Useful things both pre- and post surgery

[fergy]

I've been thinking about some of the things I found useful to have during my knee injury, especially post-surgery.  I thought it might help some folks to list them on this site.  Here are some of them, in no particular order:
(note I'm not advocating any brands or websites - just using some as examples)

• Home exercise bike with varying resistance - my PT during "pre-hab" at the time told me it wasn't necessary, but I found it very useful  to have at home to help improve my ROM prior to surgery. If you get one, make sure it has adjustable resistance.  And keep it for post-surgery!
• Pair of comfy shoes without laces - OK, I know I said I wasn't advocating any brands  but I have to say I love my Anywears clogs.  I bought them years ago when rehabbing a broken foot and they are still almost as good as new. 
  http://www.anywears.com/shop/style.php?style_id=ANYWEARS&color_id=FG1&category=20054  These are
  ugly as sin  but VERY comfy, stable, and skid-proof.  And no bending over to tie pesky laces! I use them to get out of the shower, too. These are for wider feet - I have narrow feet but with a pair of thicker socks, they are fine. If your feet are really narrow, you may want to look into Everywears, made by the same company.  I have no experience with Crocs or other similar brands - but I
  [li] Raised toilet seat - if you have those low type of toilet seats and you know you're going to be in a brace set to 0 degrees for a while, this is invaluable.  I have one similar to the one on this site - not advocating this site, mind you - but just an example.  Note that these have to be removed to clean under them, so be prepared to have someone do this for you or else you won't want to use it after a while 
• Also for the bathroom - a shower stool. I used mine for the shower as well as to prop my foot up when using the toilet when my leg was immobilized.  These range from very basic plastic/metal to fancy teak design.  I found a basic one for about $25 bucks on ebay, with rubber feet and a square shaped seat. 
• A fanny pack or crutch bag - handy for small items (pills, etc.)
• Rolls of gauze - I'm 4+ weeks post op and still find my incisions on my sensitive skin get irritated by my clothing.  I wrap my knee in soft 4" gauze during the day and night - loosely but not so loose that it falls down.  I use 3m (Nexcare) Transpore tape to secure the gauze.  I try not to use it on my skin, but if you have to - Transpore tape is about the best you can get to avoid skin irritation, IMO.
• Ice cube bags - and I don't mean the headache kind, but the plastic bags you fill with water that form ice cubes.  These can be wrapped in a towel and their shape makes them great to go around the knee.  These are very handy for when you are on the go and/or don't want to deal with filling up the "Ice Man".  Note that they can leak a bit sometimes, so I do not recommend their use until it's okay to get your incisions wet. 
  Again, not advocating this site - just using the photo on the page as an example to show you what I mean:
  http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/ice-cube-bags-10-pack/30314. 
• Loose pants and/or shorts - Depending on the climate you're in, make sure you have plenty of loose pants or shorts.  Bring a pair of loose pants with you to wear home after your surgery.  I also love loose PJ pants.   
• Swiss ball - If you haven't used this prior to your injury, it's NOT the time to start - but if you have used it in the past and are very experienced/comfortable with it, then I recommend trying to use it for very basic things such as bridges (back flat on floor with legs extended), hammy stretches, alternating flexion and extension using the ball, etc.  Just be VERY careful to have enough support and do not do risky moves that could cause you to fall or twist.
• Adjustable ankle weights - I have ankle weights that adjust from 1-5 pounds.  Be careful to follow your PT's advice about how much weight to use and when. 
• Non-skid exercise mat - I suppose any mat will do, or even a towel, but I like the non-skid mats myself.  Not essential, but nice to have when doing pilates moves for my abs (some of which I've incorporated into my rehab routine)
• Set of resistance bands - good for stretches and assisted heel slides
• Dumbbells - don't forget that upper body! 

I'll add more if I think of anything.  Please add your suggestions, too!

[AngB]

Thank you for the information. I have printed it out as I have my surgery February 9/09.

Thanks again.

[macker]

A GREAT list fergy.  I was thinking about adding something to help with going to toilet to make your stool softer.  Someone else had mentioned it in a different thread, wish i had got some

Also a wobble board, especially for those wishing to get back into sport, or activities such as your own dancing.

[feeny]

Nice work Fergy!

MY little additions:
- give a key or two out to friends / family - the ones who will come visit you - its alot easier if they can let themselves in!
- big flexi-gel ice packs - 4 of them - 2 in the freezer, 2 on the knee and rotate - but never more than 20 min every 2 hours!
- bags of frozen peas - I reckon these are somehow the best dont know how or why.. they just are. McCain is good.
- compression stocking for immediate post-op swelling reduction makes a difference
- I used tubigrip around the knee - I found it held everything in place nicely and I didnt need any tape etc. I still sometimes tubigrip the knee. Available for $cheap in any pharmacy.
- Plastic bottle by the bed for no. 1. Save yourself the pain and just go when you need to. Warnings: do not forget to empty bottle. Dire warning: Do not wake up parched in the middle of the night and reach for used bottle...

Other equipment:
- vew-do boards AND a wobble board - thats my proprioception secret right there. I still rock-on my vew-do board to this day.
- medicine ball and a bit of research into some medicine ball exercises - awesome rehab / fitness tool for acl-r
- sports skins for during / after workouts - these things may or may not make a difference- but I though they did and the thought alone helped me. I could never bring myself to wear them during workouts though... felt like a man in tights...

[gils89]

I've been thinking about some of the things I found useful to have during my knee injury, especially post-surgery.  I thought it might help some folks to list them on this site.  Here are some of them, in no particular order:
(note I'm not advocating any brands or websites - just using some as examples)

• Home exercise bike with varying resistance - my PT during "pre-hab" at the time told me it wasn't necessary, but I found it very useful  to have at home to help improve my ROM prior to surgery. If you get one, make sure it has adjustable resistance.  And keep it for post-surgery!
• Pair of comfy shoes without laces - OK, I know I said I wasn't advocating any brands  but I have to say I love my Anywears clogs.  I bought them years ago when rehabbing a broken foot and they are still almost as good as new. 
  http://www.anywears.com/shop/style.php?style_id=ANYWEARS&color_id=FG1&category=20054  These are
  ugly as sin  but VERY comfy, stable, and skid-proof.  And no bending over to tie pesky laces! I use them to get out of the shower, too. These are for wider feet - I have narrow feet but with a pair of thicker socks, they are fine. If your feet are really narrow, you may want to look into Everywears, made by the same company.  I have no experience with Crocs or other similar brands - but I
  [li] Raised toilet seat - if you have those low type of toilet seats and you know you're going to be in a brace set to 0 degrees for a while, this is invaluable.  I have one similar to the one on this site - not advocating this site, mind you - but just an example.  Note that these have to be removed to clean under them, so be prepared to have someone do this for you or else you won't want to use it after a while 
• Also for the bathroom - a shower stool. I used mine for the shower as well as to prop my foot up when using the toilet when my leg was immobilized.  These range from very basic plastic/metal to fancy teak design.  I found a basic one for about $25 bucks on ebay, with rubber feet and a square shaped seat. 
• A fanny pack or crutch bag - handy for small items (pills, etc.)
• Rolls of gauze - I'm 4+ weeks post op and still find my incisions on my sensitive skin get irritated by my clothing.  I wrap my knee in soft 4" gauze during the day and night - loosely but not so loose that it falls down.  I use 3m (Nexcare) Transpore tape to secure the gauze.  I try not to use it on my skin, but if you have to - Transpore tape is about the best you can get to avoid skin irritation, IMO.
• Ice cube bags - and I don't mean the headache kind, but the plastic bags you fill with water that form ice cubes.  These can be wrapped in a towel and their shape makes them great to go around the knee.  These are very handy for when you are on the go and/or don't want to deal with filling up the "Ice Man".  Note that they can leak a bit sometimes, so I do not recommend their use until it's okay to get your incisions wet. 
  Again, not advocating this site - just using the photo on the page as an example to show you what I mean:
  http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/ice-cube-bags-10-pack/30314. 
• Loose pants and/or shorts - Depending on the climate you're in, make sure you have plenty of loose pants or shorts.  Bring a pair of loose pants with you to wear home after your surgery.  I also love loose PJ pants.   
• Swiss ball - If you haven't used this prior to your injury, it's NOT the time to start - but if you have used it in the past and are very experienced/comfortable with it, then I recommend trying to use it for very basic things such as bridges (back flat on floor with legs extended), hammy stretches, alternating flexion and extension using the ball, etc.  Just be VERY careful to have enough support and do not do risky moves that could cause you to fall or twist.
• Adjustable ankle weights - I have ankle weights that adjust from 1-5 pounds.  Be careful to follow your PT's advice about how much weight to use and when. 
• Non-skid exercise mat - I suppose any mat will do, or even a towel, but I like the non-skid mats myself.  Not essential, but nice to have when doing pilates moves for my abs (some of which I've incorporated into my rehab routine)
• Set of resistance bands - good for stretches and assisted heel slides
• Dumbbells - don't forget that upper body! 

I'll add more if I think of anything.  Please add your suggestions, too!

Great list, must of taking quite a bit of time to construct. As for your pt saying that the exercise bike for prehab wasnt necessary, they are talking a load of gibberish. it is definitely a mega necessisty for me. Prehab in my opinion is just as important as the post rehabilitation.

But great list!!

[dancer49]

F-
Thanks so much for posting this!
Love the mention of a showerstool to prop leg up while seated in bathroom- I was wondering how I was going to negotiate that!
I'll need more icepacks for sure- gearing up for my surgery next week already!
\

[nellsa]

wow fergy
this is a great list , thanks so much for posting it up.... it has certainly given me something more meaningful to focus on getting organised instead of all the mini distractions I have been filling the time with.

I agree with you other guys about pre-hab.... I spent ages on the wobble board for proprieception after my injury and still work on programmes on the static bike.


nellsa

[Shanna]

-Small backpack with chapstick, lotion (getting cold here and I doubt the PT likes seeing my dry legs,) wallet, phone, charger, stretch band to work on range of motion, water bottle.  I carried this bag for three weeks and it had space for extra clothing, misc items, etc.  I carried it from the bedroom, to the kitchen, to work, to PT.  Invaluable.

-Doctors numbers stored in phone as well as PT for those last minute "can I" questions or "is this normal questions."  I am insured, but my insurance company has been billed AT LEAST $22 grand for the surgery alone.  I plan to get their money's worth and ask all the questions my heart desires.

-If you don't have a light vaccum and live alone, consider purchasing or borrowing one from a friend as my main machine is damn near impossible for me to use, even one month post op.

-Trash can just outside your main door so you can put bags in there without having to actually leave the house.

-Bucket for the shower.  I didn't invest in anything to shower withy, I just used an upseide bucket with some foam I placed on the bottom.  Worked like a charm.

-CPM machine.  THINK carefully about where you want this in your home?  Especially if you are alone.  Those things are big, heavy, bulky and awkward.  Not to mention the remote is hard to reach and the plug is naturally across the room.  In hindsight, I would have had it on the floor in front of the TV with a blanket laid out.  Instead I had someone move (every chance I could get) from the couch, to the bed, to the floor, etc.  I got the best stretch and most real use out of the machine on the floor.  I found I didn't need it at all shortly after the surgery because I worked so hard early on while one the floor, maximizing the machine.

-Stool softener was helpful and I ONLY took hard pain meds for the day of surgery and one day post op.  I had a hamstring tendon replace my ACL.  So, I have found most of my pain, now and then, is in the back of my legs.  Sitting on the pot was not fun.   

-Clear out floor space.  Seems like common knowledge, but you'd be amazed at the number of freaking end tables I tripped over while on crutches.  Same goes for dog toys (kids toys too, I'd imagine.)

-Find TV remotes BEFORE surgery...even put a favorite DVD into the player.

-Catch up on things...  Thank you lists?  Emails catching up to do?  Get everything as close to your "stand-by" location where you will be spending most of your time post-op.  Don't forget a book, a couple doggy treats for your friend and a rice crispy treat or two for yourself (or whatever the pleasure may be.)

-Dishes, dusting and cleaning in general build up.  Plan in advance for a friends, loved one, family member or hired help to do the cleaning that first month.  Sure, keeping up with the dishes won't be too bad and that first week you will have loads of help.  It's that third and fourth week.  Secure the small vaccum or splurge with a for hire cleaner--they will always do better than you, shop around.  I can't afford a regular cleaner by any means...  But I have a small house and managed to find a cleaner to vaccum, clean the kitchen and bathroom, and dust for $30.  Craigslist.org

-Stationary bike.  I am learning this one now.  I should have searched Craigslist.org for a free stationary bike to use post-op.  Finally able to do a full revolution!  Woohoo.

That's all for now.

[dancer49]

Shanna-
Good ideas here as well!
I totally hear you about the vacuum thing! I couldn't use our vacuum immediately after injury and consider myself strong now that I can use it! (pre-op) But a lighter one would be better!

Clearing floor space is another goodie- seems like floors, puddles, cobble stone roads, never had my attention like they do now!

Just got my 'cooling packs' for my knee- 4. 2 to use then swap out when they get warmer- nice because they wrap around the knee nicely.

Going to use my 'stepper' stool for my bathroom buddy-

Still have to decide whether to use a cooler of ice or a small fridge to cool the cooling packs- I won't be anywhere near my kitchen (different level) the first few days- think refilling the cooler of ice would be just a pain for my hubby...

[Shanna]

I didn't get a cooling machine.  I had a cooler of store bought ice near the bed.  I filled up one of those white packs given to you from the doctor that tie around your leg.  It has a clamp to keep everything dry...  I liked having water in there to begin with, so the cooler wasn't bad.  It lasted quite a long time, probably a couple days before I had to send someone out for more ice.  By that time, I was up and going anyway.

[fergy]

I got a cooler (Ice man) as part of the surgery package.  It has been wonderful. I just put the ice part outside at night so I don't have to keep filling it up.  Of course, if you live in a warm climate, that won't work well    I also use the ice cube bags (plastic bags to make ice cubes) for a quickie, if the Ice Man is on a different floor than I am.  Stairs are to be avoided during the first weeks if at all possible.  Even 5 weeks post op, I try to avoid them when I can.

Dancer49, maybe you can call your doc's office and see if you will be getting one an Ice Man or CryoCuff? 

As for stepping stools in the shower - please be careful with what you use. My stool (about $25 US) was made for the shower -- it was at just the right height and width.  Any lower and I wouldn't have been able to use it with any degree of safety or comfort.  Also make sure what you use is slip-proof.  Please, no accidents in the shower!!!

[dancer49]

Fergy- yes! I agree about shower safety-
I meant that I was going to use my 'stepper step" to support my leg while on the 'commode'-
Do you think I'll need a shower chair? We put in a support handle for me to grab already in the shower
and my husband put a permanent handicapped one near the commode that will help me lower myself and get up... Today my honey is sanding and putting a clear coat resin on the handrails he installed on both sides of our stairs. (We have 3 sets of stairs) so I can grip them better.  Hubby said he'll run the cooling packs for me the first 4 days after surgery- so I won't need a cooler I think. Isn't he great???!!!

[fergy]

Dancer49 -

Your husband is a sweetie!  Mine was great too. It makes a lot of difference to have supporting people around you.  Handles near the commode and railings on both side of the stairs - great ideas.   I'm sure those will come in handy!

Oh, I see what you mean about the stool - sorry for the confusion.  I can't say for sure if the handles in the shower will suffice for you as I don't know what kind of set up you have, shower-wise.  Are you planning to stand up in the shower?   I could not stand up in the shower (bathtub, actually) for the first couple of weeks.  I could have sat in the bathtub but the chair I have is at the height of the tub, which makes it easier to get in and out.  I am using the chair, not because I can't stand on my own now but because I kinda like it

The only downside of my shower chair is that it can tip while getting in and out.  It doesn't tip easily, but I found a way.     I also have a pair of waterproof clogs - I dry my feet before getting out of the shower and put them on. Helps give you grip as you're getting out. Just make sure clogs and towel are within reach (and if you do get a shower chair, keep it stable as you grab for stuff.)

Whether you use a chair or not, I strongly recommend having hubby help you the first few times so you get used to it. 

[dancer49]

Fergy-
Oh wow- I hadn't thought of that...maybe we should invest in the shower chair...
Good ideas- thanks for sending this on to me.
I have a small shower in my bedroom, and a full size tub in the main bath-
Maybe I'll put the showerchair in the main bath...we'll have to see.
Thanks again!

[Shanna]

Take this all you will...

I am all for preparation (two thumbs up for the hubby,) but when you go to a hotel, you don't bring EVERYTHING from your house.  You aren't going to be using these things for long!!!  It's temporary, and isn't as bad as it first seems.  Though, Fergy, I am still laughing that you just like to use your shower stool!!!  hehehehe.