Finally, your knee replacement surgery day is approaching fast. You are all set to have stronger and healthier knees, more mobility, and less pain. You might be even a little anxious about the surgery.
Are you really prepared? Have you made all the necessary efforts before the surgery?
Many patients tend to take tension about the surgery and level up their stress levels. They really want to ensure that both: their surgery and recovery go smoothly. Simply, the key here is to have a successful recovery by spending some time preparing for the knee surgery.
Well, don’t worry! The best orthopedic surgeon in Ludhiana has created a list for you to follow to be all set for the surgery.
Tips by ortho doctor in Ludhiana for preparing for knee replacement surgery
- Start exercising to build strength before knee replacement surgery
Before your surgery, it’s very important to put some effort in strengthening and exercising your body. It can aid your recovery in a lot of ways. Let’s see an example: strengthening your upper body can make it easier for you to use assistive devices which include: crutches and wheelchairs etc.
Exercising before knee replacement surgery can help you lose weight and relieve pressure on your knees both before and after the treatment. In fact, studies suggest that decreasing one pound of weight relieves four pounds of knee pressure.
Lower-impact workouts and sports like biking or swimming can be suitable options for you to undertake before knee replacement surgery, especially if you’re in pain.
- Cut back on substances
The effects of some substances such as: alcohol and smoke – can make your knee replacement surgery a bit more difficult to recover from. Tobacco use can increase your chances of blood clots and other complications following surgery.
If you smoke or have a drink practically every day, tell your doctor. Before surgery, they can point you in the direction of resources for quitting or lowering your substance usage.
- Seek assistance from relatives and friends
The process of recovery can be hard on your body. Having the support of friends and family might help you concentrate on your recovery.
If necessary, make plans for child or pet care. This can assist in relieving tension and ensuring that your loved ones are taken care of.
Bonus tips
Arrange for assistance for your regular errands– After surgery, you won’t be allowed to drive for a few weeks. Solicit assistance with tasks such as grocery shopping and picking up prescriptions ahead of time.
Create a meal plan- Check with your friends and family to see if they can deliver meals or assist you in preparing meals that can be frozen ahead of time while you heal.
Solicit assistance with chores and other domestic tasks- This could entail asking a neighbor to trim the lawn for a few weeks or enlisting the assistance of a family member with laundry.
Making plans for assistance a month ahead of time ensures that you don’t forget to ask for help and provides your loved ones time to adapt their schedules so that they can support you during your recuperation.
- Prepare Your Home For Life After The Surgery
Moving or walking around your home can be difficult after the surgery for some days or weeks. Your body will take time to heal. Hence, you need to take some precautions to prepare your home after the surgery.
Here are a few things that you can take care of:
To avoid falling, move tripping risks– Throw children’s toys, rugs, electrical cords, and clutter can all get in the way and cause you to slip or trip. As a result, make sure your floors are free of debris.
Clear a route around all of the furnishings- For a while after surgery, you’ll probably require a walker, crutches, or walking support from a loved one. Rearranging your furnishings to make it easier to move about will help you heal more quickly. Make sure your paths are at least three feet wide.
Place stuff you’ll need close at hand- Following surgery, you may find it difficult to bend down. Remove anything you use regularly from lower cabinets and store it wherever you can reach it without leaning over. Having a gripping device on hand can also assist you in picking up items that are close to the ground.
Consider installing bathroom safety railings- It will be safer and easier for you to use the restroom as a result of this.
Construct a one-level dwelling area- While you’re healing, climbing stairs can be challenging. If you live in a multi-level home, try to alter your living environment as much as possible so that you can heal on one level.
Wrapping Up
These were the things that you should be prepared for before going into the surgery. It will help you to have a smooth surgery and the recovery time. If you have any questions, ask your ortho doctor in Ludhiana to avoid any complications.