Total Knee: At Home After Total Knee Replacement Surgery
Diet
Resume the same diet that you had prior to surgery unless specifically instructed
otherwise.
Medications
Take your medications as prescribed upon leaving the hospital for your pain medication and your blood thinner. Your blood thinner will either be Coumadin, Lovenox, or aspirin. Coumadin usage is typically for one month, Lovenox usage is usually seven to ten days, or aspirin usage will be one month. It is generally a good idea to take some form of a multivitamin and vitamin C as well as some iron supplement (it can be over-the-counter) daily for about six weeks. This will help you to build up your blood count and to help heal your wound.
Activities
You will need to use a walker, crutches, or cane for six weeks. Follow all instructions softcopy therapist.You will be given information concerning exercises andprecautions.You may walk limited distances. Do not drive for six weeks. Do not plan airplane travel for three months. The reason for this is that you will be at increased risk for development of blood clots. A blood clot that can go to your lungs is called a pulmonary embolism. This can be a serious situation. Call our office to schedule a return visit in approximately two weeks after the surgery or as soon as is practicable. If the home healthcare agency has not removed your staples, they will be removed at this visit.
Bathing
In general, you can take a shower when you go home. If your incision is dry and clean, it can be left open to the air and you may shower. Your staples will not rust. Do not take a bath for about two full weeks after the surgery. Be aware that you may need added support to do this.
Bleeding
Some oozing of blood may occur for a few days after your discharge from the hospital, but this is unusual un the patients that we use platlet gel on. Significant bleeding after surgery is rare. If you have any of these problems, call our office.
