How To Survive a Total Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement surgery is one of the most difficult things you can recover from. It’s a very long and painful recovery process, but it can be done with the right mindset and a lot of hard work.
Here’s what you need to do so you can survive a total knee replacement.
Talk to your doctor extensively prior to the surgery
Get all the details of the procedure as well as ask questions about what to expect after. Your doctor should tell you how long you can expect the recovery process to take as well as the degree of difficulty you may encounter after.
Find out what you need to do to prepare for the surgery, as well as the list of things you need to have ready post surgery. You should also schedule to meet with the physical therapist you will be working with.
Prepare yourself for pain but keep your eye on the prize
The recovery period of a total knee replacement is very painful. Accept this so you are not in shock when you come out of the anesthesia.
It will be this way for the next few months, especially when you are undergoing physical therapy.
However, you need to come to terms with this, especially if you want to be able to walk properly again and have full range of motion. Believe that you can walk properly again. Visualize yourself getting stronger and walking farther each day.
Use pain medication as needed
Get prescription medication with the lowest dosage possible so you have something to help alleviate the inflammation and pain.
However, if you can bear it, it’s better to do so since you don’t want to develop a dependence on pain medication.
Have your equipment ready for you
Before your surgery, prepare your home for your upcoming lifestyle change. Install a safety bar in the bathroom as needed. Put up handrails in your home or purchase a walker.
Elevate your toilet seat and do other modifications as needed. Clear your home of items that you can trip over.
Have someone help you out post surgery
You may need to hire a nurse to come by and help change your bandages. If you live alone, hire a maid to do the chores so you can focus on your recovery.
If other people live with you, prepare them for the coming changes and have the doctor or nurse teach them how to change your bandages, check on you as well as help you around.
Schedule your rehabilitation program
You need to see a physical therapist soon after your surgery. The sooner you start your rehab program, the quicker you can go back to resuming your former activities.
Walk
As excruciating as the pain may be, you need to get up and walk after your surgery. Everyday, push yourself so you can gain back the full range of motion more quickly.
Do the strengthening exercises assigned to you and try to walk and do things for yourself as much as possible when you are able.
In the United States, over 500,000 total knee replacement surgeries are performed each year. Before you get it done, make sure you have exhausted all other possibilities in treating your problematic knee.