How can I support my partner through a knee replacement

Good evening @jenniferking25, what a wonderful question. I have never seen this on Connect. My life partner was extremely helpful when I had my TKR. Here are some of my memories.
#1. He attended the meetings with my surgeon and the PT director and asked that specific question.
#2. My TKR was conducted at a same-day surgical center. They made sure he was going to be 100% available for three days and requested that he sign a commitment document.
#3. He made sure that we had the appropriate ice equipment and that he knew how as well as when to apply the ice treatment.
#4. He made sure that we had the foam support placed appropriately and that he knew how to position my surgery leg.
#5. He taught me how to use the rollator to enter the commode room.
#6. He made "be careful" notes to place on the entrance to the steps at the back door. They said something like "right foot first then left foot".
#7. He reviewed the medications with the surgeon and responded to the check-up calls from the nurses.
#8. When I began to walk around the house he watched every step until he was confident that I was being careful.
#9. He called the surgeon's office whenever he wasn't sure about a particular issue.
#10. He communicated with my family members by phone and email to assure them of my post-surgery recovery.
#11. He helped me put everything in perspective and focus on the future.
#12. He got tough with me when he thought I was pushing things too quickly.
and of course, he whispered pleasantly when it was time to get up and get going.

Because we had only been together a few years he asked the right questions and sang the right songs.

Good luck to you both. It wasn't always easy for either of us and yet together we ended up being a pretty good team.

May you be safe, protected, and free from inner and outer harm.
Chris

I had my knee replacement 2 with stem cell therapy 2 days ago. I stood one night in the hospital and went home the other day. As we are in Florida for the winter, we live in a resort in our RV.
I had an Epidural and knee block what helped a lot until tonight. Now I am on pain medication “ only” every 4 hours and I can feel the difference!!!
My husband went to the doctor appointments with me, a 3 hour class with tons of informations and with me to the hospital and waited for me until I came back into my room.
Like I said, I went home the other day, was able to step up 4 stairs into our RV, he helped me with the walker, checking if I have it on my side if I need to walk, cooks for me, reminds me with the different times of medication, brings me ice packs and what I need. Tonight my block didn’t work anymore so I started my exercises too early after taking my pain meds, don’t do it, wait at least 45 minutes. I had too much pain and he helped me with the exercises, so I was able to do them.
We are married 44 years and he knows (after 2 shoulder replacements and 2 back surgeries) that I first try to do everything by my own and only use his help if I need it.
He offers it and I decide. We are a great team and he is very patient with me and has a wonderful humor.
Good luck and you can do it. Never skip pain medication in the beginning, even if you feel good ♥️

You've received some wonderful feedback. I live alone, had 2 TKRs w/in 5 weeks, and had the support of visiting (but not overwhelming) friends. I am 67. My surgeon did not recommend the ice machine and I did well with ice packs. Some thoughts from my experience last year:
1) Govern the timetable of prescribed pain meds. I used it for 3 days and then went to Tylenol 500mg.
2) Encourage movement. The new knee is a STRONG knee. PT and recommended home exercises are critical.
3) Yes, it hurts. Ice and elevation are essential. My surgeon recommended icing 4 times a day, 20 minutes each. I was tempted to ice for longer periods, but the surgeon said this reduces blood flow, which is essential for healing. Who knew?
4) Note any unexpected rashes or pain (ie, back, foot) and report to nurse navigator.
God bless your partner's recovery.

I had both knees replaced last year. My wife was extremely helpful getting me to the hospital and back.

The most important thing she did was helping/encouraging me with the 3x/daily PT exercises. These are just no fun - not extremely painful, just boring and results come, but slowly. Although you a turn that to a positive. Pre-TKR I was in constant pain. Post-TKR every day got a little better. So be hopeful!

And good for you for helping!

Dear Jennifer, You've started well by asking the question. In your position, I would attend every visit with clinicians and ask a lot of questions. At the age of 81 years, I've learned that clinicians love to be questioned, but bear in mind that their time is limited. It helps if the clinician will use email (some do not).

You are a gem. SO my husband took stellar care of me. The pain was brutal and there were days when I was very depressed - he encouraged and comforted me. Still, 13 weeks later, brings my frozen ice bottles to put in my ice machine. I am doing great - my knee is full bend (can touch my heel to my thigh). He encourages me in my PT work at home and drove me everywhere, without complaints. When I was icing or just resting, he would bring me anything I wanted/needed. If you are kind and loving - that will be the best help. God bless you for being such a great partner and Merry Christmas.