Helpful tips for knee op

[frillseeking]

My mum is having a double knee replacement soon and I wondered if anyone had any tips or advice on practical things she might need or things that might help. For example I was going to get her a couple of loose fitting nighties from Marks, a dressing gown as I've heard it gets cold during surgery and a cosy fleece blanket to take with her when she's in hospital afterwards. Would be great to get any other tips. Thank you

Clear clutter from living and bedrooms, stairs, hallways, toilets, kitchen.
she needs to be able to move around easily.

sensible footwear - she needs stability when trying to move again, so no backless slippers, flip flops,

when exercising, aim to get 90degree bend on the knees, more is a bonus. It might be hard to get to 90 later if it’s not aimed for now.

Oh, and stick carefully to physio's advice (NHS or private), things like how much bend or extension you aim for is really personal and they will know what you should aim for without risking damage.

I've had both of mine done year apart . My tip is ice, ice then more ice. Wet towels and freeze them . You get a lot of relief from them.

My DF had an ice machine, used it every few hours during the day (after physio exercises). Lots of pain relief to allow lots of physio. He had a bad few weeks but 6 months later was walking several miles on rough paths.

Just had one knee done and having the other one in a year. I came home on day 3 but wasn't prepared for nausea from anaesthetic. 2 days of constant retching. Day 6 feeling a bit better but behind with exercises. I can bend knee 100°, walk around house on crutches, have very little strength in leg but this is my next goal. I am very tired. My physio said exercises are like waves. Start off doing small then by last one go for it. If it hurts too much you won't do them and pain isn't the objective. Things that helped, electric fleece to keep warm, ice cuff and bucket. This helps with pain and swelling and a godsend. Raised toilet seat, leg lifter, slide sheet , wide leg trousers, tena lady as you are slower getting up! She's in pain anyway and I've not found pain a massive problem. Sore not painful. I didn't have 2 done though. Someone mentioned a blanket raiser. Seems a good idea.

Just to update she's doing well and they're really pleased with progress. She's feeling quite nauseous as you say @Listening2U and I think the pain is making her feel a little light headed after she's done physio and been up. Blood pressure etc all ok so must be the pain. They've said that women don't ever really get two done at once, it's usually men as they tend to have stronger upper body to support themselves but anyway, it's done and seems to have gone v well. Thanks ever so for all the advice and tips

So glad to hear it is going well.

Had TKR Wednesday, a week ago. Came home on the Friday but severe nausea for 2 days and almost readmitted to hospital. Monday started to keep food and drink down and today I feel good! I had 2 days of doing hardly any exercises and worried about it. I could hardly do the exercises when I left hospital but honestly I’m shocked by how much I’ve improved. Ice has helped me with the pain. I’m sure the cryocuff has enabled me to progress with the exercises too. I’m not in pain but the exercises are painful. Encourage your Mum. She is looking for a tiny improvement each time. My physio said the first repetition is a gentle one 2nd rep a bit better and save best till last.

Hope you're doing ok @Listening2U and the nausea has subsided for you. Mum doing well, she's standing and washing at sink on her own etc so really pleased so far. She can't wear stockings because she has lost some skin so I'm thinking about hiring her a reclining chair so she can get her legs up and help reduce the swelling.

I'm ok thank you @frillseeking . Nausea gone so decided to concentrate on exercises. Now pulled muscle in thigh. Physio said it happens and do gentle exercises. 2 weeks post op and see consultant tomorrow and physio. My consultant stopped his patients wearing stockings after leaving hospital. I had Clexane injections. I have a sore on my bottom which I think is through sleeping on my back which I don't enjoy. When my DH was ill Community Health supplied inflatable boots and mattress to prevent bed sores as he had fragile skin. Reclining chair sounds like a good idea. I can walk about without too much pain. The cryo cuff has been my go to for pain and swelling. It is brilliant and would recommend. I can manage on one crutch when I need to make meals and carry drinks as I have a "one handled tray" (disability shop) to carry stuff. I must be getting better as visitor gone and left a mess! Ha ha! Best wishes to your Mum who is my hero.

physio
if you can pay for weekly physio for the first few weeks after the operation. that will, literally, get her back on her feet quickly.