Dh having arthroscopy now. Both knee-caps re-aligned. Any advice?

[Oblomov]

Dh is having his op right now. He has not been able to kneel down for months. Pain for years. Having it done privately from work BUPA.
On a day to day basis he is fine and in no discomfort.
Having both knee-caps re-aligned at the same time. Was recommended by consultant. But this means he won't be able to walk. Do nothing. Not really move. How will he get to the toilet?
Consultant told dh that he would be off work for 3 weeks. 3? seems a long time.
I appreciate he will have crutches. Will they provide plastic things for him to wee in? I appreciate the pain may hit him on day 2 or 3.
Does anyone have any advice, or anything NOT to do?

[Areyoumadorisitme]

I have lots of advice - will PM you

[Oblomov]

Thank you Areyoumad.

[Areyoumadorisitme]

Have just sent it, feel free to get back to me if you want

[Oblomov]

Areyoumad. Thank you. You have been extremely helpful.

[Areyoumadorisitme]

You're very welcome, do let us know how he gets on.

[grimbletart]

I had a lateral release on one knee with kneecap being re-aligned so appreciate that having both done is somewhat different viz a viz walking. In my case the kneecap was dislocating completely and I used to have to wangle it back in place to even move (which was eye watering). Had loads of torn cartilage removed at same time.

The aftermath of the op. was nowhere near as painful as I imagined e.g. never needed painkillers, but the swelling was gross. My only advice apart from doing the exercises and physic as recommended is frozen peas are your friend. A large bag of frozen peas wrapped an an old pillowcase and kept between times in the freezer. Apply to your knees frequently - more often than you can imagine to contain the swelling and reduce it. Oh, and because the nerves across the front of the kneecap had been cut I couldn't kneel at all for a couple of years after until they gradually healed and even now can only kneel for a minute or two (but that is probably also due to the arthritis). But if your husband already can't kneel, hopefully the op will improve that.

[Oblomov]

He phoned mid morning. was dozy. Has just phoned. waiting for crutches. Says the pain is bad.
This comes from the man who has had large intestine and then later small intestine removed, and never said the pain was bad. OH SHIT.

Am just waiting to hear back from him. Have a specail ice bag thingy, will go and buy ice on way. Plus we have lots of peas in, so no worries there.

Thank you grimble.

Am starting to get most concerned that I was totally un-prepared as to how long the recovery was on this serious operation.

[Areyoumadorisitme]

He WILL be ok. Take all the painkillers he gets given to an exact schedule for the first few days, do not miss any even if he thinks he's ok. Best to keep on top of it.

Lots of love, drugs and tlc will do it. Yes it may be longer than expected and a bigger op than you'd bargained for but it will be ok in the end.

Thinking of you both

[Areyoumadorisitme]

If by any chance the hospital hasn't given him codeine or tramadol, ask if he hasn't already left or get your GP to prescribe.

[Oblomov]

co-codamol. only.
surely that's not enough?

[Areyoumadorisitme]

Sorry just seen this, I assume he's home now or on his way? See how he gets on tonight and ask the GP tomorrow morning for something else if required.

[Areyoumadorisitme]

Don't forget to stagger it with ibuprofen as well.

[Areyoumadorisitme]

How's he getting on a couple of days later?

[Oblomov]

He is worse today. I kind if expected that, as did he. He is doing the exercises. We will see. I find some extra strong pain killers in the cupboard and he is taking those. Thanks for the interest.

[Areyoumadorisitme]

Thinking of you both, it WILL get better. I have a lot of sympathy, very difficult to know how it feels unless you've had it done.