instead of full frontal - pheeew. Never had a car accident since the one 46 years which led to knee replacement!

Burst into tears when after exercising other leg (which has had to do all the hard work for 46 years to protect damaged one) - the crunching noise was so bad and she said 'think you will have to think about doing this one in the Spring and not wait another year' - just sent me over!

LOL, your scar will get you loads of sympathy. I'm sure you've got smashing legs.

As if things aren't bad enough for my family. Me in shorts!! I've not worn a skirt for years. Oh no. Yet another thing to worry about!

Initially you might want some shorts or skirt, trousers rubbing on the new scar may be painful.

I've been following up on all the suggestions. I live in lovely stretchy yoga pants anyway but am losing weight so they'll soon be even looser. Elastic laces ordered from Amazon along with other bits and pieces that look sensible to actually buy. They won't be wasted.

Jane10 and henetha, preparation is the key, it is simple things like a pair of slippers with backs or an old bag of frozen peas used over and over which can make all of the difference.

I wore my comfortable ancient jogging bottoms which were so easy to get on and off, when I arrived home.

The more you think ahead, the easier it will be and you can always ask us lot.

Oh Not feeling very brave. Must get grip.

Yes if you use a tea towel underneath don't forget you will have a long scar which is very sensitive and quite " raw" at first.

I've been using my trusty bag of frozen peas until now. Would that be enough?

If no-one has said already get some icepacks for your knee for when you get home. I got mine from Amazon. Some hospitals will give or loan them, mine didn't. They help with pain and swelling.

VG suggestion. Will get on to that asap. Also slippers with backs.

Planning, just remembered an important tip, get some elastic laces, you can get them online from sports outlets (tri athletes use them) or if you have a good sewing shop, you can buy the same elastic cord by the meter. This will enable you to get your shoes on without bending. I have had to revert to them already as I cannot bend my hip far enough to get my trainers on.

When I pathetically said to the orthopaedic surgeon 'but I'm only 61' he said 'lots of people have them in their 50s these days'!

I was told in January this year that both my knees are in a bad way,and that they will both need replacing at some point. But.....at 53,I am considered 'too young',and will have to wait at least another 5 years. Also got to lose some more weight before they will consider operating.

Thank you for your good wishes Annesixty

Jane10 I have not had a knee replacement (but may need one in the future ) but am having mobility problems at the moment with one leg in plaster.
I found crutches a bit unstable and am using a zimmer frame (not for long I hope!) but someone suggested one of those bicycles which has a basket on the front. I haven't borrowed it from her as she may need it herself.
I was told that hygiene could be a problem, have ordered a shower stool from a firm called Aids for Mobility (other firms available) who sounded very helpful on the phone, but I am eyeing up the high lip into the shower with doubt. Getting into the bath is a step too far I think. However - so far I have managed very well with jolly good washes apart from hair washing. (No-one has complained yet)
Getting up from the top of the stairs is the most difficult, I need a stool pushed against a wall plus DH to help with that.

The Red Cross will hire out equipment too.

I'm glad we live in a flat. That should simplify things. Good tips from everyone. DH is on red alert and all set to do whatever is necessary. I suspect this will wear off and I do dread being a nuisance to the family. I feel I've already lost my independence and my confidence has certainly taken a dip.
How were you tkr veterans from a psychological point of view?