👯‍♀️ Hips and Knees part 7

I would also write a list of the ways it’s affecting you to give to the GP. I started doing this because I’m quite deaf so cutting down the number of questions he/she had to ask me helped both of us but I’ve also found it very helpful in making sure I cover everything and don’t come away thinking ‘I wish I’d said that.’ I just write brief bullet points.

travelsafar

Managed to get a gp appointment for 29th Oct. I will try to post about the outcome. CHARLEYGIRL5.... i had an xray earlier this year to confirm arthritis.
This was also when I was offered injection. At that time medication controlled the pain but not happening now. Fingers crossed I get the injection and it helps.😊

When I saw the consultant last year he showed me my x ray. I assumed my GP would be able to see it but they only had the written details. If I'd taken a picture of the x ray I could have shown my physio. I'm going to make sure I do that on Tuesday this time. My friend said I need to ask if the op would be robot assisted.

I'm going to ask for another injection. I didn't think it helped last time but I did go shopping one day the following week and walked better than usual. I hadn't thought it helped at all and it was only one day when it felt ok. But I have good days and bad days anyway. They do like you to at least try an injection because they really help some people.

From memory the number of injections pre-op are limited to I think 3 but if they help, go for it.

If my surgeon was robot assisted, I would be delighted because especially with a hip, it has to be exact.

Just bumping this up to save anybody searching.

During the weeks post TKR is it all pain relief and physio or is it possible to read books, watch films etc? I’m planning in advance.

I know a fellow who was almost running up and downstairs with very little pain. I was in so much pain I couldn't read anything and switched on the TV to distract me. I was in this state for 6 weeks then almost overnight My knee felt almost normal with slight pain. No two are the same. I didn't do 5 minutes of physio because of pain, but I had almost achieved 90 degrees flexion. I live on my own and managed fine. I had a trolley supplied by social services after my first op to take food from the kitchen to sitting room, and it was strong enough to act as a stick or crutch.

I was too tired to change bedding so my cleaner did that.

You will not have full control of the leg so you will have to lift your leg in and out of bed or find a thick scarf to assist you.

I had problems sleeping as I was told not to lie on my side. When I could, I placed a pillow lengthways between my knees.

I was able to have a shower immediately, but I had bought a stool before my first knee op. I had a kitchen chair in the bathroom so I could brush my teeth etc.

Years ago I changed the two loo seats for ones for the "elderly" so no problems there. as they are at a decent height. It is little things like that . Have you a stool when watching TV as the knee should be elevated. Just ask as I know you will.

I dined on ready meals until I could cook.

Maybe I was lucky as I had my professional knowledge on the subject.

I have forgotten when surgery is.

Just one thing to add to Charleygirl’s advice. . A friend made me a fairly capacious cross body bag that came in very useful. I put hot drinks into a small vacuum flask and carried them through to the sitting room in the bag.

Didn’t see the consultant as he was running late after an operation but I had another x ray and another steroid injection; this time in a better place after the doctor had seen the x ray. We both decided that I wasn’t ready for a TKR but will have a six month review. Which is what I wanted. I was given an email address with which I could see my x ray so I can show it to my physio. He said a TKR is not going to straighten my leg which is the main problem. I’m so relieved that I can still see a consultant without committing to the operation. My leg feels great at the moment but I think the injection has something in it that numbs the knee for a while.

That is good, the steroid injection appears to be working. Good you had another xray and although it will be interpreted by the hospital it will give the physio some understanding. Good you feel some relief.

I can actually get a picture of the x ray.