Helping a Family Member or Friend Through Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement surgery can be challenging for both the patient and his or her friends and family. Here are some helpful tips to make the surgery and the recovery process easier.

Before Surgery

Most People Resist Getting Knee Replacement Surgery
When people are in constant pain because of their knees, they can sometimes accept their condition and resign themselves to an inactive lifestyle. They may become depressed and may not even realise the degree to which their lives have changed because of their pain.

As a friend or loved one, you may want to help them take a good look at how knee pain is affecting their lives and have them consider doing something about it. One way is to use the Pain & Mobility Assessment. Fill it out, answering for your loved one. Then print the results and use it to start a discussion with them.

Packing for the Hospital
If you’re taking care of someone who’s having knee-replacement surgery, there’s a good chance that you’re going to be spending time in the hospital. You’ll probably be doing a lot of waiting, so be sure to bring something to occupy your time. In addition, you may want to bring along:

A pillow and a blanket
Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, a razor, soap, etc.)
Underwear
Comfortable shoes, non-skid slippers and a pair of socks
Any medications you may be taking
Spectacles and/or a contact lens case and solution
A nonperishable snack

Make sure you bring an envelope containing all of the necessary paperwork for your loved one:

Your loved one’s medical information (list of medications and nutritional supplements they are taking, allergies, health conditions, contact information for their GP, etc.)
A list of phone numbers for yourself and your loved one. Mobile phone usage may be forbidden because it interferes with some medical equipment. Find out before the surgery and plan accordingly. A prepaid phone card may be the answer.

If you’re going to be temporarily moving in with your loved one during their recovery, you should pack the essentials:

Nightgown/pyjamas
Robe
Slippers
Toiletries
Hair dryer
Comfortable clothing
A belt
Socks and underwear
Two pairs of shoes

Preparing for Your Absence from Work
You may need to be available for your loved one 24 hours a day during the initial recovery period. You may want to speak with your employer so you can get some time off from your job.

Important Information You’ll Need
Be sure you have all the necessary contact information for the healthcare team should any questions or any emergency come up. Get below information from the GP, the hospital and any other medical professional appropriate. Find out:

What days and times the office's are open
How you should handle a medical emergency
Whom to call after hours
The best time to reach the GP or similar
Whom to call if the GP/etc are not available

Patient Confidentiality
Every patient’s medical information is protected by law. Make sure you are designated as your loved one’s primary caregiver so you can have specific questions answered about your loved one’s surgery. The time to do this is in the weeks before the surgery.

After Surgery

Taking Care of a Knee-Replacement Patient
Because it takes a while for someone to regain their mobility after knee replacement surgery, your job has many important duties. Here are some, but not all, of the things you may have to do:

Help patient stand, sit, lie down and move from room to room
Help patient understand and follow the surgeon’s/physio’s instructions exactly
Help with bathing/grooming, dressing, feeding and using the bathroom
Shopping, cleaning, cooking, laundry
Keep track of medical appointments
Drive your loved one to the hospital, the surgeon’s office, the physical therapist’s office
Pick up prescriptions
Administer medications, change dressings
Talk to the healthcare team about changes/concerns
Manage the loved one’s finances, including paying bills and handling insurance paperwork

Keep in mind that your job is to see to the needs of the patient. It’s not an easy job and it takes time. During the period of weeks after the surgery, when you’re helping your loved one recover, you’ll have less time for yourself, your family and your social activities.

Talking to Medical Professionals

Don’t be afraid to call the surgeon or any other member of the healthcare team. It’s important for you to be in touch with them. The joint replacement surgeon is the best person to answer questions you may have about the surgery. Be prepared when you call, so that you can get the information you need. These tips will help:
Write down questions clearly and specifically before the call.
If you’re calling about a change in the condition of your loved one, write down the symptoms and note the day and time when the change occurred.
Have a list of the medications your loved one is taking and their medical history.
Be open when talking to the surgeon about your loved one. Mention things that may be embarrassing, like constipation or angry outbursts—they may be important.
Be sure to mention any complications, such as fever, redness, drainage or bleeding around the wound.

Taking Care of Yourself
Keep in mind that you’re helping your loved one through a challenging period. This means they may not always be in the best of moods and it can be easy for you to feel stressed out. If you’re feeling stress, here are some tips that can help you.¹

Count from one to ten slowly
Take a few deep breaths
Take a brief walk or go to another room
Call a friend
Meditate
Listen to music

All of these things will temporarily take you away from the stressful situation and help you look at things more objectively. This will help you respond to the stressful situation in a more controlled way.

If you’re feeling completely overwhelmed and you feel like you can’t deal with your stress levels, you might want to think about speaking to a therapist and/or arranging for some help with the tasks at hand.

[1] http://www.strengthforcaring.com/manual/22/ 138/controlling-frustration.html