After waiting a very long time (years), my wife Annabel is finally going into hospital this Thursday for a full knee replacement.
She has been suffering from really bad arthritis in her knees for a very long time and hasn't been able to walk very far before they hurt a lot and swell.
Finally the operation is here and it's going to take her some time to fully recover. They have said anything from 6 weeks to 3 months to be fully back to normal and enjoying the new knee fully.
We used to love going for walks in the countryside, but she hasn't been able to go far, even with a stick, for some years. It will be great if this can give her back her mobility and end the pain. Her other knee also has arthritis, but no where near as bad.
Only bad thing is work would not give me any time off when she comes out of hospital. They have given me the day off when she goes in for the operation, but unpaid. Tom will have to step up and help her in the evenings. Hopefulky her rehabilitation will be quick and uncomplicated. It will just mean making sure she walks on it every day and doing the muscle strengthening excercises.