I recently had a full knee replacement and want to share the scoop on what you should have on hand if you are having this procedure – from equipment to accessories to clothing. Some of the items I knew to get ahead of time, and others I figured out I needed along the way. We recently did a blog on hip replacements, and although there is some crossover, the knee surgery requires some additional/different products.
In general, for the first 10-14 days after the procedure, it’s all about resting and managing pain/discomfort. The first week in particular, I was sort of in a fog, unable to focus on things, not wanting loud noises around me, and generally sleeping/resting/lying horizontal a lot. My appetite was low the first few days in particular, but your body needs healthy food for recovery. You definitely need a support system around you to help fill your ice machine, feed you, manage medications (as needed), drive you (as needed), assist with showering, and offer general support.
Equipment to Have on Hand:
You need these items! Some for only a few days, and some for weeks, but they make a difference in your comfort and recovery. If you live in the Bay Area, please email me directly (Chrissie@fablist.co) and I can provide you with the contact information of a woman on the Peninsula who lends out hospital equipment free of charge as a community service. Otherwise, be sure to try Nextdoor and other neighborhood apps for some of the short-term used equipment.
Walker: They don’t let you leave the surgery center without a walker! The basic one (that you put tennis balls on the back legs) is better at the start than the fancy ‘rollator’ version, as it won’t move unless you pick it up, so you have no fear of it rolling out from under you. I moved to a borrowed rollator once I was more mobile and going out of the house (the seat option is handy and it’s a smoother ride). You need a walker for about 2ish weeks, and then you move to a cane.
Cane: Post walker, you use a cane, and one with a wider base is better for overall stability.
Shower Seat. That first shower, a couple of days after surgery, was heaven, and this seat makes it possible. Try to borrow one if possible, as you only need it for 10 days – 2 weeks.
Leg Cover for Shower. This item is terrific! As the incision area can’t get wet/be submerged until healed, this cast cover keeps your incision area totally dry during showering. It’s much easier to use than trying to wrap your leg in Saran Wrap. Not a drop of water ever got on my incision area. You need this one for a while (until your incisions heal), and it’s cheap on Amazon, so buy it ahead of time.
Toilet Riser: The first 4 days or so, this was terrific to have so that you don’t have to lower yourself too much/bend your knee to sit on the toilet. Once the knee can bend a bit it’s no longer needed. Try to borrow one!
Ice Machine: Have this ready to go day ONE upon returning home! I was sent home with this basic one from the surgery center, but borrowed my friend’s AWESOME Game Ready ice machine. It’s $$$ but boy it is great and if you choose to invest in one, once your friends know you have one, it will get LOTS of use (make sure to get the correct leg attachment)! This is a low-priced option that’s programmable. You ice A LOT, for MANY DAYS, so a good one is key. Also, as you’ll need LOTS of ice, fill/freeze Solo cups with water to make large frozen ‘cubes’ for the machine, or freeze water bottles to use.
Wedge Pillow: This pillow is key, as you need to elevate your leg and keep it straight. A pillow that lets you bend your knee isn’t good – and this ‘triangle-shaped’ wedge one let’s you elevate without bending your knee. Great to use while icing.
Accessories:
Meds Box: It’s handy to have a box (I used a clear food storage box) that contains not only your meds, but also a pen and a pad of paper so you can keep track of when meds have been taken (as you swear you’ll remember…but you won’t). You can also keep your PT instructions and med instructions in this box.
A Crossbody Pouch: Your hands are not free when moving on the walker, so a crossbody pouch is great for carrying your phone, any meds etc.
Lightweight Nylon Backpack: As you become more mobile, but are still using the walker, a backpack is great for carrying your laptop, book, water bottle, or other items from one room to another.
Good Water Bottle: This one is great as it seals really well and won’t leak, plus it has a ‘handle’ to carry it easily. Keep it near the meds box.
Hot Water Bottle: As you can only lie/sleep on your back for the first 10 days or so, I got a sore lower backache that made it hard to sleep. A hot water bottle felt great behind my back, and also kept me warm during the many hours of icing my leg. It just feels good.
Clothing:
The first couple of weeks are all about soft, loose, pull-on, cozy clothes.
Soft pants:
You spend the first couple of weeks horizontal a lot of the time (lying in bed, lying on the couch, icing) and the only thing you want on are soft, loose, lightweight pants that do not gather at your ankles and are not tight at the waist. And make sure they aren’t too long, as you don’t want to worry about tripping!
The first week in particular, my Lake pants were worn home from surgery, during the day, and sometimes to sleep in – pretty much anytime. And they are also ‘non-surgery’ pants as well – great lounge pants that I also wear on long plane rides, to relax, or to bed. So soft and comfy.
These Quince pants are a good value for a great option.
My soft pajamas were also a key item of wear!
-Once I was up and about a bit more and didn’t want to just wear knits pants or pjs, I wore my Ruti pants a ton. Love them – pull-on, loose, and lightweight, but they look like real pants for when people came to say hi or when I started venturing back out into the world. They aren’t cheap, but I’ve gotten more than my money’s worth from this pair of pants since I bought them!
Cozy, Loose Sweatshirt:
Your favorite well-worn, soft, old sweatshirt is the perfect choice. If you are in the market for a new one that’s already soft, then this French terry crew is a good option; I’d recommend sizing up for a cozy, loose fit.
Very Soft Tees:
The softer the better!
The Perfect White Tee makes great tees, and their grey one in particular is just so, so soft for some reason.
Buck Mason tees are a great value for quality, cozy tees
Slip-On Shoes:
When you leave the surgery center, as well as after you’re home, you need shoes you can slip into easily, that aren’t sandals or mules.
My AllBirds were terrific, as they don’t have to be tied and are like wearing slippers. I have the Tree Dashers, but they have lots of great options. You do need to pull them on/up at the heel, though.
Vivaia markets the brand based on being able to be put on ‘hands-free’, but I haven’t tried them personally. They look promising though!
