Experiences with knee replacement surgery

[Lobouspo]

Anyone who has had the procedure done? Or had a loved one go through it? What was your (their) experience? My mother is having it done next week and I am a bit apprehensive given her age (77) and other health issues (atrial fibrillation)

[TaraMaiden]

My mother had a hip replacement a few years ago. IN October.

By Christmas, she was up and dancing scottish reels on Hogmanay.

 

No kidding.

 

The lady in the next bed to her, had a knee replacement.

While she was still woozy from the anaesthetic, they rigged her knee up in a mechanical gizmo which started it moving, gently, as if she were cycling with one leg.

 

Movement, and exercise is vital.

 

The hospital will give her a definite exercise regime to do, and while they don't expect you to run marathons immediately, they WILL recommend she move it - as instructed, gently, but as much as possible.

Complete rest will be the last thing she will have. As a replaced joint, it's important to keep it active and moving, to prevent scar tissue building up and to maintain good circulation and activity.

[TaraMaiden]

(PS: My mother was also well into her 70's when she had it done, so really, if your mum's sprightly now, her knee op will just add to that!)