The knees are among the most important joints in the body. If you have been dealing with chronic and severe pain in this area, your life quality has probably declined. Even taking a single step can be agonizing. You are probably looking forward to your knee surgery, and you likely have very high hopes for the future. It is crucial to note, however, that this treatment is an incredibly invasive one and thus, there are things that you need to do to get ready for it.
Talk with your surgeon about any medications that you are currently taking. This is especially true for this particular procedure. That’s because a lot of people are heavily reliant upon non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs for alleviating their discomfort. These include ibuprofen and aspirin, which not only reduce joint inflammation but, also thin the blood.
It will be necessary to discontinue using these products several weeks ahead of your procedure. This step will avoid problems with clotting or uncontrollable bleeding during surgery. You should also mention any prescription medications that you are using as well as any natural supplements. Your provider will be able to determine which drugs and herbal supplements should be tapered or discontinued ahead of treatment.
Be prepared for it to take quite some time for you to rebound following this event. Plan to have someone on hand to help you with some daily activities, including personal care. You might have a spouse, a family member or a close friend who is willing to assist. If not, you may want to hire a professional from a local home care company.
Make arrangements for pets and children that may depend on you for care. During your recovery period, you will have a hard enough time taking care of your own needs, even with help. You will not need the extra stress of acting as a caregiver while your body attempts to heal.
