There is a lot of advice for what you need to do to have a successful recovery from a knee replacement in Atlanta. There is not much about what you need to do before your surgery to make the “after-care” as successful as possible. If you are having knee replacement surgery, follow these tips before your procedure.
Arrange a Support Network
This is probably the most important part of your knee joint replacement preparation routine. For an extended period, you will be reliant on others for most basic needs. Making sure they are on board with helping, understand what is needed and can do what is needed is critical. Meet with those who will be helping you and go over schedules, tasks, etc., to identify areas that you need to cover.
Identify and Get Specialized Equipment
Fortunately, you are not the first person to have knee replacement surgery, which means many before you have figured out how to make simple, everyday tasks more manageable. Search online for “hacks” and tips from people who have gone through the surgery before you and make sure you do it beforehand, so you can get what you need before you need it!
Safeguard Everything
Space in your home equals safety. The more space you have throughout your house, the less likely it is that you will snag yourself or your walker and take a fall. There are several specific steps you can take to decrease the risks.
- Make sure that all pathways from bed to couch to restroom are wide and clutter free,
- Move all electrical cords out of pathways,
- Where possible, remove rugs,
- Do several “dry runs” with a walker to make sure you can navigate your entire home.
Make Lists and Plans
Anything you can think of that can be put on an easy to follow list or included in a simple to understand plan will help you get through the recovery period. At a minimum, you should have lists and instructions for:
- Administering Medication
- Meals
- Transportation
- Emergency Procedures
- Scheduled Appointments
- Emergency Contacts
Prepare a Nest
For several days after your surgery, you will not feel like moving, let alone fending for yourself. Even after the immediate post-surgery recovery, you will get tired very easily and will need a place you can rest. Set aside a place that has all you will need, from food to entertainment to a resting area. This will be your home within your home for a while, so make sure you are comfortable with it.
Your surgery for knee replacement in Atlanta will go much better if your post-operation recovery is addressed pre-operation! This list is a good start to helping you get set up the way you need for a speedy and trouble-free recovery!