Living With Your New Knee

Mastering Daily Tasks (Recovering at Home)
While recovering from knee replacement surgery, you may need the help of certain "assistive devices" to perform daily tasks or participate in normal activities. Don't think of this as a loss of independence, but as an aid to recovery. All of the tools listed below will help you protect your new knee from potentially damaging movements and reduce pain.

Your case manager will discuss the options with you and your caregivers, taking into account your needs, your surgeon's instructions and your insurance coverage. He or she can even help you ordering some of the larger or more specialized equipment. If possible, practice using these devices before your surgery in order to become comfortable with their function.

Aids to Assist

Going to the Bathroom: You should use a raised toilet seat for a few weeks following surgery to keep your knee in a more stable position and minimize bending. You can also purchase a plastic raised toilet seat with built-in handgrips. Besides adding 5" to toilet height, its unique contoured shape will provide optimal comfort and help you rise easily.

Bathing: Your therapist or nurse will show you how to use a shower bench or chair while bathing to prevent you from bending your knee too much. Use a long-handled sponge, shower hose or hand-held showerhead to make bathing easier. You may also want to consider having grab bars installed in your shower or bathtub to provide support as you get in and out.

Hand Grips: Install handrails or safety bars next to stairs. If you already have these in place, secure them firmly before your surgery.

Housekeeping and Cooking: Use a long-handled reacher or grabber for objects too high or low for you to reach without stretching or bending. Before your surgery, store essential items at a convenient height. You can also carry small items in a basket on your walker.

Foot Stool: If you don't own one, purchase one before your surgery. It's important that you elevate your feet after walking each day.

Although these assistive aids are important in helping you resume your daily activities, they generally aren't covered by insurance. They're usually well worth the investment, though.

Reducing Accident Risks
With more furniture and - let's face it - clutter, accidents are more likely to occur in your home than in your hospital room. You'll be especially at risk while using your crutches, so take a few basic precautions to reduce your risk of falling.

Before your surgery, tidy up around the house, removing anything that might be a hazard. Temporarily move furniture or other obstacles to ease movement, tape down electrical cords and remove small throw rugs.

Simple Chores
If you find even some basic daily tasks difficult to perform during your recovery, don't be shy to ask your family, friends and neighbors for help. That might include meal preparation, laundry or trips to the pharmacist or grocery store. Don't become frustrated by your limitations - as you continue to exercise and strengthen your knee, you'll soon be able to perform your full range of activities.

Walking
Your physical therapist will advise you when to stop using your crutches or walker. One of the most important keys to your rehabilitation - and your return to a normal, active life - is walking every day. Start with short, easy walks and increase their distance and duration a little each day as your confidence and strength return. Remember to rest your leg after walking, lying down in a comfortable position and elevating your leg to help prevent swelling. Feel free to use an ice pack if you find that it helps.

Next: Intimacy After Knee Replacement

Knee

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