Should I or shouldnt I?
Posted , 6 users are following.
My knee is not in agony but limiting what I can do much more than it was. As a keen traveller (Ankor Wat is on the list) this is bad news and I dont like the pain much either. I'm 71, will weigh 164 lbs soon and reasonably active though I dont play sport. I will need a TKR. I've been reading your stuff and I'm terrified even though I have a good consultant. Feedback gratefully received!!!
1 like, 13 replies
martinarvelo gail24639
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martinarvelo gail24639
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gail24639 martinarvelo
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South Africa next year!
martinarvelo gail24639
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daphne31042 gail24639
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martinarvelo daphne31042
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gail24639 daphne31042
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Tucks gail24639
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gail24639 Tucks
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daphne31042 gail24639
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martinarvelo daphne31042
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Lame_woman gail24639
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I'm 64 and lost 3 stones before surgery, hoping to defer it. But the knee was fit only for the glue factory and I needed narcotics to ease the pain. I think you'll know your time because your mobility really decreases fast. I was finding it hard to get round the garden and hated shopping. I was first told I needed surgery 9 years ago, so I think I waited long enough to take the plunge!
My surgeon wasn't specially chosen, but just the local chap here in Scotland. He did a tidy one for me and the scar isn't bad at all. I am a bit anaemic, due to blood loss which didn't need transfusion, but I have some iron tablets and I just get a bit tired. I pace myself with the housework and schedule rests and exercises to fit in with the painkillers. I have a walking stick and can get around slowly. I bought cheap toilet rails and a shower stool before the op and they have been useful.
Every day is a bit better and once the stiffness is eased in the morning, I can manage nicely. I was able to walk to the toilet and shower in hospital from the day after the operation and this little bit of independence was encouraging.
Not everybody has complications, sickness or uncontrolled pain. I do tolerate strong painkillers well, which helps. I also did as much leg exercise as I could before surgery to build a little muscle up. I am generally well and have no serious chronic illness. Older people are more likely to have underlying problems and that means recovery is harder for them.
Plan how you will manage your rehab afterwards and take the exercises seriously. It seems to work! It's early days, but although I haven't enjoyed the last few weeks, I wouldn't be scared of getting the other knee done in due course.
gillme1955_UK Lame_woman
Posted
Wishing you you well for your continued recovery!
Kind regards,
Gill
Ormskirk Lancashire