Tips for knee replacement surgery

Posted by dixonjh @dixonjh, Jul 19 12:30pm

My 76-year old husband is preparing for a total left knee replacement first week of August. He's been doing strenghtening exercises at the gym every second day. The anxiety is building...any tips would be welcomed, thank you!

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1.Ice machine for after.
2. Do the exercises as directed even if it hurts.
3. Follow the pain med orders, do not fall behind.
4. Eat healthy, take your stool softener as ordered. Drink water.
5. Start physical therapy asap
6. A handle to get up by the toilet or on it absolutely helpful. Grabbers in shower for safety is nice, a seat if more unsteady.
7. Slow and steady. Very hard work. Hopefully it will be worth it in the end.

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Preparing for TKR

A great surgeon and great physical therapist I had same therapist for every visit
I had robotic surgery
6-8 weeks physical therapy prior to strengthen quad muscles, etc
Had seamstress put a zipper from hip to end of clothing for therapist to have easy access to leg
Cryocuff ice machine one that does not use gravity but plugs in wall best for pain control
Had bolster recommended by my pay to elevate my leg to keep swelling down
An old fashion walker
A cane I was taught how to use but I didn’t use it after getting rid of walker after sloes to two weeks
A commode to place over toilet for easy up n down to bathroom
I started deep water aerobics once incision was healed
I was driving by 2 weeks and off walker
Tell physical therapist and can send you back to surgeon if warranted in their opinion I have a Doctor of physical therapy
It’s not a sprint but a marathon
Positive attitude goes a long way
Best of lucky

REPLY

I think one really important thing is to take the meds on time. I would set the alarm on my smart phone at night and even during the day because even when I was up I could forget the time. I did not use and my Dr. did not even mention an ice machine . Not all insurance covers and they are pricey. I just bought the large ice packs from Walmart.

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