The latest installment of Jackie’s blog sees her now fully back in the saddle at work after her knee replacement earlier this year. What a remarkable testament to our ability to heal as human beings, as well as a testament to Jackie’s resilience, and her ability to apply her own advice and expertise to herself, to make such a great recovery.
3rd October 2025
The new knee is back to work.
I’m now 12 weeks post op. I returned to work at 6 weeks post op. Only being able to do this because I work in a small environment, the commute is door to door and Rebecca had no problem with my shortened day. Anyone else having a knee replacement please do not feel any pressure to return to work at 6 weeks. The ability to return to work is dependent on a raft of different reasons and circumstances. There is definitely a need to negotiate a phased return.
The first hurdle was the ability to sit in the car. The bruising and the discomfort of the pressure of the chair on the back of the thigh was limiting. There is a real need to work on the bruising and swelling as soon as possible – arnica, ice packs, massage, exercises, rest and elevation. Give in to tiredness, don’t fight it, go to bed (but not 24/7). Move often. Far better to rest in bed and move often than to sit out, stay still and perpetuate swelling.
I also had a high level of neuralgia. I’d had a femoral nerve block and I believe the nerve was bruised (not a complaint, it happens). It was keeping me awake. I requested medication and it worked for me. The bruising around my leg was quite something and even 12 weeks on there are still remnants of it. I saw one of our massage therapists – Zara – who helped me enormously with the swelling and bruising. The last degrees of knee bend are a little impeded by an uncomfortable feeling of squashing your own soft tissue. Arnica – both topical and by mouth helps ++.
Many people have commented about ‘doing my own Physio’. Well, I can be responsible for continuing to exercise but you cannot apply the helpful hands on techniques to yourself. I do see a Physio who has helped me ++ and yesterday I saw an Orthotist who will make and supply a pair of bespoke insoles because I am in a whole new alignment.
So, I am back in the saddle. They say you never stop learning and this has certainly provided a whole new insight to the patient experience of joint replacement. I know the theories. I know the rationales and protocols. Now I also know the truth 😊.
With very best regards
Jackie