Advice from a Patient Who Has Undergone a Knee Replacement

 Advice from a Patient Who Has Undergone a Knee Replacement

I, the largest baby on the planet, had knee replacement surgery, therefore you can do it too! Preparation should begin after you and your doctor have determined that a knee replacement is necessary.

Make sure you know what benefits you have by contacting your insurance provider first. Get the exact details on the length of time you can remain in the hospital. On the fourth day following surgery, many insurance companies may require you to leave the hospital and may even send you to a nursing home, which is what they call a "rehabilitation facility" in their lingo.
From what I remember, my transfer to the nursing home occurred on a Friday. Their visiting physical therapist would not be able to assess me until Monday because of this. This is the reason why, in the span of three days, my new knee went from being able to bend at a 90-degree angle to only a 70-degree angle. My time spent recovering in the hospital had been for naught, and I would have to begin the process all over again. After your knee replacement surgery, you will aim to bend at a 125 degree angle.
The additional negative aspects of living in a nursing home will go unmentioned. Keep in mind that this is a nursing facility, so it's funny that I was the new cool girl. Knowing how the insurance company will handle you prior, during, and after your knee surgery is crucial.
To get the answers to these questions, call the number shown on your insurance card's reverse side:
• Determine the name, title, and extension number of the person you are corresponding with.
I am interested in learning about the benefits of a total knee replacement.
Is the hospital where my knee replacement surgery is performed going to cover my skilled physical therapy? Can you tell me for sure? Should I ask what they are?
Do knee replacement rehabilitation benefits apply to me? Can you tell me for sure? Should I ask what they are? In what ways may I access these services?
Will the cost of rehabilitation tools and supplies for my knee replacement be covered? Can you tell me for sure? Should I ask what they are? Does one need to pay a portion of the expenditure?
After my knee replacement, will I be eligible for continued coverage of outpatient therapy? Can you tell me for sure? Should I ask what they are? may you tell me where I may get help?
After my knee replacement, will I be eligible for any kind of home therapy? Can you tell me for sure? Should I ask what they are? After my knee replacement, which home health companies may I contact?
In order to keep your freedom at home following knee replacement surgery, it is recommended to get a bar refrigerator. This appliance can be placed on a table adjacent to your bed. When you return home, this will be priceless. Put some milk, water, soda, Jell-Os, and individual pudding nibbles in there. For a healthy snack, try some fresh fruit. A stack of 2 oz boxes of cereals should be kept alongside the refrigerator after purchase. To prevent a big plastic cup from toppling over, place it next to the bed and use a golf ball as a weight. The cup will contain plastic cutlery, spoons, and knives. Put the cereal in a disposable plastic bowl and then dispose of it. A pre-packaged lunch kit with crackers and a little wooden spoon is available from Bumblebee Tuna.
Having the means to provide yourself with breakfast, snacks, and even lunch on occasion will boost your sense of independence. In addition, it allows your caregiver a brief respite. For days when I felt like I couldn't eat because of pain or medicine, I made sure to have either Slim Fast or Boost on hand in the fridge.
Right now is the moment to quit smoking, or at least reduce your consumption. Big surgeries aren't the best times to smoke because the habit narrows blood arteries. Get down to a healthy weight if you're on the chubby side. Lessening the load on a freshly-joined knee joint can alleviate some of the discomfort. Submit your sermon now.
I can assure you that you will require the assistance of the individuals listed below following your knee replacement surgery. Get someone to work for you for four to six hours every day if you can manage it. You can rely on their assistance to rise from your bed, take a shower, and put on your clothes. They do things like make your meals, assist you with therapeutic exercises, be there for you, and take it easy on your partner. Inform them of your timeline as soon as possible and conduct the interview. One possible location to meet someone is at your church. Another is to ask around at retirement communities; oftentimes, residents there have friends or family members who are also seeking for extra money.
Not absolutely necessary, but I think it's prudent. Prepare for the unexpected by donating two pints of your blood. Do this no later than one week before to the procedure. Every week, you must provide one pint. You should wait five days before donating blood if you are on antibiotics. Present the card bearing the unit number that you were given by the blood bank when you check into the hospital.
Do not utilize the bars that hold your towels; instead, you should install grab bars in your shower or tub. They are easy to implant and will provide much-needed support in the months following surgery, so get them in before your procedure. Immediate and serious safety concerns have been raised. You may find it challenging to maintain your balance in the days following knee replacement surgery. A shower stool will allow you to sit down while you wash. When you get a new knee, your doctor may recommend a cast protector to prevent water damage.
Get a rubber mat to place inside the tub or shower and two more to place outside in a parallel configuration. It is not safe to walk barefoot on a damp bathroom floor.
You can get a disposable body wash cloth so you can take a bath without leaving your bed. When you're too lazy to take a shower, heat them up in the microwave and use them instead. These are sold in quantities of eight. But I only used four, even though the instructions state to use all eight for a single bath. All you have to do is seal the last four and put them away for later.
No flip-flops allowed here; instead, you'll need a full-coverage pair of slippers with a non-slip sole. A sturdy pair of lace-up shoes is also essential.
Here are a few more things you might need: • A television with a remote control • A phone with emergency numbers • A bathroom night light • Hand sanitizer • Toilet paper for the bedside • Tissues • Dental floss, a toothbrush, and toothpaste • A bell to call for help
The second piece of advice is to make sure no one is able to get lost in your home. Aside from wires and scatter rugs, pillows and magazines can pose a tripping hazard. Take everything from the floor in front of the bed and the chairs. Make sure to control your pets. Accidents might happen when a lively puppy or a slumbering cat is in the wrong place.
Relax with a new hairstyle, manicure, and pedicure. These will be the final ones for a minimum of eight weeks. Incorporate a massage if you are able to do so. Soak in a lengthy, hot bath with lots of bubbles if you enjoy them. For the time being, this is going to be your final opportunity to use your tub for that purpose.
Come up with a Declaration and Living Will. Appoint a health care surrogate and sign a durable power of attorney or proxy. These are extremely vital and designed to keep you safe.
Be careful not to take anything of value. Just leave your valuables (purse, wallet, cash, jewelry) at home. Apply some makeup if you are a woman. Besides relieving your pain, it will divert your attention away from your knee for a bit. Even if you don't read it, bringing a book in the office will give you something to do while you're there.
ON, AFTER, AND DURING YOUR SPECIAL DAY
On the day of your procedure, things will go as follows:
Follow the admissions office-specified time to the hospital to the letter. Prior to being admitted, you must complete the necessary paperwork.
You will be taken to the pre-operative room by the nurses to discuss your medical history and test results after you are admitted. They will prepare you for the operation. The person who brought you to the hospital can remain with you throughout this time.
Just before surgery, the nurses will put an IV in you and inject the antibiotic you've been prescribed.
A gurney will transport you to the "holding area" of the operating room.
Here is where the anesthesiologist will meet with you before surgery. Just tell him your weight, and he'll be curious. Lie never ever crossed your mind. How much anesthetic you will receive is proportional to your weight.
You could feel a bit drowsy when you wake up from the anesthesia after surgery. After surgery, you can experience dry mouth and soreness around the incision. Ice chips and pain medicine will be provided to you.
There will be a large bandage and a drain at the location.
Wearing compression stockings on both legs can help reduce the likelihood of blood clots.
Go to a room in the Orthopedic/Surgical Unit after your respiration, pulse, and blood pressure are stable.
Recuperating from surgery will take up the rest of the day. Do your best to get enough sleep because you will be exhausted. The nurses will wake you up frequently to check your vital signs, which can be bothersome. Put this day to rest, unwind, and maintain your composure. The first day of physical therapy is tomorrow.
After you're awake from surgery, you might be able to sip some water. Your diet will start off mild and gradually increase in intensity as your body adapts.
• To manage your pain medication, injections, or tablets, your doctor may have prescribed a PCA (Patient Controlled Analgesia). Additional instructions on how to press the PCA button will be given by the nursing staff in the event that it is ordered.
• On occasion, the nurse may ask you to use a scale from 0 to 10 to indicate how severe the pain is. A pain scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (the worst pain ever). Tell the truth!
• Breathe deeply and cough if requested. Do this every one to two hours while you're awake to keep your lungs clear of congestion. The physician may even prescribe a breathing device called an incentive spirometer. Hold a deep exhale for three seconds before inhaling. While awake, repeat this process ten times per hour.
You can reduce your risk of blood clots in your legs by doing the following: • Flex your ankles ten times each hour while awake.To avoid skin irritations and improve circulation, switch positions from lying on your back to your sides every couple of hours.
Visit www.JointReplacement.com for more detailed information on the operation's visual aspects. Every single detail is available there.
Sure, it's the day following surgery, and the PT staff is aware that you're in the facility; they even have your room and bed numbers. Oh, I see. They're coming. Give yourself up to the therapists; they're experts with people like you. It's going to hurt. You should inquire with the nurses about the exact time of your treatment so that you can take a pain reliever thirty to forty minutes before they show up.
Items that your doctor should have ordered from a pharmacy, sent to your home, and paid for by insurance:
• An arm-equipped toilet seat • A nightstand toilet seat • A wheel chair • Scratches • A cast or wound protection for the shower
In particular, a "Reacher Arm" is useful. If you ever drop anything or can't reach something, this will come in handy.
The doctor has given you specific workouts to perform. You will return to your fitness level more rapidly if you do them frequently. I won't sugarcoat it: those exercises will hurt, but they're necessary. Do aquatic exercises in a pool if you have one; they strengthen ligaments and muscles, making future workouts less painful.
Finally, get plenty of sleep. As you slumber, your body repairs itself!
For all of your post-operative needs, I highly recommend this website: www.medicalcheap.com.
It will be worthwhile in the end, I assure you; good luck finding a replacement!
Wow, that's cool!

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