Preparing for knee replacement surgery, both mentally and physically, can help ensure the success of the surgery as well as help with recovery.
Here's a list of items to consider during your knee replacement surgery preoperative care.
Stay Healthy
Eat healthy, stay hydrated and get plenty of rest in the weeks leading up to surgery. Good health can help speed up the recovery process.
Exercise
In the months leading up to surgery, physical activity can help with weight loss and improve circulation as well as increase strength and flexibility. Check with a physician or physical therapist to discuss continuing with an already-existing exercise program or for tips on how to safely begin a new one.
Stretch
Incorporate any pre-operative exercises, as suggested by a physician or surgeon, into a daily program of physical activity. Maintaining muscle strength will help with recovery.
Relax
Focusing on relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises, in the weeks leading up to surgery can help you mentally prepare for an operation and reduce anxiety.
Stop smoking
Smoking has been shown to slow healing and recovery time.
Come prepared to a preoperative visit
Consider bringing a list of questions to your preoperative appointment. This is a great chance to address concerns about preparing for surgery, the surgical process or post-operative care with your health care team. Ask questions and don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if something is unclear. Becoming educated about the procedure can also help reduce anxiety.
Schedule appointments
Look after any other health care concerns and dental issues before the day of surgery.
Start a checklist
Take note of all the items you wish to have with you during your hospital stay.
Safety at home
Take a look around your home to ensure you have a safe place to recover. For example, move any items, such as furniture or rugs, that could pose a tripping hazard. Consider rearranging kitchen cupboards to ensure frequently-used items are accessible without reaching. Ensure stairs are equipped with handrails.
Research assistive devices
These can include anything from a raised toilet seat to a walker or crutches. Discuss assistive devices with your surgeon and plan ahead so that items that could help with recovery are in place before you return home from the hospital.
Ask for help
Arrange transportation home after your hospital stay is over. Connect with a network of family and friends for support after surgery. If you live alone, consider having someone stay with you for awhile after surgery.
Think ahead, ask questions and be prepared to help ensure a smooth and successful recovery from knee replacement surgery.
Do you own a small business in Canada? The medical cost for your knee care is an eligible business deduction through a Health Spending Account.