Knee replacement surgery

[BigTone]

No doubt several on here have had the procedure. Saw my Specialist today and will have one replaced in the summer and the other a few months later. Would have been sooner but Wife needs more urgent surgery before so no need for us both to be incapacitated at the same time.

Does it take long to recover from ? Are you mobile again fairly quick ?  Long term has it worked out ok ?

[Robbored]

1 hour ago, BigTone said:

No doubt several on here have had the procedure. Saw my Specialist today and will have one replaced in the summer and the other a few months later. Would have been sooner but Wife needs more urgent surgery before so no need for us both to be incapacitated at the same time.

Does it take long to recover from ? Are you mobile again fairly quick ?  Long term has it worked out ok ?

You’ll be encouraged to walk about more or less straight away after the procedure. You’ll get a walking stick to aid you until you’re confident without it.

Much to my surprise one guy was telling me that he his knee replaced under local anaesthetic - I couldn’t  believe it at first as is back in my day it was a full anaesthesia.

A green screen is placed so you can't see what they’re actually doing and he felt nothing at all. However the worse part was hearing the saw as they separated his bones. The whole operation was done in less than 10 mins.

No doubt you’ll be hobbling about for a while but not that long.

[Antman]

not had my joints replaced Tone, but just had my second shoulder arthroscopy (much less) and it's bloody sore but so long as you follow the physio you'll be fine.

My friend who had their knee replaced was in pain, and discomfort for sure, but it's a slow and steady recovery and now 6-9 months on they are taking long walks again.

long term it definately works out, the pain that causes the operation is gone, and suddenley one day you notice that! when everything is working again.

[Antman]

i would perhaps space them out a little more...:0

if you are struggling to get fully back on the first one, you don't want the second one too soon.

 

 

[BigTone]

1 hour ago, Robbored said:

You’ll be encouraged to walk about more or less straight away after the procedure. You’ll get a walking stick to aid you until you’re confident without it.

Much to my surprise one guy was telling me that he his knee replaced under local anaesthetic - I couldn’t  believe it at first as is back in my day it was a full anaesthesia.

A green screen is placed so you can't see what they’re actually doing and he felt nothing at all. However the worse part was hearing the saw as they separated his bones. The whole operation was done in less than 10 mins.

No doubt you’ll be hobbling about for a while but not that long.

Was told the procedure takes between 1 or 3 hours but then here in France you need to allow for at least 2 hours for their lunch break !!

Actually can't wait to get it done. Have had 5 ops in total removing cartilage etc and 10 procedures to inject gel into the joints.

[Robbored]

47 minutes ago, BigTone said:

Was told the procedure takes between 1 or 3 hours but then here in France you need to allow for at least 2 hours for their lunch break !!

Actually can't wait to get it done. Have had 5 ops in total removing cartilage etc and 10 procedures to inject gel into the joints.

I wouldn’t know what the procedure is in France Tone. I wrongly assumed you were having it done on the NHS. I imagine the recovery is the same tho.

[BigTone]

6 minutes ago, Robbored said:

I wouldn’t know what the procedure is in France Tone. I wrongly assumed you were having it done on the NHS. I imagine the recovery is the same tho.

about 4-5 days in hospital the specialist said but generally I expect much the same as UK.  Didnt mention the anaesthetic side of things but I would think a 3 Litre box of Chardonnay should suffice.

[Robbored]

11 minutes ago, BigTone said:

about 4-5 days in hospital the specialist said but generally I expect much the same as UK.  Didnt mention the anaesthetic side of things but I would think a 3 Litre box of Chardonnay should suffice.

You definitely wouldn’t have been able to walk after that lot Tone!

With the NHS hip/knee replacements are in and out on the same day - assuming there are no complications of course.

The demand on NHS beds over the decades have contributed to advanced and more efficient methods of treatment such as hip/knee replacements. 

I guess shortage of bed space in French hospitals isn’t an issue.

[BigTone]

4 minutes ago, Robbored said:

You definitely wouldn’t have been able to walk after that Tone!

I would'nt put money on that !!  I've been in worse condition !!

Its the talking Braille that is the worry.

[BigTone]

17 hours ago, Robbored said:

You definitely wouldn’t have been able to walk after that lot Tone!

With the NHS hip/knee replacements are in and out on the same day - assuming there are no complications of course.

The demand on NHS beds over the decades have contributed to advanced and more efficient methods of treatment such as hip/knee replacements. 

I guess shortage of bed space in French hospitals isn’t an issue.

Bed space is very much an issue here as well but hopefully when I have it done things will have eased a bit. The urgent one now is getting my Wife's next surgery out of the way, hence the reason I am delaying mine till the summer.

[1960maaan]

A friend had both her hips replaced, not at the same time obviously, each time they had her standing and doing a little walk a day later. She was walking with sticks after a few days. Then encouraged to get exercise regularly. I'd guess a knew would be the same.

[BigTone]

27 minutes ago, 1960maaan said:

A friend had both her hips replaced, not at the same time obviously, each time they had her standing and doing a little walk a day later. She was walking with sticks after a few days. Then encouraged to get exercise regularly. I'd guess a knew would be the same.

Pretty much I think. Been told approx 3-4 months between each op. I just want to get it done TBH. Will invest in an exercise bike etc to try and push it along. Have the pool so will use that all the time weather permitting as well.

[1960maaan]

10 minutes ago, BigTone said:

Pretty much I think. Been told approx 3-4 months between each op. I just want to get it done TBH. Will invest in an exercise bike etc to try and push it along. Have the pool so will use that all the time weather permitting as well.

My friend had hers about 6 months apart I think, had physio during the rehab and told to walk. I think you sound like you're more likely to do the exercise so shouldn't take as long. All the best for it, a mate's wife had a hip as well and she's chuffed she had it done, said it changed her life, as I said a knee (spelt correctly this time) should have a similar impact.

[BigTone]

2 minutes ago, 1960maaan said:

My friend had hers about 6 months apart I think, had physio during the rehab and told to walk. I think you sound like you're more likely to do the exercise so shouldn't take as long. All the best for it, a mate's wife had a hip as well and she's chuffed she had it done, said it changed her life, as I said a knee (spelt correctly this time) should have a similar impact.

Hope so mate as otherwise in the Specialists own words I will be in a wheelchair in 2 years. Diet starts Monday also.

[Maesknoll Red]

Doctor said the only cure for my knee was replacement, but I am too young for them to do it (because of how long the artificial knees last).  Spent ages building up the muscles around my knees in the gym and whilst it’s not perfect, as long as I don’t try and do anything too energetic, it’s bearable now.  Although the gym being shut for so long has certainly seen me lose some of that muscle gained.

[BigTone]

10 hours ago, Maesknoll Red said:

Doctor said the only cure for my knee was replacement, but I am too young for them to do it (because of how long the artificial knees last).  Spent ages building up the muscles around my knees in the gym and whilst it’s not perfect, as long as I don’t try and do anything too energetic, it’s bearable now.  Although the gym being shut for so long has certainly seen me lose some of that muscle gained.

I have no medial cartilage in either knee as it was all removed in 5 ops about 20 years ago.  The joys of playing sport !!  I am 61 now so age isn't the concern. Had special gel injected into them this time last year which made little or no difference hence the reason the Dr has agreed to put in replacements. Need to lose a few kilos also so diet starts. Find walking a distance difficult but will now just have to grin & bear it and start pushing myself to try and rebuild the muscles. The dog will be happy though.

[Maesknoll Red]

10 minutes ago, BigTone said:

I have no medial cartilage in either knee as it was all removed over in 5 ops about 20 years ago.  The joys of playing sport !!  I am 61 now so age isn't the concern. Had special gel injected into them this time last year which made little or no difference hence the reason the Dr has agreed to put in replacements. Need to lose a few kilos also so diet starts. Find walking a distance difficult but will now just have to grin & bear it and start pushing myself to try and rebuild the muscles. The dog will be happy though.

Good luck with the diet, this may not work for you, but I lost a stone following this:

https://thefast800.com

[Royz]

My brother had both his knees replaced at the same time by the ex international rugby player.

He walks miles but still has pain.

[BigTone]

1 hour ago, Maesknoll Red said:

Good luck with the diet, this may not work for you, but I lost a stone following this:

https://thefast800.com

I'm in !! It allows red wine and chocolate.

[BigTone]

1 hour ago, Royz said:

My brother had both his knees replaced at the same time by the ex international rugby player.

He walks miles but still has pain.

My Dr flat refused to do them both together. All have different reasons & opinions I suppose.

[ralphindevon]

The good news having it done in France is the aftercare from my experience is loads better. I’m sure you’ll be having regular physio for weeks which is really important for the best end result. 
when I broke my wrist skiing as soon as the plaster was off I had daily physio for a month. My wrist is stronger than my other now and no aches or pains. A friend did the same in the uk and he had one physio session and now gets pains in his wrist when it’s cold and damp.

The other thing they do differently can be seen as good or bad depending on your viewpoint, they keep you in hospital loads longer than in the uk. Personally I hate hospitals and would rather go home but I guess better to be safe than sorry.

Bon Courage! 

[downendcity]

On 19/02/2021 at 14:19, BigTone said:

No doubt several on here have had the procedure. Saw my Specialist today and will have one replaced in the summer and the other a few months later. Would have been sooner but Wife needs more urgent surgery before so no need for us both to be incapacitated at the same time.

Does it take long to recover from ? Are you mobile again fairly quick ?  Long term has it worked out ok ?

Just read your OP Tone.

Mrs Downend is private secretary to a Consultant Knee Surgeon, having previously been secretary for knee surgeons in the NHS. She had both her knees replaced  -the first in Nov 2012 the second the following January. She says that you should be OK to drive again within 6 weeks ( the measure is whether you can safely perform an emergency stop). You should be able to walk relatively comfortably in the same time frame, although no two patients are the same of course.

The real key is carrying out the physiotherapy diligently once you return home so as to avoid scar tissue forming inside the knee. It is not easy and pretty painful - based on our experience if you want your missus to talk dirty to you in the bedroom then do the physiotherapy with her! Not carrying through the physio can cause scar tissue to build up in the knee, which stops the knee regaining proper flexion and you’d then need the knee manipulated, This involves the surgeon literally pummelling the knee to break down the scar tissue and it would be done under anaesthetic - you want to avoid that! 

Long term it makes a huge difference - for the best. 

 

 

 

 

[BigTone]

12 minutes ago, downendcity said:

Just read your OP Tone.

Mrs Downend is private secretary to a Consultant Knee Surgeon, having previously been secretary for knee surgeons in the NHS. She had both her knees replaced  -the first in Nov 2012 the second the following January. She says that you should be OK to drive again within 6 weeks ( the measure is whether you can safely perform an emergency stop). You should be able to walk relatively comfortably in the same time frame, although no two patients are the same of course.

The real key is carrying out the physiotherapy diligently once you return home so as to avoid scar tissue forming inside the knee. It is not easy and pretty painful - based on our experience if you want your missus to talk dirty to you in the bedroom then do the physiotherapy with her! Not carrying through the physio can cause scar tissue to build up in the knee, which stops the knee regaining proper flexion and you’d then need the knee manipulated, This involves the surgeon literally pummelling the knee to break down the scar tissue and it would be done under anaesthetic - you want to avoid that! 

Long term it makes a huge difference - for the best. 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for that but may give the Mrs a miss and stick with Marie-Ange down the supermarket 

[BigTone]

14 minutes ago, downendcity said:

Just read your OP Tone.

Mrs Downend is private secretary to a Consultant Knee Surgeon, having previously been secretary for knee surgeons in the NHS. She had both her knees replaced  -the first in Nov 2012 the second the following January. She says that you should be OK to drive again within 6 weeks ( the measure is whether you can safely perform an emergency stop). You should be able to walk relatively comfortably in the same time frame, although no two patients are the same of course.

The real key is carrying out the physiotherapy diligently once you return home so as to avoid scar tissue forming inside the knee. It is not easy and pretty painful - based on our experience if you want your missus to talk dirty to you in the bedroom then do the physiotherapy with her! Not carrying through the physio can cause scar tissue to build up in the knee, which stops the knee regaining proper flexion and you’d then need the knee manipulated, This involves the surgeon literally pummelling the knee to break down the scar tissue and it would be done under anaesthetic - you want to avoid that! 

Long term it makes a huge difference - for the best. 

 

 

 

 

I will do whatever is needed. Have put up with it for far too long which is mostly down to me moving all over the world job wise and not being in one place for any length of time to have the surgery gone. Different now I think.

[downendcity]

1 minute ago, BigTone said:

I will do whatever is needed. Have put up with it for far too long which is mostly down to me moving all over the world job wise and not being in one place for any length of time to have the surgery gone. Different now I think.

Funnily enough, the older you are the better .

Replacement knees wear out  ( 15 - 20 years expectation) and surgeons don't like carrying out revisions i.e. replacing an existing replacement knee. Mrs D was “only” 56 when she had hers done so she can expect to be looking at revision in her lifetime - all things being equal. Ideally you want them done at an age when they will last for your lifetime!

 

[downendcity]

12 minutes ago, BigTone said:

Thanks for that but may give the Mrs a miss and stick with Marie-Ange down the supermarket 

Has she had knee replacement then?  

[BigTone]

20 minutes ago, downendcity said:

Has she had knee replacement then?  

No, but she can massage mine any day of the week !!  Haven't even told her about my vasectomy scars yet !!

[Blackbird1]

On 19/02/2021 at 14:19, BigTone said:

No doubt several on here have had the procedure. Saw my Specialist today and will have one replaced in the summer and the other a few months later. Would have been sooner but Wife needs more urgent surgery before so no need for us both to be incapacitated at the same time.

Does it take long to recover from ? Are you mobile again fairly quick ?  Long term has it worked out ok ?

Can't offer anything as to recovery, but hoping all goes well and I am sure you will benefit.

[BigTone]

35 minutes ago, Blackbird1 said:

Can't offer anything as to recovery, but hoping all goes well and I am sure you will benefit.

Thanks. Wife needs her surgery first as it is urgent. Mine will probably be summer.

[Red Bill]

My experience was excellent.  I had my right knee replaced two years ago in Lancashire at Wrightington Hospital after which I spent two weeks recovering at my son's home.  I then spent another week gradually getting back to normal while staying with my sister on the Isle of Wight.  Then I returned to Spain and back to normal.  Now, two years later, I never give my knee a thought and life has totally returned to it's, er, hectic normality.  I can only say that my treatment, under the NHS was exemplary and I have nothing but admiration for the staff who could not be faulted.  I can walk several miles without discomfort.  Interestingly, my left knee which used to give me "gyp" is now fine.  Don't ask me why.  So, don't hesitate to have the op.  Yes, there is some pain/discomfort after the op but it is well worth it.  I wish you well and look forward to seeing you wearing the number 9 shirt at the Gate!