Stories - I decided to have my knee replaced when:

I opted for complete knee replacement after nearly two years of pain, and not being able to walk without two sticks. I had to give up teaching. I had been so happy doing supply teaching for the last four years. I was diagnosed with MS in 2017. Was an awful shock, but with the support of my family, I dealt with it. So, when my knee became worse and worse I was told that the only option was a CKR I knew there was no option really. I went in for surgery 8 days ago, and had a hard time dealing with the aftermath of the anaesthetic - on the second day after surgery when the physios were trying to get me walking or even sitting in a chair I kept fainting. Not good, but improved the next day. I had a catheter in after surgery which was a bit cumbersome when it came to moving around. I came home on 4th day, which I was pleased about.
I came home with codeine tablets, Lactlose and Aspirin. The codeine tabs gave me the most awful constipation so today (day 8 after the op) I decided I wasn’t going to take any more codeine, but I take many other meds for MS anyway, so obs codeine didn’t help at all.
I’ve been doing my exercises four times a day since I came home on Monday. It is very, very painful. I have a lot of bruising and swelling, but I am determined to do this and to continue with the exercises for many more months because I am determined that my last chance will not be wasted. I may not be able to do anything about the MS, but I can do something with a brand new knee. I feel very lucky to have been given this chance…..