Wifes Total Knee Replacement

paulch

:roll: Hello All. My wife Sue has had a appiontment arrive for Right Knee replacement ( this has come 2 months early) She is Diabetic type1 but in good health, we have a pre assesment on the 14th, i myself is now disabled stroke/Dystonia and i am concerned how i will cope after op. Sue will join forum soon , she is worried about the pain she will have. Any advise would be helpfull or questions i need to ask.
tc all

stickywicket

What a great start to the year, Paul! Wise of you both to be thinking ahead.

Round here, the pre-med is where you have the opportunity to bring up any topics that might cause difficulties so it will probably be best if you can make a list to take with you and also go with Sue so that you can explain your own potential problems which I guess will depend on how severely you are affected by the stroke and arthritis.

Sue will recover best, and more surely, if she's under no pressure when she gets home to do anything except rest and exercise. Easing ourselves back into everyday chores should, if possible, take a back seat so the more you can do to help the better the outcome for her. How are you at cooking, cleaning, washing and turning a blind eye to things ? It might help to get in some ready meals. They're not ideal but useful for the really tough days. Do you shop online? If not, it might be a good time to start.

Presumably Sue's in a lot of pain right now so she'll be much better off afterwards. Post-op pain will be dealt with by the hospital and will be temporary. She'll be on an upward curve and I hope hers works as well as mine. I'll look forward to 'meeting' her on here.

dreamdaisy

Oh lordy lordy, this is not good news in some respects but I admit I am pleased for Sue because this operation could make a big difference to her life. There is little doubt, however, that things will be tricky for a good few weeks after her operation.

On-line shopping has been a boon for me, I began doing it after I broke my upper left humerus in three places in January 2014 - I had to do it because my husband was out at work and he does long hours. OK, I have to pack stuff away but someone brings it all into the house which helps. Like Sticky I don't know how you are coping with your health troubles but if you cannot manage cooking and basic cleaning then I hope that Social Services will be able to help out for a few weeks so that Sue can have the chance to rest and recuperate in a guilt-free environment. Neighbours were also very kind when I was incapacitated post-op but that was at our old terraced house where the neighbours were close at hand, do you have some lovely neighbours who might be able to help? What about other family members?

It might be worth reading through the permanent thread about tips on going to hospital (I cannot remember its proper title) - that may help you find some useful questions to ask. Everyone's circumstances are different but I for one hope that the help you may need can be found. DD

barbara12

Hello paulch
Im sorry to hear you have had a stroke..life does throw some things at us..the others have given you some good advice..the pain she will have is not has bad as the pain she has now, well mine wasn't after my THR ..of course you have the post op pain but it will be controlled..like DD says the first few weeks are the hardest ..if you could get some help off family or friends the odd meal ..and you could ask if there is any help available from your NHS trust..hope your wife has a good recovery ..if she does join us we can support her before and after the op

Tia1723

First few days will be difficult and this is the time you are needed. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from family, friends or relatives (if you have an option); as you will be a handful in helping sue with timely medications, monitoring and renewing the prescription and with basic mobility things.

Pain is common after this kind of surgery, but it would be manageable with pain medications. Discuss with possible side effects of those pain dullers (like nausea, headache and constipation) with your doctor and ways to cope with them. The key of post TKR is enjoy new knee with least pressure/stress, while safely resuming to daily activities.

Your healthcare team shall give you list of complete instructions before discharge. Much of the success of total knee replacement surgery depends on the patient's willingness to follow her surgeon's instructions during the recovery period.

stickywicket

Tia1723 wrote:

Much of the success of total knee replacement surgery depends on the patient's willingness to follow her surgeon's instructions during the recovery period.

I couldn't agree more, Tia. I feel sorry for people who are under pressure to get back to work or just to a normal day. Our input is every bit as important as the surgeon's.