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General => Announcements => Topic started by: Andych on October 24, 2018, 12:29:36 AM

Title: New Knee
Post by: Andych on October 24, 2018, 12:29:36 AM
I had a total left knee replacement yesterday and spent a reasonably comfortable night with the aid a little push button 😉 Pain meds are good.
Rehab starts today so that will be interesting lol..
I am looking forward to getting back to not needing crutches etc to get around so I can get back to working on my bikes.
Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: Bryanj on October 24, 2018, 08:00:31 AM
Best of luck mate, had my hospital stay and dont wanna go back
Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: paul G on October 24, 2018, 08:04:41 AM
Speedy recovery Andy  :)
Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: Nurse Julie on October 24, 2018, 10:02:26 AM
You hang on to that little button as long as you can Andy 😀😀😀😀 Have a good recovery.
Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: Andych on October 24, 2018, 10:24:43 PM
Thanks everyone...unfortunately Nurse Julie the little button was only for the fist day so I am back on “ normal” strong painkillers now.
The rehab is painful but it has to get better 😳

Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: Nurse Julie on October 24, 2018, 10:31:13 PM
It will get better Andy, the more you use that new knee the less painful it will be resulting in you having confidence to use it even more. Never refuse the painkillers offered, even if you're not in pain and never, ever refuse the laxatives 😀😀😀😀
Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: philward on October 24, 2018, 11:22:00 PM
Speedo return to your bikes Andy
Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: Laverda Dave on October 25, 2018, 10:04:31 AM
Good luck Andy.
A mate has had two knee replacements in the past three years. He was up and walking within a couple of weeks of each op. As his name is Steve (as in Austin) and we nicknamed him the bionic man as he was off and walking ahead of us to the pub following the ops!
Good news it's your left knee and not your kick-starting right knee so it shouldn't affect your biking and you can keep the 16:1 pistons with confidence  ::)
Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: Johnwebley on October 25, 2018, 09:00:31 PM
get well soon Andy,

  the young nurses will soon have you hopping around !!!
Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: Moorey on October 25, 2018, 11:57:56 PM
At least it's the right time of the year and you should be raring to go come spring. My other half had a full hip replacement done early this year and the speed of recovery was amazing to see. She hasn't been able to ride her
Z750S for 5years and now she's back on it.  Have a speedy recovery. 
Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: Andych on October 26, 2018, 04:49:07 AM
Next Spring is a long way off down here in Australia...we are heading into a hot summer.
Just arrived at the Rehab hospital... maybe here for around a week or 2 as long as the swelling goes down.
Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: Moorey on October 26, 2018, 09:22:19 AM
You should definitely be fit by spring then.  ;D
Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: shifter on November 29, 2018, 02:39:29 AM
Keep doing the exercises, (you will get there ) I was riding a sh300 within 3weeks but that was naughty also don’t judge yourself with others that have same operation , everyone is different but ( you will get there ) , I’ve had two total knee & a hip replaced  I’m back like a 20yr old loving my 750 vfr / 550 /s90 , I also no chick just reaching 75yrs .. oh when your back fit double up on your knee sliders 😀...best of luck , you will get there ......
Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: Moorey on November 29, 2018, 09:14:00 AM
Keep doing the exercises, (you will get there ) I was riding a sh300 within 3weeks but that was naughty also don’t judge yourself with others that have same operation , everyone is different but ( you will get there ) , I’ve had two total knee & a hip replaced  I’m back like a 20yr old loving my 750 vfr / 550 /s90 , I also no chick just reaching 75yrs .. oh when your back fit double up on your knee sliders 😀...best of luck , you will get there ......

Was either op worse hip or knee .I am in for total hip  replacement in two weeks.
Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: shifter on November 29, 2018, 10:17:51 AM
Keep on top of painkillers (take before pain kicks in 3.1/2 hrs ) it will be fine, make sure you do your excersizes ,don’t give up on them and you’ll be running around like a goungun.  All the best and you’ll be right for  swinging your leg over for 2019..
Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: Andych on November 29, 2018, 02:09:15 PM
Thanks for all comments, suggestions etc..
5 weeks this week and I am going well.. there is still some swelling and associated pain but I was expecting that.
I can mostly walk normally again.. no limp... at least until the knee puffs up and the the pain amps up with it.. again.. I believe that is normal as well. Going up stairs is easy.. down stairs I need to concentrate as I am still lacking strength in the surrounding muscles but all in good time :)

As far as which is worse.. hip or knee.. I have only had the knee done but from what I saw in the Rehab Hospital and from talking with friends who have had both.. Hip is a piece of cake.. relatively speaking. I even have one customer who told me the hip pain he has suffered for many years ended when they knocked him out for the operation.. since then he has had no more pain.. certainly some discomfort from the surgery (to be expected) but no more debilitating pain.

I have to say my knee is pretty much the same.. I wouldnt say there is no pain.. but it is different to the pain of a severely damaged and arthritic knee with a badly torn ACL..

Good luck with the Hip replacement.. hoping it is a smooth Operation and rapid recovery :)
Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: Nurse Julie on November 29, 2018, 02:20:19 PM
Having been involved in well over 3000 hip and knee replacements over the years as either Surgeons Assistant or involved in the patients post op care and rehab, a hip replacement is a lot more straight forward anatomically than a knee replacement and therefore easier to recover from. These days a straight forward hip replacement patients spends as little as 24 hours in hospital, some even less and knee replacement patients 48-72 hours. These times are for patients that are otherwise fit and healthy. One local NHS Trust does hips as a day case.
Now, if it were myself having either procedure done, I would want at least 6 weeks in Hospital of which at least 3 would need to be in intensive care under heavy sedation 😀😀😀
Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: Moorey on November 29, 2018, 03:20:09 PM
My other half had a total hip in Feb and was in 4 days but every time she stood up her blood pressure dropped like a stone. I am supposedly in for 3 days which is the norm for total hip in this area.
Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: Johnwebley on November 29, 2018, 04:09:42 PM
Keep doing the exercises, (you will get there ) I was riding a sh300 within 3weeks but that was naughty also don’t judge yourself with others that have same operation , everyone is different but ( you will get there ) , I’ve had two total knee & a hip replaced  I’m back like a 20yr old loving my 750 vfr / 550 /s90 , I also no chick just reaching 75yrs .. oh when your back fit double up on your knee sliders 😀...best of luck , you will get there ......

Was either op worse hip or knee .I am in for total hip  replacement in two weeks.

  I had new hip last Xmas,

 the exercises after are most important,you will need to get your muscle strength back in your thigh and lower back.

 it will take time to be 100%,but the more you work,the better it will be.
Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: Nurse Julie on November 29, 2018, 04:58:38 PM
Keep doing the exercises, (you will get there ) I was riding a sh300 within 3weeks but that was naughty also don’t judge yourself with others that have same operation , everyone is different but ( you will get there ) , I’ve had two total knee & a hip replaced  I’m back like a 20yr old loving my 750 vfr / 550 /s90 , I also no chick just reaching 75yrs .. oh when your back fit double up on your knee sliders 😀...best of luck , you will get there ......

Was either op worse hip or knee .I am in for total hip  replacement in two weeks.

  I had new hip last Xmas,

 the exercises after are most important,you will need to get your muscle strength back in your thigh and lower back.

 it will take time to be 100%,but the more you work,the better it will be.
Chasing that little white ball around the countryside is what got you fit John  ;D
But, agree, post op recovery is 100% down to the patients exercise regime and own motivation. Surgeons, Doctors and Nurses have done their bit when you are in hospital, all the rest is down to the patient.
Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: Spitfire on November 30, 2018, 11:36:11 AM
Scary stuff, but also a bit reassuring, I have two dodgy knees and during the last year my right hip is starting to play up and the thought of giving up cycling or riding my Honda's is quite depressing but this thread has bucked me up no end as well as frightening me to death !!

Cheers

Dennis
Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: K2-K6 on November 30, 2018, 01:29:07 PM
Don't know if anyone saw it,  but a couple of weeks ago there was a live coverage of knee replacement op broadcast one evening on TV.

Made my eyes water watching it  :o but stuck it out to the end as it was fascinating.  Full of admiration for the surgeon and team carrying out the procedure with the patient sedated but conscious.

Quite impressive engineering of the replacement and came with whole box of sizes and shims to get final joint right before fitting final components.  It's a pretty sturdy joint when fixed,  just the sawing off the original components that really made me wince.
Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: Nurse Julie on November 30, 2018, 01:35:54 PM
It's just like woodwork Nigel and the instruments are just the same as what's in a Carpenters tool kit and known by the same names, just a lot more expensive and Sterile when in use 😀😀.
Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: K2-K6 on November 30, 2018, 01:41:29 PM
Bearing in mind my only previous view of leg surgery was "carry on up the something" with Kenneth Williams, I think, sawing someone's leg off while shouting "oh Matron"  while he was cutting through both leg and table. ;D

Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: Moorey on November 30, 2018, 06:38:51 PM
Don't know if anyone saw it,  but a couple of weeks ago there was a live coverage of knee replacement op broadcast one evening on TV.

Made my eyes water watching it  :o but stuck it out to the end as it was fascinating.  Full of admiration for the surgeon and team carrying out the procedure with the patient sedated but conscious.

Quite impressive engineering of the replacement and came with whole box of sizes and shims to get final joint right before fitting final components.  It's a pretty sturdy joint when fixed,  just the sawing off the original components that really made me wince.

I did some work at the firm in Chapeltown that makes them a few years ago. I should have picked up some spares. There were plenty in the skip that didn't make the grade. Fingers crossed for a good one.  :)
Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: SumpMagnet on November 30, 2018, 08:58:55 PM
@K2-K6 .... that was Carry on Jack where Kenneth Williams had his leg sawn off by Bernard Cribbins.  8)
Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: Spitfire on February 10, 2019, 11:07:28 AM
Hi Andy, just want to say thank you for starting this thread as it has reassured me no end, after a few years of a problem knee and one failed op I go in on Wednesday for a new knee and having read all the comments on here I am a lot happier about it. Take the painkillers and do the exercises seems to be the key !

Cheers

Dennis
Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: Andych on February 10, 2019, 11:40:24 AM
Thanks Dennis... you will be fine. I am now coming up to 4 months and almost completely off my pain killers.. for me it was a slow process to come off them as I was on a pretty high dose.
I can walk normal and am back better than I have been for many a year. Not saying it is a walk in the park.. as my Surgeon told me.. it will hurt like hell and expect there to be swelling for at least 6 months... and he was right.. but.. I would do it again tomorrow if the other knee gives out.
I lived in pain (severe pain for 18 months) for a long time and now am relatively pain free and can do pretty much anything I want.
The real trick is Physio Therapy.. I went to a rehab hospital for a week or so and that was a godsend in terms of movement etc. If you cant do that.. make sure you find a local Physio you can work with.. do the exercises... but dont fall for the "no pain, no gain" BS.. No point pushing too far ... slow and steady.
Good luck with the surgery.. :) You will be up and about in no time.
Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: Spitfire on February 10, 2019, 11:51:30 AM
Thanks for that Andy, this is a trial run as the other knee is worse that the one they are replacing, very strange but they must know what they are doing. When we lived in Sydney a colleague of mine had both knees done at the same time, brave (or foolish) man.

Cheers

Dennis
Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: Laverda Dave on February 10, 2019, 12:35:11 PM
Good luck Dennis. A mate had both he's knees replaced over a two year period. He was back flying a light aircraft within 6 months. He has no pain at all now.
Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: Nurse Julie on February 10, 2019, 01:01:39 PM
Good luck Dennis, let us know how you are getting on. Us Nurses do like patients progress notes to be kept up to date 😀😀😀
Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: Andych on February 10, 2019, 01:09:34 PM
Yes Dennis.. there were a few guys in the Rehab hospital when I was there that had both knees done at the same time.. I tip my hat to them.. having been through it no way I would recommend doing both at once but each to their own I guess..
I was offered to have an epidural and not go fully under anaesthetic but having watched a video of what they were going to do.. there was no way I wanted to be even partially awake when it was being done...lol
Keep us up to date.. a couple of pics just so you know what it all looks like in the first week or so :)

[attachimg=1]

[attachimg=2]

The last one was after 2 weeks when the dressing came off.. no external stitches or staples.. some new dressing and glue combination.. half my scar is almost invisible now.. I do have some numbness on the outside of the knee but it is slowly coming back.. :)
[attachimg=3]

Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: Moorey on February 10, 2019, 01:58:43 PM
Good Luck with it its just 9 weeks now since I had my hip replacement done. and the difference is great. Gone is the sickening grinding pain.I can now walk further than I have done for years. Cant get my leg over yet, but it will come. Exercise, Exercise, now off for a walk to the pub. ;)
Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: Spitfire on February 10, 2019, 04:51:15 PM
Good Luck with it its just 9 weeks now since I had my hip replacement done. and the difference is great. Gone is the sickening grinding pain.I can now walk further than I have done for years. Cant get my leg over yet, but it will come. Exercise, Exercise, now off for a walk to the pub. ;)

Sounds like a nice form of exercise
Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: Moorey on February 10, 2019, 04:55:01 PM
Just got back and it was three pubs. Plan your route.  ;) :)
Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: philward on February 10, 2019, 08:40:13 PM
Hi Andy, just want to say thank you for starting this thread as it has reassured me no end, after a few years of a problem knee and one failed op I go in on Wednesday for a new knee and having read all the comments on here I am a lot happier about it. Take the painkillers and do the exercises seems to be the key !

Cheers

Dennis
Good luck Dennis
Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: Spitfire on February 19, 2019, 04:36:29 PM
Well it's all done, spinal block with sedation, did not see or feel a thing and from the waist down there was no pain at all when I woke up. The actual injection was not very pleasant but it was fast.
Nurse Julie's mantra, take the painkillers and do the exercises have kept me going on the straight and narrow, though a couple of the exercises are beyond me at the moment as the knee is pretty swollen.
They kept me in for 4 days, the dressing was weeping a fair bit at first (big red puddle around my foot) but it cleared up, and once I was mobile and could go up and down stairs safely they let me out, so I'm keeping to Nurse Juilie's instructions plus the ice pack four times a day for 20 minutes.
I can see it will be a longish job but at least this year both bikes are ready to roll when I am,my poor other knee is suffering though as is my left shoulder.

Cheers

Dennis
Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: Nurse Julie on February 19, 2019, 04:59:42 PM
Great work Dennis, sounds like you are the perfect (compliant  ;D) patient, who does as he's advised and is feeling the benefits of all the hard work you are putting in. Onwards and upwards.
Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: davefirestorm on March 11, 2019, 12:22:51 PM
I had a new replacement 4 years ago and most important advice I’d give is do the exercises before and after the op.Can be a bit painful at times lol. and keep on top with pain relief.I was going to have both done at once but still walking ok. My wife has had both of hers done recently only problem she’s having is straightening one.It’s well worth doing to get rid of arthritic pain
Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: Spitfire on May 02, 2019, 07:43:37 PM
Well it's 9 weeks now and I am going to physio every Wednesday and am exercising every day, the muscles are still a bit weak and stairs are a problem, I can get up and down OK but not as normal, doing it one at a time. The worry is that although I have got 115 degrees movement on the knee I am a couple of inches out on the right footrest on my F1. Anyone else have this problem ?

Cheers

Dennis
Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: taysidedragon on May 02, 2019, 08:12:20 PM
I smashed my left leg and ankle a few years ago. Still got restricted movement in the ankle.
It takes time to get strength and movement back, keep at the exercises.  You'll get there eventually.
I found it hard even to get my leg over a bike to start with and wondered if I would ever be able to ride again, but gradually it got better and better.
Some things can't be speeded up, you just have to be patient.
Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: Moorey on May 02, 2019, 08:41:09 PM
Keep at it you will get there eventually.  ;)
Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: Johnwebley on May 02, 2019, 08:54:56 PM


  I have only had my hip done,but after cutting through all the muscles in the thigh and bum I felt very week,

 its all down to working at it,

  take your painkillers and go for it,



 nearly 18 months later,its great,can swing my leg across the bikes ,so much better .


 so best wishes Dennis,and go for it ,
Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: Andych on May 03, 2019, 12:08:54 AM
I am just over 6 months from my knee replacement and going great guns.. I think my Physio said I was 1.5 degrees off being completely straight which is pretty much the same as the other leg.. exercise and physio makes all the difference.. I am pretty much off all pain killers now and so glad I had mine done.. keep up with the exercises and dont listen to anyone who tells you no pain, no gain.. they are wrong... only push to where you are comfortable.. dont try and push it harder, you end up going backwards... small steps :)
Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: Spitfire on May 03, 2019, 09:47:11 AM
Thanks guys, that's very reassuring, I am hitting the exercises as hard as I can as I want to get back on the bike as soon as possible, but I was getting a bit down as it seems so slow, I do know that it is a slow process but I'm an impatient person.
I will keep going with the exercises and the physio and do my best

Thanks

Dennis.
Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: paul G on May 03, 2019, 12:28:43 PM
Sounds like you are doing great Dennis :)
Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: Moorey on May 03, 2019, 07:14:24 PM
I have found a major problem with having new joints fitted and much greater mobility . It enables you to climb steps and fall off them, breaking my big toe in the process. >:(
Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: Spitfire on May 04, 2019, 10:04:47 AM
I have found a major problem with having new joints fitted and much greater mobility . It enables you to climb steps and fall off them, breaking my big toe in the process. >:(
Sounds like you are doing great Dennis :)
I am very careful with the stairs, going up I tend to use the bannister and my arms, going down is a problem as the knee does have a habit of letting go, so for the moment I'm being a wimp and doing them one at a time, tried doing it normally on the bottom steps and the knee gave out, so that is out for the moment.
I also have not been brave enough to try kneeling on the new knee yet.

Cheers

Dennis
Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: Andych on May 04, 2019, 10:24:09 AM
It does get better... I am doing Exercise Physio as well as normal Physio so I am at the gym once a week for an hour or so... doing stuff like squats, lunges and then leg presses to get strength back..
Kneeling isnt much fun but I can do it.. my only problem is I still have a bit of fluid around the knee and still have a large section which has no feeling at all.. which is really strange. I have certain exercises they want me to do that I need to be on my knees for.. bridges etc.. I dont like them much but figure they must be good for me.. :)
Stairs get easier... I find them pretty simple now but they are much easier in shoes than bare feet.. go figure huh..
Title: Re: New Knee
Post by: Spitfire on May 04, 2019, 12:46:01 PM
Good to hear, makes struggling through my daily dozen easier !

Cheers

Dennis
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