two straightforward queries pre op please?

My reply is only a partial one as I'm still pre-op (though only two days to go!). 

I too found it difficult to understand why, when the x ray revealed that my cartilage was gone, I still had good and bad days. The pain was definitely on and off. That was why I thought my consultant would send me away as not bad enough for surgery, when I was referred. I didn't think it was all that bad (at least not consistently). However, since then (March) I've been struck by the rapidity of the deterioration, so I'm pleased he did refer me for surgery when he did. Pain is much more consistent, intense and in all sorts of places too. The last couple of days, I've experienced intense pain around my calf, on the affected leg. I don't really understand that on a physiological level, but then I'm not a doctor. Sleeping is much more problematic than even three or four weeks ago. 

From what I've read, the pain relief, from the OA is pretty much instantaneous after the operation. Of course, there is post-operative pain, but not the arthritic pain. I don't see why a private consultation would give you a clearer picture than an NHS one. You would get a date for surgery quicker. I think that would be the only difference and, yes, it could well be the same guy. So you could, assuming you can cope with the pain, as I could, save yourself about £12-13,000 by sticking with the NHS. I would get down off the fence, in your position.

from that awful pain is amazing.I do still experience stiffness

especially first thing in the morning and after sitting but it soon

passes and I am no longer dependant on pain killers that to be honest never worked anyway. Don't let out get that bad that your life becomes miserable. Don't know where you are in the UK , I assume you are in the UK, as you mention the NHS but I was under Wrightington Hospital that specialises in orthopedic surgery and they were marvellous, can't thank them enough for giving me back my life. Good luck and hope you get sorted soon.

At first the doctor said the X-rays only showed moderate arthritis but it quickly accelerated to bone bone.

Oddly, I could swing my bad leg over my bikes cross bar but not my good one????

I was kind of lossing the plot and got back into living with it,  determined to loosse weight  which I havent managed as always sitting when I can

also the Pilates teacher got my enthusiasm up when she said a lady cancelled surgery and did pilates and now back riding her horse, you dont know what to think or believe!     well I go again to NHS consultant at WYTHINSHAWE hospital  (yours wans a typo error was it       NEXT fEB      so will be begging then if just the same as yes,  its making my life  small and into a box Ive just got used to

...can you jive again afterwards or is this a silly thought .........

all the best,   soon on other side    xx

What is ROM??

my op was April, still stiff for the first few steps

I can ride my bike but  dread stopping when need to put leg down, I avoid it at all costs and go on pavement!!!     I get pain  at any given gtime in lower calf at side or shin,      I know Im feeling better from pilates as needed it badly,  so  the benefit from this is confusing the picture I feel

I wanted to do Pilates 3 years ago and the physio  told me strictly to do nothing!,   how I wish . . . . . .annoying

I think Il ask him  how he would feel if unable to comfortably  walk the corridor    but I dont   want to get too violent        xx

my decision  is that Im due back at hospital next Feb

In the meantime Il slim and  pilate then  will be ready to push and beg come February appointment

thankyou all for your wonderful patience with me!!

lOTS OF gOOD lUCK  AND LOVE    XXX

keep in touch