After TKR equipment and supplies?

My Donjoy ice machine was a lifesaver. I also had a raised toilet seat with handlebars on each side. It really helped getting up and down or rather on and off the toilet. I had my TKR in 2019. My PT was cut short due to pandemic. I am not happy with the lack of bend in my knee despite have been religious about exercise

One thing I wish I would have done was have the bend in my knee measured before the surgery. I don’t feel I have enough bend in my replacement but have no point of reference. I was told I should not expect more bend than what I initially had.

Having access to a stationary bike at home would be very helpful.

Good luck.

For TKR care after surgery, what equipment, supplies, furniture, etc. do you recommend I buy or rent ahead of time?

Medicare should cover some of the equipment. The hospitalay send it home with you upon discharge. I had a shower/ toilet chair, walker, a toilet seat for more height. I didn't need any of them. It is good to have them. Call your docs office to see.

Hello @ceciliap - I moved your discussion and combined it with an existing discussion titled, "After TKR equipment and supplies?" - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/after-tkr-equipment-and-supplies/.

@cpick, @lauraf1963 and @gracsb are a few members who shared which equipment they found most useful after their surgery.

@ceciliap, one really simple thing that I used the most was a good ice pack. I like the softer gel ice packs that you can put in cloth sleeves that have straps to keep them in place. Ice is your friend after a knee replacement. It can help mitigate swelling and pain which should help during your PT and exercises. If you have any obstacles in your house that are difficult to navigate, eliminating those beforehand can also help (clutter, furniture, stairs, etc.).

Protocol has changed a lot since I had my knee replacement way back in 2006. They really get you up and moving much quicker now. Is there anything in your living space you struggle with now that you foresee being a potential issue after surgery?

My husband was told he must lose weight before scheduling surgery. I only know that he is trying. He is hoping for September 2024.

Moving the bed to the ground floor is the biggest challenge. It is a heavy, adjustable bed. So we are looking at alternatives, e.g. buying a new twin adjustable bed or a queen adjustable bed for both of us that allows two different adjustments.
Another issue is that he needs a firm mattress (he likes the Sleep Number, but I don't) and I would do best with a Tempur-pedic type mattress (foam?).
Perhaps seeing this as temporary, it makes sense to get him a recommended bed for healing just for himself, then he moves back upstairs when his knee allows this.

We have a stationary bike that has been "stationary" since we bought it. We will both try to use it.

Everyone is different but this is my experience. I only bought a mat so I would not slip getting out of shower and used it once. I got the larger size ice packs from Walmart. No expensive ice machine no toilet riser. I only have a walker because the hospital made me. I did not use it post op. I did use a cane a bit. Not only could I not afford the extra appliances I have no place to put them. Oh I did have a wedge pillow and knee pillow which I still use and was using before.

A pillow placed under the TKR knee will help alleviate pain while lying on your back in bed.