Preparation for Knee Replacement Surgery (Gender Knee)

Knee Replacement Surgery

The decision to have knee replacement surgery is not an easy one to make, nor should it be made quickly – or alone. It is important to learn all you can about the anatomy of your knee and the arthritis or injury that is causing you so much pain. Consult your doctor to find out if it is time for surgery, and talk to your family and friends to make them aware of your intentions. They can be a great support network for you throughout the decision-making process.

In the face of this decision, it may be reassuring to know that knee replacement surgery is a routine procedure performed on over 900,000 people worldwide each year. The vast majority of people who have had surgery experience an improvement in knee pain and function. Additionally today’s surgical techniques offer smaller incisions with less involvement of key tendons and muscles. 

Talking with your doctor Talking with your doctor

You will undoubtedly have many questions for your doctor before you take the decision to have surgery. This list of questions helps to prepare for your appointment:

  1. What is the name of my condition?
  2. What caused the condition?
  3. Will I keep having this problem?
  4. How can I stop the condition from occurring again?
  5. Will I need to have lab or other diagnostic tests? If I will, which ones?
  6. How soon will I get the results? Will someone call me with the results or do I need to call the office?
  7. What treatment options do I have?
  8. Do I need to have surgery immediately? What would happen if I would wait six months? One year?
  9. If I need surgery, what complications may occur with this kind of surgery?
  10. How many surgeries of this type have you done?
  11. Should I take any medications? If I should, which ones?
  12. What will the medication do?
  13. How often should I take the medication? With food?
  14. Are there side effects?
  15. Are there any foods or other drugs that I should not take while on this medication?
  16. Can I drive a car while taking this medication?
  17. Do I need to limit any activities? If I do, how and which ones?
  18. Is there anything I can do to improve my bone quality or overall health?

If your physician recommends you to undergo a surgery, you might have the following questions.

  1. What is the expected recovery time?
  2. How many days will I be in the hospital after surgery?
  3. Will I have physical therapy? If I will, for how long?
  4. Will I need full-time or part-time care? If I will, for how long
  5. Will I need a hospital bed at home?
  6. When can I lie on operative side?
  7. How soon will I be able to walk after surgery?
  8. Will I need crutches or a walker? If I will, for how long?
  9. How soon will I be able to climb stairs after surgery?
  10. How soon will I be able to drive a car after surgery?
  11. When can I shower after surgery?
  12. How soon will I be able to resume normal lifestyle activities besides walking (i.e., work, sports, housework, gardening, etc.)?
  13. Which sports may I participate in?
  14. What are lifting limits?
  15. When is sexual intercourse feasible after surgery?
  16. Will I set off the detectors at the airport?
  17. Will I need antibiotics for dental care?
  18. What is the implant made of?
  19. What activities or other factors could make my joint replacement wear out more quickly, and what can I do to avoid them?

These questions and a list of questions your doctor is likely to ask are also available in a printable version.

Print out these question lists and bring them along to your first appointment. They are especially helpful if you are not quite sure what to ask – and writing down the answers will give you something to refer to once you are home.

Being prepared for your surgery

Being prepared for your surgery It is never too early to begin preparing for your knee replacement surgery. Knowing what to expect and planning ahead of time will help make your surgery and your recovery as smooth as possible.

This information is intended to be an overview of how to prepare for knee replacement surgery. It is not intended to replace any instructions provided by your doctor, and we encourage you to discuss this information with your doctor.

4 weeks before:

Know your knee’s anatomy. Familiarizing yourself with how your knee works will help you understand your doctor’s instructions.

Prepare a list of questions to ask your doctor. Print this handy list of questions and take it with you when you visit your doctor. Use it to take notes during your appointment so you can refer to them once you are home.

3 weeks before:

Move frequently used items to easy-to-reach cabinets.Put food and supplies where they can be reached without bending or using a step stool.

Plan meals ahead of time. Make and freeze meals or stock up on frozen dinners so that meal preparation requires little effort. Try to plan enough meals for a week or so.

Contact friends and family for support. You might need their assistance with activities such as driving and moving items in your home.

Make your home safe so you do not fall or trip. Move long cords against the wall, remove rugs, and place a nonskid mat in your bathtub.

2 weeks before:

Limit anti-inflammatory medications. Your doctor may not want you to take any aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for the 14 days before surgery. Be sure to discuss this with your doctor.

Purchase or borrow the special equipment your doctor recommends. This may include an elevated toilet and small devices such as a grabber. You can find these items at most hospital supply sections of large drug stores. Practice using the items at home.

1 week before:

Write down all of the medications you take, the dose, and how often. Take this with you when you are pre-admitted to the hospital.

Pre-admit to the hospital. Your doctor may suggest that you pre-admit to the hospital before your surgery. If so, plan at least 2½ hours for the visit. During this time, you may have lab work, x-rays, and/or an electrocardiogram. You may receive a breathing exerciser, at which point the nurse will review the directions with you. You may also see someone from the anesthesia department to discuss anesthetic.

Manage finances. You may want to pay bills, make arrangements to board pets, and stop the delivery of your mail and newspaper.

Go to the supermarket. Make a list of the items you may need once you return from the hospital and purchase them or arrange for them to be delivered.

Arrange transportation. You will need someone to drive you home or to the rehabilitation facility after your surgery. You may also need this person to run errands for you.

Week of Surgery:

Pack for the hospital. Use the list below to help you decide what to bring to the hospital. Check with your doctor, too; he or she may want you to bring additional items.

  • You will want your personal grooming items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, eyeglasses/contacts, comb, deodorant, shaving cream, razor, shampoo, lotion, undergarments, and a robe.
  • Bring slippers or flat rubber-soled shoes.
  • Do not forget loose-fitting clothing for your trip home.
  • Bring any medications you are currently taking.
  • Bring your breathing exerciser (IBE) if you use one, as you will probably need this right after surgery. Check with your doctor about this.
  • Leave jewellery, credit cards, car and house keys, and items of personal value at home. Bring only enough pocket money for items such as newspapers or magazines.

Check with your doctor about eating and drinking the night before your surgery. Your doctor may not want you to eat or drink (not even water) after midnight the night before, so be sure to check with him or her about this. Your anesthesiologist may prescribe a medication for you to take the evening before surgery.

Report to the hospital at least two hours before your scheduled surgery. The nurses will complete your preparation for surgery and will likely review your care following surgery.

Ask your doctor how you may feel after surgery. You may be nauseous, dizzy, weak, and/or have a lack of an appetite or constipation. You will also probably experience some amount of pain.

Know what to expect after surgery Know what to expect after surgery:

  • A catheter may be in place after surgery. It is normally removed when you can get from the bed to the bedside toilet or restroom, you can feed yourself and can bathe your face and upper body.
  • A bedside toilet will probably be available until you are able to walk to the restroom. Walking to the restroom will build your strength and prepare you for discharge home.
  • Your bandage will probably be changed once or twice a day.
  • Your surgeon will visit you, and your physical therapist will begin your recovery exercises.
  • Your pain may be managed with shots or pills.

Let the nursing staff know how you feel about visitors.Typically you are allowed visitors once you have been moved from the recovery room into your own room. If you would prefer not to have visitors, please tell the nursing staff.

Plan your discharge from the hospital. You will be allowed to leave the hospital when your doctor feels the time is right. Again, make arrangements for someone to drive you home from the hospital, as you will not be able to operate an automobile. Wear comfortable, loose clothing to avoid pressure on the incision area.

Find out whether you will need to transfer to a rehabilitation facility. Your doctor may recommend that you be transferred to a rehabilitation facility after you leave the hospital. There you can begin physical therapy and your health can be monitored.

Fill pain medication prescription. Your doctor will probably give you a prescription for pain medication. You will probably need less each day after surgery, but you may need them at night for a few days. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions, and do not drink alcoholic beverages while you are taking pain medication.

Quick links

Alternatively if you would like a brochure or written information on Gender, please call the Gender Knee Helpline on 01793 58 4545, and leave a clear message about what you would like and how to send it to you.