Keep A Snack Handy By The Bedside
Blood sugar dysregulation a fancy name for glucose levels that are out of wack post surgically is common. It is possible that you are walking up because your blood sugar is dropping. When that happens cortisol is secreted to bring it back up. Cortisol is the hormone that wakes you up in the morning.;Melatonin helps you go to sleep, they work in opposite cycles.
Having a snack will get the blood sugar back where it should be and reduce the cortisol letting you fall back asleep. It is worth a try if you are staying at the ceiling tiles at 2 am in the morning.
You could also try taking melatonin tablets as a sleep aid before you go to bed. Melatonin is a better option than a sleeping pill.
Everyday Movements To Practice Before A Hip Or Knee Replacement
Apr 27, 2016 | Patient
As your hip or knee replacement surgery approaches, daily;PreHab exercises;arent the only movements you should be doing. You will want to practice some of the actions or motions youll actually be doing every day. How will you get into shower after your knee replacement? How will you sit on a toilet seat while your hip is out of commission? How will you get in and out of the car to go to your appointments? Understandably, these questions may trigger pre-surgery jitters, but this anxiety can be alleviated with practice.
In the days leading up to surgery, we suggest you test out a few key movements or actions that will be unavoidable after surgery. Run through these trial run motions while putting as little pressure on your surgical knee or hip as possible. Practicing things like sitting on the toilet or getting into the shower will make life easier once youre released from the hospital.
As you practice these movements and prep for your joint replacement, keep your eyes on the prize: increased mobility, a life without pain, and returning to the activities you love!
Here are the everyday activities/motions we suggest you practice before surgery.
About Total Knee Replacement
A Total Knee Replacement is a surgical procedure whereby the diseased knee joint is replaced with an artificial material. The procedure involves cutting away damaged bone and cartilage from your thighbone, shinbone and kneecap and replacing it with an artificial joint made of metal alloys, high-grade plastics and polymers.
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Preparing Your Home For Recovery
A little time spent getting your home ready before your surgery can make a big difference in your recovery. Here are some helpful hints for around the house:
House in general
- Remove throw rugs and tack down loose carpeting
- Remove electrical cords, telephone cords, toys, and other tripping hazards
- Fix or be aware of uneven flooring and surfaces
- Provide good lighting
- Cover slippery surfaces with carpets that have non-skid backs
- Place regularly used items such as remote controls, medications, and reading materials in convenient and easy-to-reach locations
- If your mail is delivered to an outdoor box, contact your post office to request delivery to your door
Kitchen
- Stock up on canned and frozen foods
- Prepare meals ahead of time and freeze them
- Store food in a cupboard thats waist to shoulder level
- Place frequently used cooking supplies, pots, pans, plates, and utensils on the counter or where they can be easily reached
Bathroom
- Stock up on toilet paper, shampoo, toothpaste, medications, and other personal items
- If your shower has doors, replace them temporarily with a curtain
- Put a chair in your shower
- Get a hand-held shower head
- Get a raised toilet seat
- Get a shower sponge with a long handle
- Put handrails in the shower and next to the toilet
- Place a slip-proof mat in the shower
- Install a nightlight
Other
After Acl Surgery Will I Be Able To Drive
Immediately after ACL surgery, you cannot drive while on pain medication. You also will not be able to drive for at least 2 weeks after your surgery due to the strength and mobility of your operated knee. If its your right leg that has been operated on, driving may take even longer to return to. Usually when you are off of crutches you can start to think about driving, but do not rush into it. Only drive when you feel comfortable. Coordinating with your care provider early will be helpful to get to medical appointments or other reasons to get out of the house.
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After Acl Surgery Can I Take Care Of My Child Will I Be Able To Hold My Baby
I would recommend having a trusted care provider for young children and/or babies for as long as it takes until you can take care of yourself. You wont be able to carry your child or baby while using crutches, but you can certainly hold them while sitting! This means you can do things like change diapers, breastfeed, and snuggle. Even though you will be able to supervise playtime, if your child gets hurt and starts crying, its important to have someone nearby who is able to pick them up from the floor and bring them to you. As you gain strength and mobility in your leg, you will be able to do more for your children.
How Long Should I Use A Raised Toilet Seat
You need to use the raised toilet seat for however long your surgeon recommends to avoid straining your knee. However, it is possible you may want to use the seat even longer if using it makes you more comfortable.;
Also, you might want to keep the seat around after you remove it. Notably, this could be a good idea since insurance companies may limit how often they are willing to cover the cost.
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Sleeping On Your Back
This is, of course, the optimal position. Prop up your surgical leg with two or three pillows, but do not put the pillows behind the knee. If you have access to a foam wedge then you may want to use this instead.
It is important to keep your leg above your heart to minimize pain and swelling during the night. Some doctors do not recommend a foam wedge so it is best to consult your physician before doing so.
Taking Care Of Your New Knee Joint
After you have knee replacement surgery, you will need to be careful about how you move your knee, especially for the first few months after surgery.
In time, you should be able to return to your previous level of activity. But even then, you will need to move carefully so that you do not injure your new knee replacement. Be sure to get your home ready for when you return, so you can move more easily and prevent falls.
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Sleeping On Your Stomach
If you sleep on your stomach, after a knee joint replacement surgery, you should refrain from doing so. Lying on your abdomen puts direct pressure on your surgery site and can be very painful.You will heal between 3-6 weeks and after you have recovered, you can begin sleeping normally again. However, if the position you are used to sleeping in causes pain, avoid it for a few more days until you are completely healed.
How Long Does Pain Last After Knee Replacement
It is usually normal to have some pain after surgery, but this pain generally improves with time. However, doctors can provide some pain relief until this happens.
In rare cases, pain may persist longer. Therefore, people who have ongoing or worsening pain should seek advice from their doctor, as there may be a complication.
The most common complication is that people dont like the way their knee works or they continue to have pain or stiffness.
Refer this if you are considering surgery for Joint Replacement Patna
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Recommended Toilet Seats After Surgery
Having the ability to sit down and stand up after surgery without impeding the rehabilitation process is crucial for a good recovery. One of the simplest ways to reduce the strain on your knees or after hip replacement surgery is to use elevated seats on a toilet. Make sure that when you are sitting down, you do not bend more than 90 degrees at your hip. The raised toilet seats and rail supports help you with that effort. There is no correct height for toilet seats for people after hip surgery but the recommended hip surgery toilet heights are 17 to 19 inches.;Here are some recommended raised toilet seat products.
Lightweight Raised Toilet Seat with Brackets Lightweight with adjustable brackets that helps secure to toilet so it does not move around. Holds up to 280lbs and raises the toilet seat an additional 3.75 inches. Very simple to install and detach.
The Toilet And My New Knee
Ouch is right! I hope you are ok.When I was in the hospital with my first knee they moved me to the stroke unit because I had MRSA pnuemonia, and they were the only unit with an extra bed. Well, the stroke unit used to be the pediatrics unit, and so they had child sized toilets. As soon as I got there I had to pee, and imagine my surprise when I am looking waaaay down to find the toilet! Well I had to go, so I slid down, and tried to figure out a way to get back up.:rolf:It’s amazing what a person can do when put in a precarious situation!:whis: When I finally came out they asked why I didn’t put the commode chair that was in the shower over it. The curtain was shut so I didn’t see it.
:th_hate-shocked: OUCH! :th_hate-shocked:But I can completely sympathize! I came home form work the other day, and after 2 diet cokes before leaving and 45 minutes in traffic, I HAD TO GO!! I went in and sat down so fast, not even thinking about it. But I sure thought about it as the yelp came out and the pain was radiating throughout the leg. :th_hate-shocked: Hubby came rushing in and I sat there with those instant tears running down my face :cry2: asking if I was OK. Of course I was, but imagine my embarrassment :th_blush: since he has never seen me on the toilet in the 17 years we have been together. Oh well, we live and learn. Just the fact that I rushed to the toilet AND wasn’t in pain before hand was an amazing feeling~ :thmb:
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Install Fall Prevention Equipment
While you wont be walking much right after your knee surgery, its inevitable that youll need to move around your house. Walking is an essential part of your recovery.
A loss of balance and a need for space can increase the risk of a fall. Apart from decluttering, other preventive measures include:
- installing a handrail in the bathtub or shower and next to the toilet
- having a bath mat ready to prevent slipping
- using a raised toilet seat
- covering outside steps with ramps
- adding texture to slippery floors
- wearing nonskid socks
How To Go Up And Down Stairs
Your physical therapist will review stair climbing with you in the hospital.
- Remember to go up the step with your nonsurgical leg first, then bring your surgical leg up to the same step. “Up with the good.”;
- Also remember to go down the step with your surgical leg first, then bring your nonsurgical leg down to the same step. “Down with the bad.”;
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Swelling After Knee Arthroscopy
The swelling of the knee is not limited to post-surgery. This inflammation can occur at any point during a knee injury, from before to after any significant surgical procedure.
However, after an arthroscopy your knee will be swollen, this is a given. You may even notice that the knee is swollen and the skin near the cuts, or incisions, is a different color.
Swelling is a normal part of the healing process. You must understand that it will begin to subside in a matter of days. Elevating your leg, keeping it raised above your heart, will help with both the pain and swelling. It can take around 6 weeks to recover.
As with all injuries, it will take time to recover from an arthroscopy as it is an invasive surgery. Swelling is your bodys way of increasing circulation to the area to promote healing.
It may add to the pain of the injury, but this will reduce over time. You must ensure that during this period you get enough rest and try not to use your knee joint too extensively by limiting activity for the first few days at least.
How To Install A Raised Toilet Seat
These toilet seats typically do not even require removing your existing toilet seat. To install, you must:
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After Acl Surgery Will I Be Able To Cook
If there was ever the right time to grab takeout, the week after ACL surgery would be it! Cooking will be challenging as it requires prolonged standing and carrying. This is where it would be helpful to have a care provider prepare meals.
Depending on your standing tolerance with crutches, you may be able to make simple meals. This will depend on the individual, but it doesnt hurt to be prepared! You can do this by making pre-made meals before going in for your surgery, so it is as simple as microwaving a plate.
How To Install A Toilet Base Riser
A toilet base riser not only raises the entire toilet but extends the soil pipe as well. To install one, follow these steps.
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Should You Use A Pillow Under Your Knee After Knee Replacement
There is no position that is safe to put a pillow under your knee after arthroscopy or any other knee surgery. This is a definite no-no.
It may seem like a good idea to support your leg, and it is true that when you are in a sitting or lying position you should keep your leg elevated. It should be over your heart so that the blood circulates back towards your heart and promotes healing.
Having the pillow directly under your knee should never be done post-surgery. It will force your knee to stay slightly flexed and this will have a vastly negative effect on your recovery.
Putting the pillows stacked under your ankle is a better option as this will keep your knee straight while also keeping it elevated. This is especially true while sleeping on your back too.
How To Install A Toilet Seat Riser
A toilet seat riser connects similarly to a raised toilet seat. However, this allows you to connect your lid and sometimes seat to your riser. Follow these steps to install.;
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Preparing Your Family And Friends
You may need help with bathing, using the toilet, meals, laundry, housework, shopping, going to your doctor’s office, and exercising for several weeks. Contact family members or friends ahead of time to make the necessary arrangements. If you don’t have someone to help you at home, ask your doctor about home caregivers.