A Before/During and After TKR Primer/day to day Info/Advice

Posted by mifla @mifla, Aug 28, 2024

Although I know each TKR pt's journey differs, could someone please provide an extremely detailed all you need to know.. TKR for Dummies account of what to expect and how to prepare before, during and after TKR? Thinking of using a Mako Surgeon. Specific information that includes, but is not limited to the following would be most appreciated:

Before/During: Recommendations on picking the best surgeon even if it requires travel.. FL? Mayo/cleveland? How to determine how many a surgeon has done (when asked usually get an answer such as a lot) PRE Exercises to be done and any ROM goals, Type of anesthesia used (regional vs general) Is a catheter Used, Inpatient or Outpatient etc

After:
Common meds prescribed... antibiotics, type of pain meds... (can't take NSAIDS on Eliquis and allergic) muscle relaxers, blood clot prevention, sleep aids, etc

Pain, swelling modalities and length of time used. --what narcotics may be given, pain pumps, Tramadol, Oxy/Percocet Vicodine, Tylelonol 3 ?? Nerve Blocks, ablations...

All Recommended equipment to get... ie Ice machine, specific brand?? CPM?? Type of Recliner, Commodes, shower bench, grabbers/lifters, walkers and how to be sure they are sized appropriately, etc leg pillows, Clothing, Adjustable Bed??

Recovery expectations... When should be able to walk, List of Exercises, Weekly/ Flexion Goals,

Followup treatments-- General pt and Nurse Visit Schedule, Next Dr appt, Other therapies such as myofacial release, stationery bike/pedal machines, aquatic classes etc

Any and all tips would be gratefully received... TY

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fluter | @fluter | 4 days ago

I would really welcome this, as well. If it is too much to have to type, links would be helpful. This is frightening. Researching and sifting through information is overwhelming. I’m frozen right now.

ddsack | @ddsack | 4 days ago

You may want to check with your surgeon for pre-packaged information specific to their practice. For each of my surgeries, I was given a folder with material describing the surgery itself, a set of pre-op and post-op exercises with photos, and a narrative of what to expect when I checked into the hospital and prepping for the surgery. In addition, I was required to attend a one hour presentation session with questions and answers allowed at any time during the presentation. There were maybe 30 other people there, all for knee or hip replacements. I had a different session for my shoulder TSR. Speakers involved were ortho nurses, operating room attendant, anesthetist, and occupational therapist - who discussed the procedure itself, various needs and helps for dressing as well as arranging the home for safety and useful appliances. I believe my surgeon's office did a very good job in informing me of what to expect, both during and after the surgery. When I was first diagnosed as eligible for a TKR, they sent me home with a DVD on TKR surgery with all kinds of information. I put it aside, as I was not ready to think about a replacement then, but they certainly did their best to keep me informed on what to expect.
I do think one post with every detail in pre-op and post-op procedures, medications and reactions might be a bit too lengthy for any one person to compile, and it would not necessarily equate to how other surgical departments prefer to arrange things.