what questions

bertyboy

i see the consultant on thursday get more xrays and expect to be told i can have replacement knees is there any questions i should be asking like which knee first :?

frogmorton

Scary eh Bertboy?
I would want to know which first
how soon for the next
How long will I be in
What is the recovery time
is there anything you can do now to help yourself
what pain releif/anaesthetic options are there etc.
Hey good luck
Love
Toni xx

elnafinn

I would have the knee done that is the worst - if that is an option. I am sure that decision will be left to you to decide.

You stay in about 4 - 5 nights. Work on the thigh muscles before the op if possible - that will help in your recovery. Ask about physio afterwards. Ask how many knee ops he has performed and his success rate. How long you will be immobile for. What prothesis he uses, if that interests you - but he will probably tell you anyway. He will probably answer all these questions, but it is good to have them written down in case he does not and also take a pen to write down the answers as you may not remember them all.

Are you able to chose whether you have a GA or not?

I took in a typed sheet of questions, mentioned that I had some questions to ask after listening to him and he said go on, then read them out, so I did.

All the best, I have my second TKR at the end of this month. I have not had a pre op assessment yet.

Take care
Elna x

lindalegs

Hi Bertyboy,

I can't think of any more questions to add to what Elna and Toni have suggested but would say take a pen and paper to just jot down answers as you go, otherwise you may not remember what was said when you get home.

Luv Legs

elnafinn

Hi again

Having trust in your surgeon goes a long way to peace of mind and a good recovery.

The day after the op you will use a frame and then go onto two crutches and then one. You are able to leave hospital when you have passed the "tests" of walking, sitting, bending the knee, climbing up/down stairs. Physio starts immediately in the hospital but you need to ask about physio when you leave as it should be continued, as this does help greatly. If you have an exercise bike at home this is great for aiding recovery once, you have been given the go ahead by the physio, that is if your unoperated knee is up to that.

It is the way ahead for a new life, trust me!

Luv
Elna x

bertyboy

thanks all i have pen and paper at the ready xx

oneday

One thing to ask....can you have another appointment in a couple of weeks to discuss anything that pops in your mind after you leave...i have done this and know others who have.....as soon as you leave you start thinking of more questions!