
My sister will have knee replacement surgery in British Columbia next month. I will be going to stay with her for the first week or so when she returns home. There is no hospitalization or rehab offered after knee surgery in BC as it’s considered elective, even though the knee went out of alignment after a hip replacement two years ago. My question is this: what do I need to be aware of, take with me, have on hand to make her recovery time go as well as possible. She lives about 8 miles from the nearest town so I want to have everything ready to provide her the best care early on. Thanks in advance for any input you all can give.
My DH used one after shoulder replacement and various friends with knee replacements swear by them.
Be aware that you need bagged ice cubes to operate them. If stock up the day before surgery if you (and or neighbors) have room in the freezer.
I am guessing that outpatient rehab will be done correct?
If so have your sister do 2 things.
1. Ask the doctor NOW for any post surgery instructions so she can be sure she has everything in place. Get a walker if she needs one, Get a good supply of ice.
2 Stop at the PT office where she will either get PT or the PT will come to her and ask what they suggest that she has ready.
If it is possible to get a Hospital bed that can be raised and lowered it will make getting in and out of bed easier and the leg can be elevated if needed.
this would be particularly useful if she lives in a house with stairs and her bedroom up those stairs.
does she have others that will help her?
If she has family right there that is wonderful.
If not then convincing her to hire a caregiver for a week or 2 once you leave might help her. The caregiver can drive her to appointments until she gets the "ok" from her dr that she can drive.
I guess planning (mentally) what level of support you will be?
Full rehab nurse/physiotherapist duties? Emotional support & some personal assistance? Maybe housework & meal service?
I don't know your sister. You do.
I know if I volunteered to be the 'recovery help' for Sis 1, I would be just doing light stuff eg picking up groceries, heating a meal. She would do everything she could her herself. However Sis 2 has many health issues. History has shown there would be risk of helplessness behaviour. I could become stuck as the 'live-in help' & not get home.
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