Dear LPG,

I had one knee replaced about three years ago and, in spite of the pain that I was warned about before the operation, I am really glad that I went ahead with that procedure sooner rather than later.  I understand that many people put off doing this until their pain is unbearable or they really can’t walk, and I have to say that I could have had it done a bit earlier than I did. 

I am sure that we all know how it happens.  You put your name down for operations like this and then wait, usually for months before being called with very little notice to have the work done.

They never do both knees at the same time, which is a good thing, but the second often needs to be done as soon as the first can carry your weight again. 

As I said, this happened to me.  I had the first knee operation in late spring three years ago and I have to say that, initially it was hard and really painful but the difference within three months of having it done was wonderful.  I was called to have the second knee done in November of this year and, I was warned that recovery was likely to be harder because I was three years older so I expected that.  What I was not prepared for is the effect that the knee replacement combined with the dampness of the winter weather would have on recovering. 

I was recovering in the summer the first time and I did not realise how much easier that made doing the exercises needed if you are going to get back to fitness appear, but having to recover in the middle of winter this time has had a real effect on slowing the process down.  I did mention that I am three years older and that was always going to make a difference, but I am sure that trying to recover during the cold damp part of the year has not helped either.

So, while I know that when the NHS give a date after a long wait we will agree to having an operation like this done because of the risk of being put off for another couple of months wait if you don’t, if you know that you are prone to arthritic and rheumatoid pain that gets worse because of cold and damp weather, when the NHS call, weigh up the risks of postponing a little so that you recover when the elements are kinder to your joints. 

RH, Southwark.

LPG has found some information about weather related joint pain which may prove informative…

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