Best Wishes, Gem

[Plantaholic]

As the other ladies have said crying with relief and tiredness and pain for so long is natural. Hope you will be home later.

[WeeGranny]

Hope your physio session went well and you're feeling more comfortable today!
My only advice would be to take all the painkillers that you're offered! Don't be a martyr! x

[Gemini]

Thanks everyone.
Just waiting to be discharged.

[Oma]

That is good news Nothing like your own home and bed to recover in xxx

[Gemini]

I'm home
Our recliner sofa is very comfortable for my knee.
Now I just have to sit down and work out my exercise and drugs regime.

[Lizzie48]

You will be pleased to be home Gem, can you climb the stairs to bed???

[Gemini]

Yes Lizzie

[Oma]

That’s great Gem ,
Recliners are so good arnt they takes the pressure off ,
Be carefull climbing the stairs , I imagine S will be behind you making sure your safe ,
Get some rest and hopefully you will sleep better tonight , much love 💕💕💕

[Gemini]

Oma I haven't decided yet whether to go up to bed tonight or make up the recliner with some bedding.

[Daisy]

Gem, so pleased to hear that you're home. I'm sure you feel more relaxed. would you sleep ok in the recliner>. I know they're very comfortable but sleeping on one if different and you could wake up with sore neck or shoulders. But then, if the thought of getting upstairs is too daunting for today it's an option!

Wherever you sleep, have a good night's rest. xxx

[Gemini]

Time to update!

I am 5 days post op now.
The stairs are no problem. I just use the handrail, stick in the opposite hand and go slowly.
I sit on the recliner sofa mostly as it is comfortable for my leg and not as low as our other sofa to get up from. You are advised to sit regularly with knee bent so I keep 'unreclining'!

There is a lot less swelling. My left thigh was nearly twice the size of my right a day or two ago. It's still bigger but only slightly. My dressing stays on until I go back on Friday. It is waterproof to go in the shower. We have a spare one in case it peels at the edges, but hopefully wont need to use that.

I do my exercises 3 or 4 times a day and have little walks around the house with sticks as well as my walks to and from the loo. I am finding exercises which require straightening and lifting the operated leg very difficult. I can straighten fine but not lift. I can get quite a good bend and am working on that.

As for pain most of the time there is none. There is some with walking. The worst time is on waking as it is stiff and I generally take painkillers at 6 or whenever I wake. They advise to keep on top of the pain throughout the day and take the tablets regularly and not wait for pain, which may be why I have little.

As well as the follow up appointment with a nurse I will also have a physio appointment next week, both at the hospital I was treated at.

[Oma]

Good to hear its improving day by day Gem.
I think mornings is always the worst as you have been immobile all night things stiffen up.
Pleased to hear your keeping on top of the pain it makes it easier for you to do your exercises doesn't it. 🥰🥰🥰

[Plantaholic]

Gemini, Sounds like things are moving forward, well done for doing the walking and exercise.

[Daisy]

Gem, it all sounds like very good progress, and I'm sure the physio will say you are a star patient. It must feel more comfortable now the swelling has almost gone, and it's great you're keeping the pain under control so well.

Keep up the good work. xx

[Gemini]

I am back from my follow up appointments.

I had an 8.30 am nurse appointment and a 10.45 physio. This would have meant a lot of waiting around between. As it's a comfortable place with free tea, coffee, hot chocolate etc, it wouldn't have been the end of the world to wait. However, I told the receptionist the situation and the physio fitted me in not long after my first appointment finished.

My dressing was removed , inspected and cleaned, and a smaller temporary one applied which I take off myself on Monday. Wound looks good and healing well.
Physio and nurse both say I am mobilising well.

Physio gave me a couple of extra exercises to add to my daily ones and we both agreed I need to concentrate on the ones I can't do as well because they hurt Must try harder! He was very pleased though, 90% bend is optimum for the knee and I have 92. I cant quite get the full straightness but we are nearly there with that one.

He has encouraged me to go out. Both in the car with OH to go for coffee etc, and to take short walks from home. I do plenty of walking each day but it's all around the house. If I go outside I can gauge more when can increase the distance
I have another physio appointment in 2 weeks time. My follow up with the surgeon is at the end of this month, 6 weeks post op.