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To Do List pre and post op? Good idea?

Posted , 11 users are following.

daisymay2
daisymay2

Hi everyone,

Not been on here for a few months as been abroad.

But my TKR is looming, possibly in December.

I cant find the thread where people suggested things we might need - ie ice packs, high chair etc post op and prepartions pre op (like filling freezer etc)

Would it be a good idea if we could start a list and people could add to it?

If not if someone could point me in the right direction!

Just a thought! Thanks!

biggrin

0 likes, 43 replies

43 Replies

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  • Peglegbev
    Peglegbev daisymay2

    Posted

    Bio oil to massage into the scar when it is completely healed

    TV remote !

    Patience

    Box of tissues for the down days

    Good luck it is worth it in the end honest

    • daisymay2
      daisymay2 Peglegbev

      Posted

      Thanks Peglegbev - the Bio oil is also on my to buy list now! smile
  • terri59470
    terri59470 daisymay2

    Posted

    Hmm let me think.....

    Tiger Balm or Arnica Massage Balm/oil for when your muscles are shouting at you....

    A rucksack/backpack to carry your stuff around in - a shoulder or across-body bag can easily throw you off balance when you're on crutches...

    LAXATIVES!!! Trust me, you'll need them...

    Depending on what kind of shower you have - if it's an over-the-bath type, speak to Occupational Therapy, see if they will loan you a bath board. I had mine fitted on Saturday, and brilliant!

    A Grab Stick/litter picker, for things that you drop or are just out of reach....

    Something soft, light and silky to drape over your incision/scar, which can be VERY sensitive. I use a large square

    of pure silk, it's as light as a whisper and really helps.

    • terri59470
      terri59470

      Posted

      Sorry that posted too soon!

      I was going to say.....

      Most importantly, don't sweat the small stuff. If you don't feel like eating regular meals at regular times - fine! So long as you're getting decent nutrition, don't worry! Your appetite will be back before you know it. If you need to nap during the day (you will!) Then do it and DONT FEEL GUILTY!!

      Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Keep a bottle of juice or water with you at all times, and make sure you keep yourself topped up.

      And lastly, not something to have, but to do - EXERCISE!!!!

      I honestly can't emphasise enough the importance of strengthening your leg muscles. I didn't know first time round, and really paid the price. This time, (10 days post opp) my ROM and mobility is about 6 weeks ahead of schedule compared to last time! It's soooooo vital to your recovery and final outcome.

      Good luck! Xx

    • cheryl90571
      cheryl90571 terri59470

      Posted

      Glad to hear all is going well and AHEAD of schedule! I found that to be true as well with my knee#2!

      My physical therapy with #1 helped #2 as well to be stronger even before surgery.

      Wishing you continued success!

    • daisymay2
      daisymay2 terri59470

      Posted

      Thanks Terri!

      Ours is over the bath type. So they might loan you a board which fits over the bath? Interesting.

      Haha I thought of laxatives smile

    • terri59470
      terri59470 daisymay2

      Posted

      Yes, it's a slatted board,usually plastic, which they adjust to the width of your bath, and then you can move it back and forth as needed. To get in the bath/shower, you just back up to the board, shuffle back a wee bit, and then gently swing your legs in, and you can sit down to shower. It's so much easier than trying to get in and then stand to shower.

      Have a word with h the Occ Therapy team, they should be able to help you out.

  • esanford
    esanford daisymay2

    Posted

    Have your doctor or PA give you a list of the rehab exercises and begin doing them now.  If possible have your range of motion measured so that you can see what to expect post-op.  
    • daisymay2
      daisymay2 esanford

      Posted

      Thanks esanford - good thinking, will try to do that! smile
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