Even though Dr. Botero uses the latest surgical techniques that reduce recovery time and helps patients get back on their feet much sooner after a knee replacement procedure, patients aren’t going to be able to do all their normal activities the day after surgery. If your spouse, a parent or a family member is undergoing knee surgery in the near future, you may be wondering what you can do to help their recovery stay on course. In today’s blog, we share some ways you can help out a friend or family member who is undergoing a total knee replacement operation.
1. Ride To Appointments
They may not be able to drive for a while after surgery, so offer to drive them to their pre-surgical consults, to and from the operation, and any follow up appointments they need to attend.
2. Home Prep
Coming home to a clean house and an empty laundry hamper can help someone to relax in the first few days after a total knee replacement operation. Helping someone clean their house and prep for their return can also remove any potential tripping hazards from the floor.
3. Healthy Home Cooked Meals
Consider dropping off a healthy, easy-to-reheat meal once they are back home from their surgery. This can help them avoid the potentially strenuous act of cooking while also helping them avoid weight gain when they are less active than normal.
4. Wound Care
Sometimes it’s easier to have a second set of hands clean the surgical site and to re-wrap it in a bandage than to do it on your own. Consider helping your friend or family member clean their wound site daily.
5. Medication Management
If you have questions about the person’s ability to safely and regularly use any post-op pain medications, help them set up and stick to a regular schedule.
6. Listen
Sometimes all a friend or family member needs after surgery is someone who will listen to them. Lend an ear to them and really listen to what they have to say.
7. Physical Therapy Buddy
Physical therapy is a crucial part of recovering after knee replacement surgery, so do everything you can to ensure they attend every session. Drive them to their appointments or send them reminders so they’ll remember to go on their own.
8. Source of Encouragement
People want to feel like they are making strides in their rehabilitation, so if you notice that they are doing more activities or gaining strength in their knee, let them know that these improvements haven’t gone unnoticed.
And while it’s important to keep your recovering friend or family member in mind, don’t forget to take some time and care for yourself. The journey to full recovery following knee replacement surgery is easier with someone by your side, so if you have any questions or want to see how you can help someone after knee surgery, reach out to Dr. Botero’s office today.
