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Knee surgery and getting old
Knee surgery is possibly inevitable. With advancing age. our senior loved ones become victims of degenerative arthritis and poor bone health. Degenerative arthritis affects the joints of our loved ones. making mobility much more difficult for them. As a result, we find them often complaining about knee pain. And associated stiffness in the surrounding area. In the initial stages, giving medications to lessen the pain. And restore the mobility of the surrounding tissues. However, when medications and therapies fail to bring about positive results. Knee replacement surgery becomes the last resort.
Important tips to keep in mind before knee surgery
The success rate of patients with knee surgery is about 90%. However, seniors that undergo the surgery should keep realistic expectations. Even though there is a drastic reduction in pain. And improved mobility after the surgery. Seniors are still unable to feel as healthy as they were before. Furthermore, having unrealistic hopes becomes the major cause of depression for seniors. When they are unable to gain complete control over their mobility within a week after. Having a good emotional well being is essential for a speedy recovery and a better prognosis. Therefore, having realistic expectations would help our loved ones recover faster post-surgery.
The procedure of the surgery
Knee replacement surgery involves general anesthesia. Then removing the damaged part of the knee. And replacing it with artificial material. Attaching it to the thigh bone (femur).
The recovery period depends on the type of technique used. In some cases, minimally invasive procedures require a shorter recovery period. This, however, depends on the condition of the patient and the extent of knee damage. Patients who undergo surgery in both knees require a longer recovery period. Dealing with pain and restricted mobility post-operation.
What to expect from your surgery
Standing up on your feet after a knee replacement surgery is not an easy task. And needs much endurance and courage on the part of our senior loved one. Therapy along with rehabilitation plays a crucial role during the recovery process. Medications help to ease the pain. But regularly following the therapies will speed up the healing process.
Post-surgery, our loved one has to bear some changes and pain in the weeks to follow. An attempt to summarize some of the important key features of what one can expect after surgery.
Week 1
The week you undergo your surgery. Therapy will begin the next day after surgery. You will be on your feet the next day for a small duration. A therapist will help you with your exercises. Where you will also learn knee strengthening exercises. You will use a walker to assist you while walking.
Week 2 – 3
Usually, by this time, the pain should go away. And you would be more comfortable moving around with your walker. Medications and physical therapy continue to be essential components during this phase too.
Week 4 – 6
It’s already been a month since you got your knee replacement done. By this time, you would notice a significant improvement in your pain and mobility. You would be able to move around on your own, without the help of assisted devices. You will slowly get back to your normal routine. And should begin enjoying your daily activities without any pain or difficulty. Activities such as climbing stairs, long-distance walking, which seemed difficult pre-surgery. You can now do with ease and comfort.
A complete 100% recovery from a total knee replacement surgery will take about 12 months. If you experience unusual pain during this period, stiffness or any other discomfort. It is best to consult your doctor immediately.
Tips to help your loved one recover from knee surgery
Undergoing knee replacement surgery is not an easy decision for our seniors. Those who want to get their knees replaced. Often make this decision due to the several disabilities and pain they suffer from. However, the success rates of knee replacement surgery are excellent. with minimum reported cases of failure.
The first few days at home after discharge from the hospital is extremely difficult. You may find your loved one is not in a good mood, frustrated and scared. Due to the surgery and their inability to move around independently.
Dealing with this and being careful not to irritate the condition any further can cause strain on you, as the caregiver. Here are some great books to help you now.
Making your loved one comfortable after a knee replacement surgery
Set up the recovery room well in advance
Once you plan the surgery. It is also necessary that you begin making arrangements to set the recovery room. The recovery room should have the following things:
✓Pillows to elevate the lower leg whenever required
✓Walkers and other assisted devices
✓Medications should be properly arranged along with the written schedule
✓Comfortable shoes that would help them walk with ease in the room
✓Mobile and charger so they can call for help in case of emergency
✓Commode and urinal if a bathroom is not inside the room
✓If there is an attached bathroom, make sure that you install grab bars inside the bathroom. This will give support to your loved ones and prevent sudden falls. Make sure you arrange for a raised toilet seat so that it is easy to sit and get up from the toilet.
Make the room fall-proof
Remove rugs and other items, that can cause your loved one to trip over and fall. Remember, after knee surgery, it is extremely important to prevent falls and accidents. Install grab bars in the room too, so that your loved one can hold for support whenever necessary.
Wound care
Dressing the wound is very important and you need to help your loved one with it.
Help with medications
Help your loved one with their medications, so that they don’t miss out on any. You can do this for the first few days after they are home. After 2 – 3 weeks, your loved one can help themselves with their medications.
Take charge of household chores
It would be impossible for your loved one to carry on with the household chores after surgery. You need to take over the responsibility. So that your loved one can carry on with their rest, exercises, and therapies for a good and speedy recovery.
Don’t miss out on a single follow up checkup
After the discharge of a loved one. It is necessary that you take them regularly for each follow-up appointment. This is necessary as the doctor will assess the recovery progress. And suggest changes in medicines or therapies if necessary.
Give your loved one a nutritious meal
Along with medications, rest, and therapy. A nutritious meal is also necessary for a speedy recovery and proper wound healing. Give your loved one a nutritious meal, which contains a good dose of vitamins and minerals.
Emotional support
It is very important to keep your loved one happy. The recovery after surgery can make your loved ones sad, depressed, and irritated. The inability to move around and the sudden dependence on other family members. Will make them feel helpless and frustrated. Therefore, it is necessary that you give them emotional support. So that your loved one does not face any problems in the recovery phase.
Conclusion
Knee replacement surgery requires a lot of preparation. On the part of the patient as well as their caregivers. It is necessary that you keep yourself and your loved ones well prepared in advance. So that the entire episode can be comfortably managed and successfully completed. All the above-mentioned tips, are sure to help you to help your loved ones recover. Here is another website that will help further. Also, check out my other post.
It can be difficult to attend to your loved one after knee surgery, but it’s not impossible. With the right knowledge, you can do this. Don’t forget about taking care of yourself and keeping your business going while you are caregiving. I’m here to assist you on this journey, schedule your planning session with me so we can look at how to keep your life and your business running smoothly.
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