Walking Into Surgery Stronger Than I Expected

A Patient Journey Through Hip Fracture, Arthritis and Knee Replacement Preparation

AI generated.

When I first came in, I had just had a fall that caused a hip fracture. That was the main concern at the time. I already had one knee replaced on the same leg, and the other knee was bone on bone and waiting for surgery. To be honest, I felt like things were stacking up against me.

The goal at the beginning was simple — recover from the hip fracture and get moving again.

We worked steadily on regaining strength and confidence. Walking felt uncertain at first. I didn’t trust the leg properly. But over time, it improved.

What I didn’t expect was that as the hip got better, my arthritic knee started asking for more attention.

That knee had been painful for years. It didn’t fully straighten. It didn’t bend much either. Walking could be uncomfortable, and some days I avoided doing too much because I knew it would flare up. I assumed that was just how it had to be until surgery.

Instead of waiting and doing nothing, we decided to continue with regular reviews leading up to the operation.

The appointments weren’t constant. They were 6 to 10 weeks spaced apart. I had time between sessions to work on what we discussed, test it in daily life, and then come back and adjust. The first appointment was £70, and the follow-ups were £51.50. Spread across the year, it felt manageable — and it gave me structure.

Over time, things changed.

The knee began to straighten more comfortably. Swelling reduced. I wasn’t getting the same flare-ups after activity. I could walk the dog daily again without paying for it the next day. Night pain became more manageable. I reduced my medication to only when I genuinely needed it.

The biggest change wasn’t just physical.

Before, the knee felt guarded. I was always protecting it. Now it feels more supported. The muscles feel stronger around it. I’m more confident putting weight through it, but I am still careful.

I’m due to have my knee replacement in a few weeks. The difference is that I’m not going into surgery feeling worn down and defeated. I feel prepared.

I know recovery will take work, but I also know I’ve already done a lot of that work.

Looking back over the past 12 months, we’ve overcome more than I realised at the time — a hip fracture, strength loss, instability, flare-ups, and the fear that comes with all of that.

Now I’m walking into surgery calmer, stronger, and ready for the next stage.

That, to me, has been worth the effort.

J.M.