So, You're Having Knee Replacement Surgery?
Can you imagine the miracle that knee replacement is? If you've been dreading your knee replacement surgery, just talk to others who have had it and they will more than likely say things like, I wish I had had knee replacement surgery a lot sooner than I did or I feel like a new person since I had my knee replacement surgery done. From making pre-surgery plans to anticipating recovery at a hip replacement rehabilitation center, here are some things that might help you know what to look forward to.
Before The Surgery - First of all, if any of your friends or extended family members offer to help you in any way, don't turn down their thoughtful offer. If you still have kids at home, accept the offer of child care. If friends offer to prepare meals when you return home, give them the opportunity to serve you. You get the picture, right? Accept the fact that you'll be needing help.Do other things that will be a help to you, too. For example, if your bedroom is upstairs, consider setting up a temporary bedroom in your family room so that you won't have to maneuver going up and down stairs until you are ready.
After The Surgery - You might be a candidate for at-home recovery. For example, if you have somebody who can give you twenty-four hour care after the surgery is over, staying at home might be the best solution for your recovery. If you have somebody who can drive you to your physical therapy appointments and then bring you home again, count yourself very blessed. However, a different kind of blessing comes in the form of being right in a rehabilitation center where you don't have to worry about meals or getting to and from the center. At the rehabilitation center there will be trained professionals who have the experience to help you fully recover.
Your knee replacement rehabilitation program will more than likely include exercises that will strengthen you and that will help you to heal more rapidly. After the surgery, of course you will be given time to sleep. However, don't be surprised if the therapists get you started right away on the exercises that will soon become your best friends. At first, it might be very difficult and even painful to do the exercises. However, the therapists will not allow you to have too much pain. Between medications and the exercises program that is designed for your full recovery, you will more than likely be surprised at how quickly you can use your brand new knee.