If you are experiencing difficulties with your knees, it can be stressful to plan for your future. Before you go into surgery, it is important for you to prepare a checklist of things to do before/after your surgery. Consider some of the following ways you can plan ahead to make the aftermath of your surgery easier.
Schedule a Pre-Operative Appointment
This is an important visit where you will learn what to expect before, during, and after your surgery. Your surgeon will schedule this appointment in order to help you better prepare for the surgery. Be sure to cover everything from your prescription needs to allergies and potential medical issues you may have. You will want to cover as many of your bases as possible in order to get home as quickly and easily as you can once the surgery is over.
Get the Help of Others
Arrange for someone to drive you home from the hospital and help you around the house for the first week or so after knee surgery. You want to have as many of your basic needs taken care of as possible to ensure that you do not put unnecessary strain on your knees. Plan around transportation and basic necessities with your doctor to get the most from your surgical experience.
Plan for Medications
Get all of your prescriptions filled ahead of time and fill any other medications you take regularly, such as over-the-counter pain relievers and vitamins. Take all of your medications regularly and as prescribed. Because many of your medications will be for pain relief, you will want to adhere to a strict schedule in order to prevent your discomfort. Set alarms if you have to, as a little bit of forethought goes a long way.
Think About Meal Prep
Stock up on healthy food and make sure your fridge is stocked with easy-to-prepare meals for the first few days after surgery. Depending on the extent of the surgery and what other procedures you may need to have done around this period, it is a good idea to go for foods that are easy on your stomach and digestive system. Try to reduce dietary inconveniences where you can.
It is always recommended to have contingencies in place in order to take care of potential issues in the future. Anything from mobility problems to sudden issues around the house should be planned for ahead of time in order to smooth your recovery and prevent problems from snowballing out of control.
