I guess it's like everything - hugely variable. My mum had her bunions done last year and was dreading it as she had heard loads of absolute horror stories. In the event everything went swimmingly and she had almost no post op pain at all.
If anyone is having a hip done in the UK - go to Epsom! Apparently it's a centre of excellence and the treatment my dad got there last year made French hospitals look positively third world.
It was nice to hear an NHS success story for once!
Thanks for that, Catharine. It's not a big problem. I just thought Peter could do with the other side of the story. I had mine done in Exeter. I think they get some right there. Mine was probably a "poets" day job.
Really sorry to hear that Kent. xx
I had this operation in September 2012...aged 71. I'm allergic to anti inflammatory drugs and injections...I also wouldn't take pain killers as they have too many side effects...so I had to rely on ice packs...which I found very soothing.
Get hoop to put in your bed to keep the bed clothes off your legs...and loads of pillows to support your back and leg. I had a wheel chair from our local pharmacie...as well as crutches...and a stick.
My advice...do go to the physio...and if you can get one with a hydro pool use it....do your exercises at home...they're painful but worth it. Walk around the inside of your house to begin with...then venture out into the garden. Walk and rest...walk and rest...keep positive...know that you will get better...but the body takes time to heal. Use ice packs to take down any inflammation or swelling.
I rode my bike for the first time in three years the other day...I knew I would eventually. I also managed to kneel down and crawl a little way...(looking for my kitten's toy under my bed)...and I also ran with my little Shetland up the lane.
Make sure you leave the pity potty in the toilet...stay positive at all times...you can do it.
God Bless you Peter
Thinking of you :-)
Good to see that you are still smiling though! Seriously you've had a tough patch for which I sympathise. Whilst I've had quite a few hair raising experiences I've escaped all major injury until I slipped whilst out walking the dog on ice and seriously dislocated my knee which they then put back in its socket on the street! They did warn me that at my age things would not be the same again and they were right. I have resisted the temptation to use a stick or apply for a blue badge! However it's important that we enjoy life to the full! I can't blame a surgeon and to be honest they do sort many more problems than they cause. My late wife worked in an operating theatre in the UK and op room chat was a common subject at dinner parties, usually at the expense of a patient or occasionally the consultant. The theatre staff usually just got the abuse.
God you're a bundle of fun Kent...I'm sure this has helped enormously!!!
My husband had a TKR last year in October in Montpellier. He “shopped around” for a while, searching for the best option. He consulted Le Point’s classification of hospital and clinics in the area of TKR and went from there. He saw four surgeons before making a decision. The operation went well and then he stayed at Centre Maguelone near Montpellier for rehab for three weeks. Then, at home he did rehab with a physiotherapist for a while. Now, he makes sure to walk once a day, do bicycling on our stationary bike three times a week and do some more flexing exercises. So, one can say it was a success. Rehab and exercise seem to be key for a full recovery.
Hi Peter,
I had a TKR last November in Dorset. I chose the UK as I live in a fairly rural area in France and 8km from nearest supermarket and no method of getting there if my OH was away. In UK I have a good bus service (couldn't drive for 8 weeks) online shopping delivered to my door and a good network of friends and family.
I was discharged on my fourth day and managed with one stick once I was home, going upstairs to bed the first night back. I did get from the Red Cross Association small sturdy stepping stools that were very useful getting into the shower, climbing into bed (we have high beds!) etc. Once I had my pain control sorted (which took a few days trial and error) I very quickly did the physio exercises and also went to my local hospital for physio where they have a hydrotherapy pool. Within two months I was back to swimming 1km every day and after four months I could walk a fair distance. I used a stick when I went out for the first couple of months. Now I can walk almost any reasonable distance (up to 5 - 6 miles no problem but haven't tried more yet). I'm not quite back to cycling but guess I could be if I really tried. My knee was very bad and for the 18 months or so prior to my op I was in a lot of pain and couldn't walk very far, although I did carry on with my swimming right up to the op (front crawl only).
The benefits of not having that dreadful pain far outweigh the discomfort and short term pain post op. I wish you good luck with the operation.
Angela
So, for knee ops at T-L: 93% successful first time, of the 7%, 90% are remedied (infections, mechanical issues) and only 0.7% fail. I was v sorry to read of someone where it didn't work, but he is in a very small minority; I would advise him to go for a second opinion.
I had visitors bring red wine :)
Bex retires soon, , maybe you should have the other one done there: his replacement is also very good. Yes, local is an epidural but you have a pre-med first, so no worries. I found the op fascinating!
Wow...erm...thanks for that!! I guess you're getting pretty bored waiting for your op.
When my hubby was in hospital he took a small travel kettle & tea bags with him and I took him fresh milk every day in a flask. He had a couple of lovely cups of tea while I was there and drank the rest of the milk in the evening. The nurses were absolutely horrified that it was fresh milk and not that horrid UHT stuff. Apparently, fresh milk is akin to poison!! Tell that to the Brits eh? He also took a small bottle of his favourite HP Sauce because he knew from past experience how bland the meals were. Cue lots of frowning and "C'est quoi ca" from the nurses.
Keep smiling!
:-D
A good friend of ours had her Knee replaced in Limoges, after 6 weeks she was mobile and is now back to her old self, my wife is due to have hers done in the very near future, it can only be an improvement to what she has now. I hope that you do what will be best for you in the long term.
Did you know that only 58% of people understand percentages, The other 43% haven't a flipping clue !
No but it sounds like you're from Kneesdone:-) Chin up Birdy, it won't hurt for long ;-)
Never dismiss pointless statistics. Just remember that they keep a load of very boring people in jobs who would be boring unemployed people otherwise.
You from Neasden by any chance Vic ?
Thanks Mandy.
Apparently some 50000TKRs are performed in France annually - that's the equivalent of the entire population of the agglommeration of Angloulême having a new knee each year !!
Useless info or what ?
My Mum had this done in her early sixties about 6 years ago and it's been very successful for her. The most important thing afterwards is to do the exercises you're given and work hard at the physio sessions. She finds that the knee is a bit less flexible than before but at least there is no pain now. Best of luck with it.
I found that genuflecting gave my knees problems so I gave up grovelling. Worked for me :-)