Knee replacement before Christmas

[Tachicrew]

DH is due to have a knee replacement a couple of weeks before Christmas and I'm trying to work out how much effect this is going to have on normal Christmas activities. From what I've read, getting over a knee replacement can be quite difficult and I'd love to hear some views on this if you've had first hand experience.

Normally DH cooks Christmas dinner, so I'm assuming that he won't be able to do that. But even if I take over this, will it be impossible to host anyone else over Christmas? I'm just wondering if he is likely to feel so miserable/in pain that it would be easier to not see anyone. Also, are we likely to have to return to the hospital (an hour's drive away) for stitches to be taken out, post-operative care etc?

A friend had one done, they get them up and moving around very quickly and the pain seemed well controlled. I would carry on as usual, but expect to do most of the work yourself. I don't suppose he would get a post op appointment during the Christmas period itself staffing levels tend to be low. I assume he will be home before Christmas, but I suppose that might depend on how quickly he can manage.

We’re in the same position, but it’s 5 days before Christmas! We’re staying home and having a nice meal but not the full Christmas dinner with all the trimmings as I ‘m not in great health myself. A couple of family members are coming on Boxing Day with some nice bits so that I don’t have to do much. A different but no less enjoyable Christmas!

He should get physio to do prior to op. He needs to do it. Building up quads prior really helps with recovery. Likewise being diligent about post-op physio.

If he does exactly as advised, he should be fine, but it is a painful op. Keeping on top of pain is key. Staples are normally removed locally. Hospital should provide a sterile staple removal pack for you to take to GP.

Think about clothing too, loose fitting trousers are best as there will be a lot of swelling. Jogging bottoms or shorts worked best for my ex. Be prepared to help him with daily tasks, dressing/undressing, washing, getting in and out of bed etc.

Dad has his knee replaced 9 weeks ago now. Lot depends on health before, muscle strength, stability, whether relying on a knee that also needs an op, whether stairs to navigate etc.

We were told by surgeon that it'd make his life miserable for around 4 weeks. In reality it was 3 and then sudden leaps of improvement. He reached the 90 degree bend (aim for 12 weeks) at 6 weeks. Pain comes in waves, unpredictable, but down to one stick unless out and about for longer periods. He done exercises before and after religiously.

Good luck - dad says that although now sore, it's different and no longer chronic. Things can only improve for him from here.

Thanks for the replies everyone. And good luck @Bignanna

@unsync DH has not been told to do any physio before the op, which worries me somewhat as I've seen elsewhere that this is advisable.

I think 2 weeks before Christmas is just close enough to not be at all sure how things will be going by Christmas day!