Knee Replacement - Getting Prepared

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.

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

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.

Yeasterday (1/14/25) I met with the surgeon who will be doing my knee surgery.
I asked him if he plans to use a tourniquet on my let, HE REPLIED YES. The reason is because I don't have leg vein problems. Very fortunate age of 80.
The muscles in my legs are in great condition because I began months ago, building muscle in my legs. I can't bike so I lay in bed and do leg lifts & scissors leg lifts.
I also do leg slides (extensions & hold for a count of 20 - 1001, 1002, 1003 etc) by extending my leg using the heel of my foot as the "slider" without doing harm to my heel.
I am obese by the BMI counter even though I eat a Mediterranean diet - I must learn portion control and abide by it for the rest of my life. My surgery is 1 month from today. My BMI has reduced to 35 - max is 40. In the coming month, I am going to lose more weight. This will help with post operation therapy.
Hopefully all will go well; I'll keep you posted ...
In the meantime, I have learned a lot from your experiences, keep posting and know you are in my prayers ...

On my "LEG" not "let" ... went to the eye dr. today as I am seeing double ... not good. I was hit by a car in a crosswalk about a month ago & have a concussion. Not a fun thing.

Hello @firef1y and @dixonjh. I moved your discussions and combined them into another discussion titled:

"Knee Replacement - Getting Prepared"
- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/knee-replacement-1/

I did this so you could see how other members prepared for their knee replacement surgeries and that once your surgeries a complete new members can learn from your experiences. @dixonjh, you mentioned your husband was set to have his knee replaced in August of last year, how is he doing? @firef1y - you are taking a very active approach to getting prepared for your surgery which I was told can have a positive outcome on a quicker recovery. Did your surgeon think losing additional weight would be helpful in your recovery?

Yes. Losing weight without going to extremes such as skipping meals or meal replacement liquids are not recommended. I bought portion control containers on Amazon. I was surprised to see how much more I am eating than I should and also found out that following the portion suggestions, snacks, I feel full a lot longer. I'm not as active as I would like to be. I clean my home, do my own grocery shopping, still drive my car etc. but added chair aerobics I found on Youtube.com that are low impact enough to help me with movement. Movement is very important even though I can't do much of it with my bad knees. I've lost 8 pounds since January 1, 2025. Lower that BMI for great results and after the surgery, follow your doctors instructions to the letter. Do not overdo the therap. I hear this from my neighbors who have had knee surgery. Keep me posted!!

Ask your orthopedic doctor about everything from post op to recovery. Ask about what you should expect during the recovery. The recovery is different with everyone. Do exercises everyday, even if it hurts.
I am 13 weeks post op. Be patient and pray daily.