Tips on How to help my dad with his knee replacement please

[babybelsandbarbells]

Just as the title says really.
My dad has to have a knee replacement in around 6 months time. He is fiercely independent and doesn’t let me help him with much but lives alone so I know he’s likely to need some support.
Has anybody supported a loved one through this and can give me some insight atall please? Thank you

Yep - DP had one about 4 years ago.

It's a big op, bigger than a hip replacement - more painful and longer rehab time.
It's really important to keep moving, but the first week was on crutches so not easy to sort out food and drink. DP found stairs a challenge initially, especially going up, so that may be something to think about. DP didn't need me there all the time, but he wasn't fully independent for a good couple of weeks. We got a bath seat and taped up the leg so DP could have a bath and he needed a hand for a day or 2.

I think the fact that DP was pretty fit really helped, when he started the rehab exercises - which be warned hurt.

Basically take the analgesia and if it's not helping ask for something that does.

Having said all that - DP has got virtually full range of movement and is pain free so was all worth it

Pre -operative physio exercises to build up muscle strength - is essential, I missed out on this and it delayed my recovery.

Loan of a raised toilet seat frame - using the wc will be difficult.

There’s a great Facebook page for UK knee replacement support and advice.

The easy part is the surgery, the hard part is the recovery and coping with the difficulty sleeping for weeks after.

If he’s living alone he’ll need help with food for a week or maybe two. Get some decent easy meals in, or even better batch cook things he can microwave. Take whatever pain relief is offered - sometimes they’ll send you home with a bottle of morphine, other times not. It will cause constipation though so some ge take laxatives as well. Movement is good, once he has his balance, even just standing up and sitting back down. Icing the knee regularly - using something like this - https://www.medicalsupplies.co.uk/aircast-cold-therapy-knee-cryocuff-with-aircast-cooler-saver-pack.html really helped my dad’s recovery. Mess free and easy to use so it kept him in a regular routine.

And most importantly, doing the rehab exercises - my pa’s physio said the pain is good, it’s showing you where you need to keep working. It’s possible to get a full range it motion back but it needs work.

The first week or ten days he’ll probably feel terrible, in pain and quite despondent at times, but it will get better.

As @TheSaltedCaramelPath said..the Facebook group is really great for info and loads of tips.

Would say he'll definitely need support in the first couple of weeks. It really is such a tough recovery. Hardest thing I've ever been through pain wise. My advice is to absolutely stay on top of the pain medication..and if it's not helping make sure he gets something that works. My hospital arranged a moveable frame..like a zimmer type thing for around my toilet seat to help with getting on/off. Would definitely ask at the hospital for any physio aids like that if possible.

Ice packs were invaluable. The full wraparound ones were ideal. I had two of those so there was always one ready. First few weeks are so hard but slowly but surely it does get easier. So glad I had it done though. It's amazing when you're out the other side.

My mum lives overseas, so unfortunately I was unable to help her, but I know she was very grateful that my (young adult) niece was able to stay the first few nights.

my niece went to uni in the day, but it was nice to have the security of someone being there if she needed help at night.

my mum had shopped for 'easy food' before the OP & she was pretty much able to sort herself out.

she was able to shower independently very soon after the OP (she wouldn't 'traumatise' my niece by letting her help her 🙄🙄).

she needed to have a crutch to get around the house & prevent falls.

she found a static bike very good for rehab ( it's gets moved around between various friends having their knees replaced!!) but it's easy enough to buy one second hand or hite one.

best wishes to your Dad.

(Mums isn't perfect & is still not pain free. But better than it was and she's going to get her other one done soon)

Physio before the op to strengthen the knee helps a great deal.

How old is your dad? Just been through this with 90 year old mother. She needed 24/7 support for several days after. Couldn't get out of bed independently, couldn't use the toilet by herself, no way she'd have managed to get food for herself. She was really in considerable pain. Lived downstairs for at least a week after.

If he's elderly do ask the hospital about what care package he might be entitled to. A recliner seat is useful - can use the button to move legs up and down and it helped with getting to standing. She also needed a commode, Zimmer frame and a bed moving downstairs.

I'm on week 6 post op. I'm 49 so pretty fit. I've also had a spinal fusion. (I have EDS)
The first 2 weeks are hell. Mainly using crutches so it's impossible to carry anything. The most helpful items have been a device to help lift the leg, ice packs & lots of them and a sturdy arm chair a foot rest as the swelling is phenomenal!!!

What device do you use to lift your leg?

Pre-op physio. Post-op physio. Keep on top of pain relief. Keep moving. Loo frame. Armchair at correct height. Shorts. Getting trousers on will be difficult to start with. Some sweatshirt material shorts will help.