Knees...

My first op was private - my arthritis doesn’t really register on x-rays as a wonky deformity disguises it and getting to see a consultant was a problem - but I was only given excercises and checks to make sure I was doing them. I expect cost is a consideration in the decision whether private or NHS.

Older machines had to be operated by a nurse- so you would not be in control- and because ot restriction in time, they would set it for a long time with big increases/jump in degree bend.

With the one I have, I have the control in my hand, and can start low, and increase every few minutes - in small increases. This afternoon I started at 85 for 2 mins- then 88, 91, 95, 98, 100, 102 and 105.

This evening knee felt tight as we had visitors and had leg down all the time- so did just 15 mins- starting at 80 and only going up to 85- just to loosen everything but not 'work hard'- felt so much better afterwards.

Ice now, top then bottom and top again.

I don't think cost comes into it re these machines. Even in USA they are not considered to be effective. Obviously thinking is different in Switzerland.

I agree Jane cost was not part of the equation. The results of the research carried out in this country must have been the deciding factor.

Well, there you go - isn't it great we can agree to disagree.

Even if the benefits are 'only' psychological - I am mightily pleased I have the opportunity to rent and use one.

Onwards and forwards- in our own way.

Only things stopping me now is the bruising (leg yellow, gree, blue .. from behind knee to ankle) - because they had to take drain out quicker- and the stitches- Once they are gone on Wednesday- everything should 'fall into place'.

So, we disagree about the Kinetec machine (going up in a mo for first session of the day - active not passive) - but THE ONE piece of advice I will give to anyone facing this, is to do it very early in Spring- so by the time you are able to walk, etc, you can do so in the sunshine, with longer days- and with your 'sap rising' - better physically and emotionally, and from all aspects.

I agree. I had thought the autumn would be best as not so much happens socially in my life then and the garden would be put to bed, but having it done last March worked wonderfully and the sun encouraged me out to potter and walk. I would have this one done at the same time but a holiday planned last year has got in the way, so I'm having to wait a bit. Still, I'll have all the summer before me!

We are going to a wedding in Austria in May, then to Crete in June ... great to be looking forward to nice things too.

Perfect timing then!

I'm thinking I'll have to have next one done in October (again). I can hibernate and emerge in Spring. Best laid plan gang oft agley though so will wait and see.

The rheumatologist says I may need a TKRx2 sometime in the future though I have yet to be referred to an orthopod. My right knee is making walking painful and I am reluctant to go as far as the local shops. By the end of a wonderful performance of Madame Butterfly last week I was almost howling in agony because I couldn't move to stretch my leg and the knee complained very painfully. Meanwhile, the rheumy has prescribed hydroxychloroquin, more often used for rheumatoid than osteo-arthritis, but I react badly to almost all painkillers except paracetamol. So far, it has made no difference at all! As exercising on foot is painful, I have found some chair exercises on YouTube which I hope will be beneficial. They are far more strenuous than I expected!

Oh no- so sorry to hear anno. The knee I just had replaced was making the loudest cracking noises if I put any forward pressure on it, bone on bone. That was audible to all around, not just me 'internally' - the physio said she'd never heard anything like it.

Get referred asap and don't delay- the sooner the better.
Doing exercises beforehand to strengten quads, etc - will may massive dividends as and when. x

I am so so sorry Jane- but after a knee replacement- the last thing I want to do is 'hybernate'. Someone recently sent me a pleasant pm, saying I was perhaps too combative - and yes, in with tkr - you just have to be - but that is my ho. Docs, surgeon, OH and physios all agree.

Bonne chance to all whichever way you choose to do it.

I mean that after the last one I couldn't face going out and about as it was so b****y difficult! I just wanted to rest and recover and do away in my own time. You certainly find out who your friends are at that time and I was very lucky indeed.
After feeling somewhat imprisoned for weeks it was nice to emerge and set off on a South African tour.
Wonder what the carrot will be next time?

Why not a trip to Switzerland - you and OH would be very welcome ... can lend you a car when here- and you can use the jakuzzi ;) onwards and forwards x

I am bl**dy glad I have not got 3 knees- could not cope with more...

Also recommend Glucosamine with Condroitin

That's kind of you jura2. Bit of a wait first though. Too much to do over the next 6 months. Life just fills up. Retirement eh?!

Well, just say when ... We could do an exchange (or not...) as I have never ever visited Edingburg- or Glasgow for that matter. Only been to the lovely Trossachs.

Well that's it. Just back from hospital appointment. Am now scheduled for another knee replacement. Bit of a thought but at least I know what's wrong and that something is going to be done about it even though it's not exactly a terrific prospect.

I may be starting out on your journey Jane, I wrote previously that glucosamine with chondroitin was helping me, but unfortunately no longer, I am in such pain and have been for a Couple of months now, both day and night. Off to the doctor when I can get an appointment.

Good luck. I hoped my knee would be somehow OK but the doc showed me the X-ray and it was bone on bone. Och.
Hope you get an appointment soon.

Oh good luck Jane - yep glucosamine or chondroitin - will not help when you are bone on bone ... 6 weeks after my second knee- I am doing 100x and more better than for the first one- been working in the garden all day.

I am glad I do not have 3 knees- and can truly see the light at the end of the tunnel and a new life ahead.

Have you got a date yet? Bonne chance x