
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.
I wish you the very best.
Also, lay in some ice packs.
I agree with pre op exercises. I had both knees done at the same time and thought I would be going to inpatient rehab but the physical therapist sat the hospital said I was going home and it would be much better for me. I was told not to let my family wait on me, get up and move at least once an hour while awake. Do your physical therapy exercises at least twice a day. After one week I went from a walker to a cane and 2 weeks post op I wasn’t using any aid to walk. The keys are exercise and walking as much as you can.
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.
Every citizen is entitled to Homecare, contact local. It is Canada wide program and although perhaps different in each province but they provide lots of help. Even temp stay in respite facility. My husband is entitled to 28 days per year. They can provide equipment as well. Recovery could be longer than you expect.
BTW, I believe they did her hip surgery with a spinal, not full anesthesia, as that is a concern of many on this forum, and rightfully so.
These are people who have had a total knee replacement and someone is always online 24 hours a day in my experience) to offer encouragement, reassure you that you sound normal or your problem is scary ( such as that scary time when you feel you have hit “rock bottom”, lost your mind, and this will never end).
She’s preparing food ahead because (it’s never just one thing, is It!) she has a swallowing problem and some form of digestive problem for roughage so must have easy to swallow meals.
I’ll be taking her to dr. appt for the first week or so, then her son will be there. Hopefully.
I’m prepared to stay longer than a week, and it sounds like that will be needed.
Your sister needs to be very committed to the PT because it is painful for a while. I was 63 when I had my surgery and was looking to return to playing tennis, so I worked really diligently on the PT.
The pain meds (whether prescription opioids or acetaminophen) will make her very very constipated so she needs stool softeners, a prescription laxative, foods with fiber etc. FY dried apricots work really well for this. Opioids may make her unsteady on her feet. I used only Tylenol and it worked fine for me.
Post-op infections are not uncommon so you need to know the symptoms and what to do in this situation.
Since post-anesthesia cognitive problems are a real concern, she needs to talk to her surgeon about which one they plan on using (Propofol is what mine used). If you sister gets "hospital delirium" after this procedure you will need to consider an alternative care plan for her.
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.
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.