Steps to Follow Before a Knee Replacement Surgery
Whether your general physician has indicated you need knee replacement surgery or you just know that the joint is in such bad condition that the procedure will be necessary, you need to take certain steps before you have anything done. Not only will this help you make the right decisions, but it can also help you prepare for surgery.
Finding the Right Surgeon
Of course, before you do anything else, you need to find the right surgeon who will be able to evaluate your knee and determine if surgery is the right option. To find the right professional, look for someone who has an education from an accredited school, who has experience with knee replacements specifically, and who has a personality that makes you feel comfortable and at ease even in the face of surgery.
Know the Procedure You Are Having
It’s never a good idea to go in for a serious operation without knowing anything about it. It can be a little scary when you start researching and asking your surgeon questions, however, it is an important step.
You need to know a few different things, like:
- How long the surgery will take.
- How long you will need to stay hospitalized.
- How long you will need to go to rehab.
- How the surgery will actually repair your knee.
- The risks associated with the procedure.
- Any specific care you will need to take with your knee in the future.
You probably don’t want to know things like expected pain levels and risks associated with surgery, but you should be aware of everything well in advance of the surgery day.
Your Medical Information
Before you have a surgical procedure of any type, you should go to your physician for a general medical evaluation. You need to ensure that you are healthy enough to have the surgery. You will also need to provide your specialist with all your medical records showing health conditions, medications you take, and other important details. Remember that it’s always best to provide more information than the surgeon requests than to leave something important out.
Exercise
Obviously, if you will be having knee replacement surgery, you probably won’t feel like doing too much exercise since it can hurt. However, according to CNN InHealth, “If you are preparing for knee replacement, physical activity can actually help.”
Always discuss any exercise routine with your surgeon and make sure you have approval, but some of the things you can try include:
- Sit on the edge of the bed or chair with your feet flat on the floor. Then, raise your leg and straighten your knee and hold this position for five seconds then lower it and repeat 10 or 15 times.
- Stand (make sure you have a chair or table for balance) and shift your weight to one leg while lifting the other off the ground and bending your knee. Hold this position for several seconds before lowering and then repeating 10 to 15 times.
- Walking can help you lose weight and can strengthen joints so that arthritis won’t be so painful.
Pack Belongings
Finally, you will need to pack up belongings and prepare a bag for your surgery. Choose to take a change of comfortable clothes and leave jewelry and other valuables at home. Do not wear anything that could be hard to take off over a newly operated on knee.
It is important to prepare properly for your knee replacement surgery for a few different reasons. This will help you mentally prepare for the procedure and it will help ensure the operation goes as smoothly as possible.
Resources:
About, http://orthopedics.about.com/od/hipkneereplacement/p/preparing.htm
CNN Health, http://inhealth.cnn.com/getting-ready-for-knee-replacement/8-exercises-to-do-before-knee-replacement/
Surgeon’s Advice | Leon Mead MD Orthopedic Doctor | 730 Goodlette Road North, Suite 201 Naples Florida 34102 | Phone: (239) 262-1119