Knowing what to expect before and after knee surgery can help you plan for a smooth recovery. Explore three considerations to set you up for success.
Three Things to Consider Before and After Knee Replacement Surgery
You've decided to take the leap toward reclaiming your active lifestyle by having orthopedic surgery. Knowing what to expect before and after total knee replacement surgery, or knee arthroplasty, will help make your recovery easier and safer so you can get back to your busy life as soon as possible. In addition to medical must-dos, such as what to expect during general anesthesia, pain medication after surgery and why you must take blood thinning medications to reduce the risk of blood clots, you should think about ways to make your routine manageable. Thanks to advances in technology and surgical techniques, you may be able to go home the same day as your operation. So, making sure you are prepared before and after knee replacement surgery is critical.
1. Think About Your Calendar
If your surgery is elective, take time to look at the big picture before. Is there a time of year when you have more flexibility for time off? Do you have any trips on the horizon that you need to be in your best shape to enjoy?
Recovering from knee replacement surgery can take several months. If you are planning an active vacation, talk with your doctor about how long you should give your new knee joint to heal before you travel. If you have a big project coming up at work, coordinate with your colleagues to determine what needs to happen before you take time off and who can cover your responsibilities while you are out.
2. Edit Your Environment
For years you thought nothing about climbing stairs with baskets of laundry and sleepy little ones. However, as your knee began to succumb to the wear and tear of everyday life and medical conditions such as arthritis, navigating a two-story home may have become more challenging. Perhaps your long walk to your office from the parking garage has become increasingly difficult.
The goal is that, after your joint replacement, you will regain your mobility. Though it will take time for pain and stiffness to subside and your full range of motion to return. In the days and weeks after surgery, you will need for things to be easy access as you go about your daily life. Ways to set up your space include:
- Sticking with the first story. Try to move everything you need to eat, sleep and work to the first level of your home.
- Keeping floors clear. Remove anything that you could cause you to trip, such as power cords and rugs.
- Preparing your bathroom. Eliminate the risk of falling by applying anti-slip strips to your shower floor and installing a raised toilet seat with handles or a grab bar.
3. Call for Backup
Make sure you have someone to drive you on the day of your surgery. According to your discharge instructions, you may not be OK'd to drive for six weeks. Because consultations with your doctor and exercise sessions with your physical therapist are critical to your recovery, make sure you can get to orthopedic and physical therapy appointments safely by scheduling them when a friend or loved one can drive you. Medical ride share options are also a good resource for transportation.