You will be asked to change into a hospital gown before your procedure. You will most likely be required to remove all undergarments.
You will be given a hospital gown and asked to remove all of your clothes including underwear and socks. Put your gown on with the opening in the back. You will be asked to remove all jewelry, glasses, hairpieces, contact lenses, dentures, prosthesis, and hearing aides.
Most likely you won't be allowed to wear a tampon while in surgery. Instead, you will be given a pad to wear. The nurse in the operating room will change your pad while you are sleeping if necessary.
You will most likely be required to remove all undergarments. We understand this can be confronting and uncomfortable for some people, however it is required for surgery, assists in an emergency and ensures your personal garments aren't unnecessarily cut or stained.
If you wish to wear your underwear, tell the nurse. It must be cotton. You will be asked to empty your bladder and bowels and may be given medicine to help with the latter at your pre assessment appointment. This needs to be taken the evening before your surgery, or you may be given suppositories or an enema.
Most people choose to wear a bra under a hospital gown, as it provides support and comfort. However, there are some instances where a bra is not necessary or desired, such as during a mastectomy or other breast surgery. In these cases, the hospital will provide a special gown that does not require a bra.
You can, but it's wise not to do so until at least a few weeks after surgery, when you can start bending your knee. Make sure you lay on your non-operative side. Sleeping this way makes sure no pressure falls on the knee you had surgery on. Put a couple of pillows between your knees to provide support and comfort.
The first few days after surgery should include the highest level of pain, but your doctor will send you home with pain medication adequate for your pain level. Most people fully recover from knee replacement surgery in about six months.
According to the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS), it can take up to 3 months to recover completely from a knee replacement surgical procedure. Patients can normally drive again after 4 to 6 weeks, and return to work after 6 to 8 weeks. Physical therapy may be provided for 3 months.
How Long Does It Take to Walk After a Full Knee Replacement? In most cases, patients can walk without help from assistive devices like crutches or a walker within six weeks after knee replacement surgery.
Most patients, even if they live alone, can safely go directly home from the hospital after hip or knee replacement surgery, according to a recent study.
You may go home with a waterproof dressing covering your incision. You can shower with this dressing on if the edges are not peeling back. If you do not have a waterproof dressing and you still have sutures, staples or stitches, you can cover your incision with plastic to keep it dry while taking a shower.
Typically, a bra that is specifically made for surgery and well-fitted to your body is the best option postsurgery. Be sure that the bra doesn't have wires, is adjustable, and is made from a soft material for maximum comfort.
Seven days before surgery: Stop taking all NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as naproxen (Aleve), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and aspirin. They interfere with blood clotting, which can increase blood loss during surgery.
Makeup, perfume and hairspray should not be worn the day of surgery. Bathing, creams, lotions, deodorants. Please shower or bathe the night before your surgery. Your surgeon may request bathing with a special soap; please follow their instructions.
Wear pants/shorts that are easy to get out of (always dress the surgical leg first). Wear shoes that are supportive (ones that you can slip on and off).
This is because your wound should not be soaked in water until it's healed. It could cause the skin to soften and reopen the wound. Guidelines published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) say you can have a shower 48 hours after surgery.
TKA patients begin rehabilitation during the seven-day bedrest period, with the goals of decreasing swelling, increasing ROM, promoting normal leg control and promoting normal gait with an assistive device.
It would be most helpful to have someone living with or near you for the first 3-5 days. This is very important for your safety and health that you have around-the-clock care. If you have pets, especially dogs, consider boarding them for a few days.
Most knee or hip replacement surgery is performed under regional anesthesia, when patients are awake.
BRUISING and SWELLING are typical in the knee and whole leg region at this point after surgery. The bruising you notice in your knee area will resolve over the next weeks, but the leg swelling can persist in the next months and increase with activity. LOW GRADE FEVERS can be common at this point in your recovery.
It may be painful to exercise at first, but your nurse will give you pain medicine if you need it. Your physiotherapist will help you walk, go up and down stairs, and get in and out of bed and chairs. The therapist will help improve the movement (range of motion) and strength in your knee.