A year ago I had my first knee surgery and I’ll be going back into the OR in a few weeks. Thinking back to my recovery last year, I realized there are things I can do now, to make life post-surgery a bit easier.
Refill Prescriptions
I typically refill my meds when I’m sorting my weekly pills and realize I need more for the following week. Now, I’m refilling early (when I can) and also plan to fill up two weekly pill cases. That way I can have my regular am and pm meds sorted and not have to deal with them right away.
Doctor’s Appointments
If you have a chronic illness or two, you most likely have a lot of appointments. There’s a good chance that one or more of them are set right after your surgery. If you wait and try to reschedule, you may be pushed way out, if your specialists are as busy as mine. Move your appointments now. For example, my rheumatologist’s follow-up is 3 weeks after surgery. I already know I can’t start my next biologic until 3 months post-op. It’s also going to be difficult to assess my disease activity when I’m on post-surgery pain meds, crutches, and have limited mobility. Moving my appointment a little further out keeps me from wasting my time, my copay, and it’s one less ride I need from my family.
Make Things Accessible
Since I hoard enough insulin pump supplies to be fully prepared for the diabetes apocalypse, I have to keep everything in under the bed boxes. It’s quite difficult to reach something under your bed when you’re in a full leg brace and can’t bend down. I’ve moved a couple of weeks worth of supplies into a basket on a shelf that I can easily reach.
Practice
Last year after surgery, they wheeled me out to my mom’s waiting car. I asked them to open the passenger door. I slid my butt in and went to bring my right leg in. Fail. My mom’s seat only goes back so far and I guess her car wasn’t meant for someone who is 5’8 to keep their leg straight. I needed up having to scoot backwards into the back seat. It is a miracle that I didn’t vomit all over that car. This year, I’m going to try getting into my own car’s passenger side, before I’m heavily medicated and woozy.
Vacation Planning
Think of when you’re planning to go away. Make sure you have your plane tickets (FMLA papers, clearance for surgery from your PCP). You make sure your favorite clothes are clean and laid out for packing (or laid out to be easily grabbed when you need them). You have the things that make the trip easier- for me, it’s vitamin c drops, chapstick, my charger, and Propel water.
I’d love to hear your suggestions for a smooth surgery recovery, please share!