Losing confidence while waiting for knee replacement surgery

Mooncow

Hi,

I was due to have a major knee revision operation on 25/4/24, it was cancelled 48 hours beforehand and I had to go on medication for 5 weeks. I have now been on the urgent list since August and its coming up to a year since I was due to have it done. Along with the worry that my knee will be worse when they do it (it was horrendous to start with 😔) I have been housebound and unable to do anything than sit on my sofa and wait, my son comes with my shopping weekly but apart from him I don't see another soul. The thing is I have started to lose confidence for the future and if I will ever be able to walk again without crutches. Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this and might have some advice and tips please?

Kind Regards

Anna Maria

noddingtonpete

Hello @Mooncow please don't lose hope. There are many people who've had the op and come out of it in a better place so why not you?

I hope some others on here will connect and talk about their experiences with you soon.

Best wishes

Peter

Bryony

So sorry to hear this. The NHS waits are excessive for some people, especially when there has been a cancellation which even when it is cancelled by them seems to mean back to the bottom of the list. I've been waiting for over 2 years for knee replacements, and still another 6-9 months to wait. I'm not house bound like you, but in pain and much restricted in what I can do, so can understand where you are coming from.

Is there any way you can get out to see other people? Anyone with transport who can take you somewhere? Or even chatting to old friends on the phone? Seeing and talking to other people makes it easier to cope. Any neighbours who can just pop by and chat?

I noticed I was getting quite reclusive, due to depression from the long wait for surgery, and know it is not good for me, though I've always been a bit of a loner, and tend to like my own space. I find it does lift my spirit talking to others, and take my mind elsewhere for a while.

Ellen

Have you seen this @Mooncow ?

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2021/april/ways-to-manage-your-pain-while-waiting-for-surgery/

best wishes

Ellen.

Bryony

Also to add, do you have any particular hobbies? As you are not getting out at the moment, perhaps think about joining a forum where you can discuss your interest. Whilst this forum is very helpful with support related to OA, a forum where you discuss your interests and can just generally chat can help divert your attention to things you enjoy. I find I do warm to people in forum groups and get to feel some are friends, even if I've never met them. Forums that have a 'lounge' - where you get to discuss things other than the immediate hobby can be very enjoyable. It helps me keep in touch with the world out there, and feel less isolated.

Mooncow

Thank you for the kind comments, I can't get out physically as my pain is very severe :( thank you for the link Ellen I will take a look at it.

Lizebeth

Hi Mooncow,

Its so hard on the soul waiting for surgery and having it cancelled and then having a wait that perhaps feels so less secure? I'm sorry you're having to deal with all this on top of having the pain and limited mobility, you are going through a lot right now.

Does your GP surgery have a social prescriber? if so I recomend asking for an appointment with them to discuss how the isolation of your situation impacts you and they may be able to put you in touch with various groups/organisations that offer social support especially tailored for people who are likely to be waiting for surgeries and hospital situations.

The social prescriber at my GP's surgery has contact with volunteer groups who can help with shopping and social contact if someone is waiting pre surgery and they even do a scheme where they make sure someone contacts you after you've been discharged and makes sure there some food in etc for when you get home then they visit once a week for a few weeks after just to ensure you are doing okay.

As others have said, hobbies and forums can be a great help, but I will say from personal experience having an actual person come visit is more than a mood boost it gives the day some sort of structure and its motivating so I do recommend asking your GP's surgery if they have a social prescriber and if not then ask them if there is any support available.

Being housebound is very hard on mental health and its important that you know how valuble it can be to you in the long term to ask for help in managing the problem of social isolation, so don't be shy about going forward with this.

hope this helps.

PJoanne

Hello @Mooncow

Do you think that it would be helpful to address your concerns about your physical health/worries about the future with your GP? If you let the receptionist know you are housebound they may be able to offer assistance in attending the appointment or offer a telephone appointment.

I've popped a link to a UK wide befriending directory, there may be a service you can access in your local area? Are there any local clubs/socities that interest you? If so I would get in touch and say you would like to go but need help to attend as you are housebound. People are often very willing to help. Finally the chat in 'val's cafe' in this forum is lively and active if you would like to pop in and say hello.

Best Joanne