Like all the best stories (Stranger Things, Slow Horses, The Mystery of Edwin Drood….) we have kept you waiting in suspense for the outcome of Jackie’s blog about her knee replacement surgery. We’re so sorry (to you too, Jackie)! A happy problem of running a busy clinic is tpp little time to post online about everything that we do here. Well, here it is…the next installment, to be followed closely by part the fifth!
18th August 2025
6 weeks post op today and feeling good. Everyday is just that little bit easier. As you may know I had planned to return to work last week but I was right to move that along one week. I need improved sleep and that has come about. The rate of recovery is not a straight line and as Kevin has said “Why do you think we surgeons don’t want to see you for 6 weeks!” (Needs to be said – of course they would see their patients if there was a problem – infection, untenable pain, DVT, etc).
Pain and swelling management is a sliding scale. Initially it was regular dosing and now I can be a little more plastic and almost predict what I might need according to activity or sleep.
I’ve been a model patient. Truly. That’s not a joke. The exercise plan has been my daily mantra. Plus visits to the local pool. The biggest challenges are gaining full flexion – not quite there, and balance. Picture those joint position receptors feeding information into our central nervous system and then they are gone. Others need to take over, and they do but it takes re-education and practice. That’s where I’m at. This is the wobble cushion, single leg standing in the pool, slo mo stepping as if placing your foot round a giant clock face, etc. I urge you, don’t miss this part of any lower limb rehab. This is what will help with falls prevention.
So today I returned to the clinic. Could I remember the key code for the door? My computer passwords? Of course, like riding a bike. Did someone say bike……
With very best regards
Jackie