Best Wishes, Gem

[Sum1Ls]

Onwards and forward. You’re doing very well, and respect for accepting all the challenges so positively.

[Gemini]

Thanks everyone

Last night was the first with no painkillers needed during the night

Physio today.

I told him I was struggling due to the swelling of the whole leg. He had a look and thought he may need a nurses opinion. He decided to ask his senior physio first. She said it's normal and although it should improve soon it may well be swollen for months!
All I can do is keep elevating my legs throughout the day and using the ice.

Otherwise all good. My knee bend and leg extension are improved and on track and in his words I ' almost jumped up on to the couch! Considering I could hardly lift my leg last time I saw him it's progress!
He would like me to use one or no sticks as much as possible now, which I am trying. I told him I needed to consider my back too and wasn't willing to do anything to endanger that at this stage.

So generally although it a long journey I'm getting there and seem to be on track.

[Daisy]

Gem, progress in anything is rarely a 'straight line'. The professionals are clearly happy that you are doing so well and I can totally understand that you don't want to risk injuring your back.

I'm very impressed that you all but jumped up on to the couch - get that skipping rope ordered! xxx

[Gemini]

Things are improving slowly.

I get about with only 1 stick now and often with none at home. I started driving, short trips only for now, this week.
Swelling, pain and stiffness continue. Night pain and stiffness makes sleep quality poor.

I joined a FB group for knee replacement surgery recovery which is very helpful. Most of us, of all age groups, are finding it so much harder than expected. Hardy anyone has been able to return to work, successfuly, much sooner than 6 months ,and sleepless nights for weeks and months seems to be almost universal!
There are also encouraging posts from those who are doing really well. Many are on their 2nd replacement within the year and one within 8 weeks

[Daisy]

Gem, it's really helpful to be able to discuss progress, pain and other symptoms with those who are going through the same thing. I'm quite surprised that sleepless nights can take 6 months or get over though. That is really tough. Hats off to the person on a second replacement within 8 weeks. I do know of a physio though who "boasts" about having both hips replaced at the same time and being back to normal in 3 months. I also remember Tizzy's OH having both knees done at the same time.

You're making good progress though with less need for sticks and driving again. Well done, brave lady. xx

[Gemini]

Thanks Daisy.
I'm really hoping to be allowed to resume aquafit at 7 weeks ( I will check at my 6 week consultant appointment) I think it will improve recovery, and I enjoy it!

[Daisy]

I would have thought aquafit would be an ideal way to regain fitness and mobility without putting any strain on your knee. Fingers crossed for you - it will be another step towards total recovery. xx

[Lizzie48]

Gem, all this talk about 6 months is putting me off having it done!! I was in pain on Wednesday, what I had done wrong I do not know, it was fine the next day.

I think everyone heals differently, the friend that had her knee done the week before you did, it is her second knee operation, she is retired now but after the first one she was back at work in a care home within 3 months.

A lady on the first floor here had her hips both replaced, just lately a knee, so I hear, she has never walked again after having her hips done. She was young as well when she had the first operation.

[Daisy]

Lizzie, I remember a colleague of OH's needed both hips doing and the doctor held off as long as possible because she was so young. He though she would need a second operation within a relatively short time. She was in her 40s, I think.

[Lizzie48]

Daisy , my nephews wife had hips, knees and shoulders replaced in her 50's!

[Gemini]

My mum's neighbour just had her hip done. In her 40's.

Hip recovery is a fraction of the time for knees.

[Lizzie48]

I have heard that before Gem.

[Gemini]

Gem, all this talk about 6 months is putting me off having it done!! I was in pain on Wednesday, what I had done wrong I do not know, it was fine the next day.

I think everyone heals differently, the friend that had her knee done the week before you did, it is her second knee operation, she is retired now but after the first one she was back at work in a care home within 3 months.

Lizzie, 3 months I think is what they generally say for going back to work. A lot of people are not ready though, and have to ask for more time off or a phased return.
As you say, everyone is different and even different knees in the same person can differ a lot in recovery.

[Gemini]

I forgot to say that yesterday I plucked up the courage to watch a video of a knee replacement. I fast forwarded it a bit
It certainly makes it clearer why we have the pain and swelling and long recovery.

The amount of sawing, hammering , drilling , pressure and screwing has to be seen to be believed
I am so glad I was asleep!

[Daisy]

Gem, that was brave of you! It's quite a brutal process, isn't it.