After TKR equipment and supplies?

You do not need a wheelchair. You only use the walker for a short time and then you switch to a cane. I would definetly get toilet rails and grab bars for the shower. A grabber helps getting dressed the first couple of weeks. I am a little over 13 weeks po and I just took my toilet rails down. Getting off the toilet was very difficult. Hope this helps. I would also consider an ice therapy machine. My insurance covered a 3 week rental. It helps the pain and swelling.

Hello @cpick, I would like to add my welcome along with @lauraf1963 and others. I agree with Laura on not needing a wheelchair (unless your husband has other conditions that require one). The toilet rails helped me immensely along with some reusable ice packs. If I had to have another one I do think I would rent or buy an ice therapy machine. I think they make recovery easier. If your husbands surgeon hasn't already discussed pre-surgery and post-surgery leg exercises, I would talk to them about exercises that help with the recovery.

How soon is your husbands knee replacement surgery?

The best piece of equipment I ordered was a bedside commode. I ended out not needing it near the bed because I was able right off to use my walker to go to the bathroom. Instead I placed the commode over the commode in the bathroom. The bars and higher seat were much needed. I also used it for a shower stool. It was light and easy to move. The commode and a walker were invaluable. Be sure you have a walker and not rollator (with four wheels). I used an ice machine for about a month but after that I used zip lock bags of ice. Using the ice machine I could sleep with it on and my leg elevated at the same time.

My husband is one week post op for the first knee. Second one in about 6 mo. Therefore he will be using his walker for quite some time. I would suggest a reusable plastic urinal with a top for night time. For him he is unsteady and nighttime can be even worse plus bathrooms are typically a danger zone for falls.
Just make sure his inside walking routes are clutter free.
He absolutely must do his exercises no matter how un fun they are.
Do not let the pain get to a 7 or 8 before taking pain meds, that just makes pain control much harder.
Each day does get better but there will be tough moments and that is normal.
I wish him and you all the best.

A shower chair is a good idea as well as a “grabber”. A wedge pillow to elevate your leg is important. To use with the ice machine. Helps a lot with swelling and pain, so you can get off pain meds quicker.

This isn’t equipment just a recommendation. Keep doing your exercises at home even after you complete PT. I had both knees replaced 3 years ago and was religious about doing my PT exercises at home and even did them for awhile after I “graduated.” Last week I had physical therapy for my back and the therapist was wondering why I was bent at the knees. I thought I was standing straight up. He had me sit on the bed and with my legs extended straight out where it should at 0 degree extension mine was at 20 degrees. I don’t know if I never got to zero degrees 3 years ago and they were negligent in telling me or if it happened over time. Either way it would have been prevented by continuing the exercises.

Sorry, I posted on the wrong area

I agree with all of the earlier comments, especially the part about being faithful to Physical Therapy. So so very critical! But as for equipment, a bench for the bathtub / shower is necessary and so helpful. as I recall my insurance paid for that

This is not equipment but extremely important. Make sure his surgeon get his PT approved by insurance BEFORE surgery. You should start with in a couple of days. Mine wasn’t and was delayed two weeks. It wasn’t good. Also make sure his walker is adjusted before leaving the hospital. If it is too short it throws your balance off and he will fall a lot or have a lot of close calls, possibly both. Good luck.

My experience: physical therapy for 6-8 weeks before surgery to strengthen muscles! Cryocuff ice machine was best pain management. No wheelchair (was expected to get up and walk often while awake) as you will need an old fashion walker and possibly a cane as well as a commode to place over your toilet, making it easy to get up and down. I bought a special bolster recommended by my pt to help keep swelling down and was in my therapists’ office the day after I got home from surgery. Only used walker for 10 days but felt comfortable to walk without cane after that. It is a lot of work, not a sprint but a marathon. I had seamstress put a zipper on my pants from hip to bottom of the garment so therapist had easy access. My TKR was done in 2021 and I still do my exercises to date. Did water aerobics as soon as I was cleared. I was fortunate to have a great therapist whom I saw every visit. Positive attitude is important too. My new knee is awesome to date.
Best of luck