After attending the knee clinic, yesterday, I took the news that I was on the knee replacement waiting list as a good thing. It would mean that, after recovery, I should be mostly pain free in my troublesome left knee.
I was, somewhat, taken aback when I got home and relayed the ‘good’ news to Sue. To say that she was not impressed would be an understatement.
I thought that she would be glad that I was doing something about getting my knee(s) sorted but I was wrong.
At the moment, Sue does not want to discuss the matter so all I can do is guess as to why she is not happy.
Maybe, I was being rather selfish and that I should consider…
- Recovery can take up to a year
- Sue is going to be greatly put upon looking after me
- She does not want me to be immobilised for a weeks as she knows this will frustrate me
- Sue is concerned that, even with the surgery, all may not be well
- The house will need to be re-arranged so that I’ll be able to get to things without bending down or reaching up
Recovery
During the first six weeks, it’s best not to sit with your legs crossed. After three months, you can try kneeling, but put a soft cushion down first. Kneeling shouldn’t damage your knee but you need to wait until the scar tissue has healed. Kneeling may never be entirely comfortable.
- You may need to use a walking stick or crutches for up to six weeks.
- By six to eight weeks, you may be able to go for a walk, cycle and swim.
- You won’t be able to drive for six to eight weeks after total knee replacement surgery.
You may feel tired and a bit emotional for a while after your surgery – this is normal. You’ve had a major operation and your body needs time to heal and recover.
Weighing (and there’s a clue to what’s coming) up the pros and cons, I am having a rethink. To aleviate the pain I should consider the following …
- Loose Weight
This will serve a couple of purposes. Firstly, following a recent blood test, I have been diagnosed as pre-diabetic so less body fat helps vital organs work better. Less weight means less pressure on my joints – especially the knees. - More Movement (Exercise)
Moving the joints will strengthen the surrounding muscles to be able to support the joints better. Perhaps the repetitive movement will help lubricate the joints. - Anti-inflamatories (NSIDs)
Continue with the prescrided anti-inflamatories supplemented with Voltarol (another anti-inflamatory but which works differently to the oral NSIDs). - Ice Packs
A cold gel on the joints helps – I’ve ordered additional packs so shouldn’t run out. As one is used it can be swapped with another from the freezer. - Hydrocortisone (Steroid) Injection
An injection into the knee joint to reduce swelling and pain.
When I mentioned this to the doctor at the knee clinic he was reluctant to perform this.
I am due a MRI scan in a week or so and then I’ll be called back to discuss the results. I will take that opportunity to discuss options and press for the cortisone.
kevbaldry