PKR Newbie with knackered knees and various options to consider

[Legseleven]

The secretary just rang to say she had double checked and it’s a Zimmer prosthesis. I’ve got a physio appointment next Friday so after that things may become clearer. Meanwhile I’ve bought shower grab rails and now I’m trying to think of other things and just get on with day to day life as this is all quite heavy to deal with. Thanks again.

 

[Roy Gardiner]

How is it now?

Just about perfect. I can't sit on my heels - just because I didn't persevere with the stretches. Kneeling is possible but feels gross. Anything else, no bother.

I’m 66 and not as strong as you, and not as fit

It's really for the doctor to decide. One surgery, one recovery

The first month is a challenge. Single-level living would be good. You've read my thread so will know what I encountered. Home support is highly desirable.

 

[Roy Gardiner]

I also went to see a convalescent/respite place today and they’ve had a lot of joint replacement patients staying for a couple of weeks afterwards.

The longer the better, IMO. Infinitely boring, but I found out how helpful when I got home!!

 

[Legseleven]

Thanks @Roy Gardiner I really appreciate your input and taking time to reply, thank you very much. I live in a terraced two storied house with 3 steps from kitchen to downstairs loo. I’m getting stair rails put up where there are none and putting up second stair rail on the stairs so there’ll be one on each side. My art studio is in the attic so I’ll be highly motivated to get back up there and that has to be a good thing. I love my home, I’m really settled and happy here and I wish to stay here for many years to come. I’m aware that a bilateral means time away with the support until I’m managing the pain and moving about safely to come home, and some help from time to time at home too with cleaning etc.
The one recovery is a bonus, and that’s why I am still on the fence.
I’ve been looking at your exercises and I have a little ‘Dolly’ with castors I use for moving heavy things, I’ll maybe try that like the skate board tomorrow to see if it works. Your posts are inspiring and insightful and encouraging, thank you and here’s hoping I get a good recovery too.

 

[Legseleven]

@EalingGran and @Jamie and all the other admins. You’ve been so brilliant already, thank you.
I have a question re exercises post op. One of my regular exercises is Qi-Gong Swinging Hands. Also known as ping shui gong. On every 5th arm swing the knees are gently ‘bobbed’. A slight flex then extend. I attach a photo to illustrate. I’m doing this as part of my regular routine now, and wonder if it can be gently introduced after surgery as part of the walking about and general movement. My back likes it, my knees can just manage it now, but the dips are less than they were. It raises my heart rate and it’s an exercise which suits me and I know it well.
Thanks a lot. x

 

[Legseleven]

I also went to see a convalescent/respite place today and they’ve had a lot of joint replacement patients staying for a couple of weeks afterwards.

The longer the better, IMO. Infinitely boring, but I found out how helpful when I got home!!

@Roy Gardiner did you convalesce somewhere? I might have missed that but when I read your thread. Thanks.

 

[Jamie]

@Legseleven …. That is a fine exercise for recovery as long as you start slow with the number of reps and sets and only increase them gradually as they become easier. The squat that’s done as part of the routine is small enough that it shouldn’t tax your knee if you stop the bend when things get just a bit uncomfortable.

 

[Legseleven]

Thanks @Jamie that’s brilliant news. Little wins in a tough challenge.

 

[Legseleven]

Apologies @Jamie for more questions. I have a rebounder, much used in the past. Not so much now. Is this something I’m likely to use again or is it time to sell it? I’m thinking of both space and funds for the bike stand. However if it’d be useful down the line I’d keep it. Thanks again for helping me plan my recovery journey.

 

[Roy Gardiner]

I also went to see a convalescent/respite place today and they’ve had a lot of joint replacement patients staying for a couple of weeks afterwards.

The longer the better, IMO. Infinitely boring, but I found out how helpful when I got home!!

@Roy Gardiner did you convalesce somewhere? I might have missed that but when I read your thread. Thanks.

Yes, I had 5 nights in the hospital where the operation was done. Until I could sort-of walk.

 

[Roy Gardiner]

. I have a rebounder

A kind of trampoline? I don't think so with new knees.

I'd say a static bike would be a great deal more use.

 

[Legseleven]

Thanks @Roy Gardiner

 

[Jamie]

I agree with Roy. Usually joint replacement patients are advised to limit any exercise or sport that involves contact, lots of twisting, or impact. Some people do it anyway and seem to be fine. But I’m not sure I’d chance it with a rebounder when there are so many other options available for you.

 

[Legseleven]

Thanks @Jamie , I wasn’t so much thinking about post op, and rehab, more as when fully recovered. Much appreciated.

 

[EalingGran]

Just reading your thread and you have a really positive approach to it all.
I would recommend doing the Oxford Joint scores and keeping a record- either on here or in a notebook. I wish I had done it before my PKR and serially afterwards. It would have been really helpful to monitor my post op progress better.
I read that you have a lot of stairs and I think that could be really tough if you opt for bilateral surgery. Ideally you need a "good" leg to negotiate stairs. I was taught to do stairs on crutches with
" Good leg up ( to Heaven) and bad leg down ( to Hell)"
I fitted railings on my outside steps which helped and got a commode for the early weeks- because I don't have a toilet on the middle floor where I spent the daytime.
I had a fairly cheap gravity fed Aircast Cryocuff which worked really well. But I appreciate your point in another post about not having help to move it around or carry ice for you. Perhaps you could
bulk buy a box or two of the chemical ice packs and use those in the location furthest from the freezer?
I think in your position I would consider a residential rehab unit for a couple of weeks.
This can be a tough recovery and PKRs are not necessarily much easier- despite often being sold as less invasive and quicker to get over. I think any truth in that argument only applies to the most common medial PKRs. Patellofemoral or lateral PKRs are much rarer and potentially a bit more complex.
It's good you have checked your surgeon on the National Joint Registry. Does he do plenty of PKRs?
Good luck and we will be here to support you.

 

[Legseleven]

Thanks @EalingGran for your kind words. I always aim to be positive.
Yes, the surgeon is a knee specialist and has good scores and does lots of all types of partial and full knee replacements. I know he has 2 bilaterals booked in June already. I have a few more questions to ask but he and his secretary are both on holiday just now. As my son says this is all in a day’s work for him, it’s all he does, and that should give confidence. I can DM you his name. However surgeons are always very bracing, the pain and recovery need at least doubling and these doctors are not there when their patients are crying on the stairs, they’re operating on the next ones.
Commode yes could do that, but then also need someone to empty it…. ‍‍Round and round in circles I go. Three steps from kitchen to downstairs loo, and measured there for rails today.
Downstairs we could put a bed in the sitting room for daytime rest. Will also be building a platform to raise my recliner.
I’m also busy viewing nursing homes, I know in my heart I have no other option, despite what consultant says, and so far I have one front runner and one no. 3 more to view, nearer the family, then I’ll decide. I nearly fainted at the cost. At work for the next 2 days, so gives me a break from all this.
Thanks again. My Oxford joint score was 76, or 72 if I miss out the skiing question, as I’ve never done it, ever. Wasn’t sure if I should count it or not.

 

[Jamie]

Rehab facilities are very expensive. They are harder to get into here in the states now that surgeons are sending people home the day of surgery. However….here you can sneak in a few “free” (insurance pays) days in the hospital if you strongly cry to your surgeon that you live alone and do not feel safe going home right after surgery. I don’t know if that will work in the UK or not, but you might try it. If they wouldn’t let you stay in hospital perhaps they would cover a few days in a nursing home. You really shouldn’t need any more than that unless there is a problem.

 

[EalingGran]

Thanks again. My Oxford joint score was 76, or 72 if I miss out the skiing question, as I’ve never done it, ever.

Not sure which Score sheet you used.
The standard Oxford Knee Score ( which you will find in the Pre- op info above in this thread) is scored from 0-48 with 0 being truly terrible and 48 being amazingly good. There isn't a skiing question. It looks at basic activities and how much trouble you have.

 

[Legseleven]

Thanks @EalingGran I just found them. I filled in another before about how bad is your knee? That one had skiing on. I thought that was the Oxford one, clearly not!
OJS 25
Teignbridge score 31
@Jamie I can ask the secretary when she’s back, and I hope it’s all straightforward.
I am normally so independent and confident and tear around doing all sorts of things which I know will be curtailed for a while. Working with the elderly highlights a lot. I guess I am feeling vulnerable and after a lifetime of looking after everyone else this is a new experience I’m simply trying to do the best for me.

 

[Jamie]

I think you’re very wise to work out all the “what ifs” before your surgery. That’s called excellent preparation when you have not only a Plan A but also a Plan B and Plan C just in case. Good job!