It's very important that you follow your surgeon's instructions when
you return home after surgery as they will provide specific
information for your condition. While individual rehabilitation
recommendations may vary, here are some additional ideas that may make
life a little easier once home. Please discuss these with your surgeon
before you’re discharged from the hospital.
- If using a walker or crutches to assist with walking, ask your
doctor how much weight you can put on your recovering leg.
- Use both arms to get in and out of chairs.
- Avoid low or
overstuffed furniture. To increase your comfort, use a cushion or
pillow to raise your body while seated.
- An elevated toilet
seat may reduce stress to your knee as you sit and stand.
- A
shelf placed in the shower at chest height may help you avoid
bending to retrieve items while showering.
- A bathtub seat
or bench allows you to sit while bathing for increased safety and
comfort.
- A long-handled bath sponge can be used to reach
lower legs. Women can also purchase razor extenders for shaving
their legs.
- Avoid sweeping, mopping, and running the vacuum
cleaner. Use long-handled feather dusters for dusting high and low
items. Your doctor will tell you when it is okay to do these
activities.
- You may ride in a car, but you must follow your
doctor's instructions for how to get in and out of the vehicle. You
can raise the height of the car seat with pillows to protect your
knees as well. Your doctor will talk with you about when you can
drive, typically within four to six weeks after surgery. If you have
a car with manual transmission, talk with your doctor about driving
limitations. Make sure you can use the brake without discomfort
before you attempt to drive in traffic.