Guide to Total Knee Replacement Surgery

Things to do...

Discuss your surgery with your family or support group and explain how they can help you before and after your surgery.
Arrange to have someone bring you home from the hospital.
Arrange to have someone stay with you (or someone with whom you can stay) for a week or more after surgery.
Do activities such as grocery shopping and banking ahead of time.
Have heavy housekeeping activities, such as vacuuming and laundry, done ahead of time and arrange for help with these after surgery.
Prepare meals and freeze them.
Rearrange kitchen equipment and items in other rooms so they are within comfortable reach when standing.
Rearrange furniture so that you have space to move around safely using a walker or crutches.
Remove loose mats or clutter that could be a safety hazard.
If needed, ask your doctor for a temporary handicapped parking pass.
Make sure you have the right type of chair (see section “Managing at Home” on page 22).
Remove shower doors and replace them temporarily with a shower curtain.
Install handrails on stairways or arrange to have someone assist you with going up and down stairs when you first arrive home.
Arrange to borrow, rent or purchase equipment you will need after surgery (see section “Be Prepared for Your Discharge”).