I started this blog a couple years back with the intention of chronicling my partial Knee Replacement. But, alas, it didn't. The partial didn't work either! So, at the ripe old age of 44, I have had 4 scopes, a partial knee replacement and now a Total Knee Replacement. So, I figured I'd start over again with this blog.
Now that I've gone under two knee replacement surgeries in two years (unfortunately on the same knee), I wanted to start with How to Prep Yourself for a Knee Replacement.
PREP:
If you can lose any weight before the surgery, do it! I know it's hard to do, especially if you are in pain all the time like I was, but think about the pain and then think of hefting the weight on a leg that has been chiseled and drilled!
Practice Ankle Pumps and Quad Sets. These two are your main stay for the first couple of weeks and really help.
Ankle Pumps are just moving your foot from a pointed position to a flexed position. (up and down).
Quad Sets are tightening your quad (thigh) muscles. After surgery, you will not be able to do this, but you will get that ability back faster if you practice them beforehand.
Clean up the debris in your house. Anything on the floor will be a hazard when you get home. You will probably be using a walker for the first week or so back home. So, make sure all your area rugs are put away.
Pay your bills and take care of any odds and ends. When you get back home (4 days later) you really won't want to do much but heal and do your exercises.
Clean your bathroom and bedroom. You will be spending most of your time there, so get it just the way you want it!
Next time, I'll tell you about that first day in the hospital.
Stay Tuned!
