Tips while waiting for a knee replacement

lidgibbons

My 70 year old dad has suffered with gout, DVT and osteoarthritis for over 40 years.

He is currently waiting on a knee replacement (date of operation TBC), after having a hip replacement in 2021.

Is there anything I can do to make him more comfortable? He struggles to get out of seats, cars and bed. He also has severe pain in his wrists and fingers.

I’m also looking for a recommendation on a comfortable armchair for him.

He is currently only allowed to take cocodamol for the pain.

Also, any tips for post-op for the knee replacement for when the time comes.

PJoanne

Hello @lidgibbons

Welcome to the forum. There's a lot of information on the VA website, I've linked a few pages for you below.

Exercises for healthy joints | Back, neck, knee and foot exercises , Managing your pain | Treatments and self-help , Meditation and mindfulness and how it might help you , Knee replacement surgery | Treatment options | Versus Arthritis .

These are useful - a pad/cushion that swivels, helpful swinging the legs out of a car or bed . There are loads of options, if you do an internet search for 'swivel pad/cushion' or ' transfer pad' you will get lots of choices.

This link will take you to previous conversations about knee replacements : knee replacement - Versus Arthritis

Hope some of this is useful to you until there are some more responses.

All the best Joanne

janiebin

Hi @lidgibbons

There are comfortable recliner chairs that tip forward to help you stand up which are really helpful when you have weak and sore wrists which can't take your body weight when trying to stand up. We found a good 2nd hand one at our local hospice shop, might be worth a try.

Have you tried wrist supports or compression gloves they can help sore wrists and hands.

Joanne's advice about a swivel cushion for the car is a useful one. Good for after the operation also.

Hope this is helpful, this community is great for those with arthritis and carers too.

Take care