I'm going to talk about Joint School anyway...

[fuchsoid]

Joint School is an excellent idea - they get patients in before their hip or knee replacements, and explain the whole procedure and aftermath, and everyone fills in a form about their home circumstances and gets to discuss it with a nurse. I had nothing like this when I went in to get my hip done, and would have greatly appreciated it then.

Comments

[pondhopper]

I can imagine panicking from seeing those diagrams and such. That would do it for me. But still, it's a great idea that they now prepare you for joint replacement like that.

I know somebody who had a full knee replacement in August and she was walking with a stick after the first week. Yes, the pain lasts a bit longer than with the hip but she was taking pain killers for only about 2 weeks and then sporadically after that. She did excessive exercise after the rehab as she's that driven so had more pain than normal. She is absolutely fine now and getting around without a stick and so much better than before.

I wish I could come and stay with you for a week or two just to help out. But I know you'll do fine!

[headgardener]

All the best with the op and speedy recovery therefrom.
Maybe try a charity shop (what the Aussies call an op shop) for comfy loose trousers? I've found a lot of my favourite comfy clothes (and bijouterie) therein, nicely pre-broken-in.

[gwendraith]

It's good the way they prepare you even if the diagrams are a bit gory and I think I might have had to turn away!

Are you able to get a couple of pairs of those casual loose cotton trousers to wear, sort of part pyjama part hippie bottoms? They would be comfortable and modern.

I do hope it all goes well and you have a swift recovery. (hugs)

[vaporw]

Trust me. I just had a full replacement two months ago. You will be up and walking the same day as surgery, you will be able to support yourself. You will WANT to have street clothes, and not nightgowns. You WILL be able to care for yourself at home. We have a high bed, and that didn't bother me getting in and out of it. The hard part?....going DOWN stairs. Going up stairs is a breeze, but the going down part, that negative space is a chore. I didn't need a toilet seat lift, but we are only 5'4".

Seriously, you WILL be fine and you will be amazed at how quickly this recovery is.

One thing, VERY IMPORTANT...while you are in bed, resting, sleeping whenever, make the staff bring you ice for your knee. Keep it iced down at all times, and especially AFTER rehab therapy.

This really will be easier that you think now. I didn't go to the class, but watched a short video on line and that scared the crap out of us. Wish we wouldn't have done that, so I do understand your anxiety.

(((( Hugs )))) You'll be fine...really.