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.
