How to Prepare for a Knee Replacement
A total knee replacement or TKR can be life changing, but it also comes with a significant recovery period. You may have heard stories about how difficult it is to get back to optimum function post knee replacement or be wondering how you can make things easier on yourself. Read on to find top tips to make the recovery period easier.
Prepare your mind.
Make sure that you've asked your orthopaedic surgeon any questions you have about the surgery, your stay in the hospital and your recovery. It can be helpful to make a list of questions prior to your appointment as it's easy to forget what you wanted to ask. By having all of the information you need you'll be able to better prepare yourself for the surgery itself as well as the recovery period. Having a realistic idea of what your mobility will be like post-surgery and what challenges you'll face will help you make the arrangements you need and mentally prepare yourself for what lies ahead.
Prepare your body.
Try to optimise your physical health prior to your knee replacement. Speak with your orthopaedic surgeon about seeing a physiotherapist if you haven't already, as they will be able to recommend exercises you can do now to improve your fitness. Increasing your strength in both your upper and lower body will help you get back to full mobility sooner as well as giving you more reserve to deal with the unusual demands put on your body from a knee replacement, such as using crutches. Physiotherapy is important post-surgery, but it still has much to offer prior to your knee replacement.
If you smoke, then try to stop or cut down. Your GP will be able to suggest how to ensure any attempt to quit smoking is more likely to be successful.
Take a careful look at your diet and see how you can improve things. If you're overweight or obese, then losing weight will mean you put less strain on your body and your new knee. Ensuring you're eating the right quantities of the right foods means your body will be better equipped to recover, as surgery puts a big toll on any patient. If you're unsure where to start, your orthopaedic surgeon will be able to suggest a dietitian who can give you the right help.
Make sure your GP and your orthopaedic surgeon are aware of all medications that you take. Some medications are unsafe for surgery so may need to be stopped for a period around the operation date. Having a plan ahead of time will reduce the risk of operative complications with minimal impact on your general health.
Prepare your home.
When you return home post-surgery, your mobility will still be poor, so try to arrange things before your surgery. Make sure you have somewhere to sleep with close access to a bathroom. No one wants to be struggling up or down stairs on crutches in the middle of the night. If you can prepare easy meals to freeze then you won't need to spend as much time on your feet in the kitchen.
You won't be able to drive for a period of time after your surgery, so make sure you have plans in place to manage. If you have family or friends who will be helping you then make sure they're aware of any appointments you need to be at. If you'll be relying on help from volunteer or community agencies, make sure all arrangements have been made and that you have their contact information handy.
With good preparation and the right orthopaedic surgeon, your knee replacement will be more likely to succeed, reducing your pain and improving your mobility.
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