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.

[Nat]

Great list!

I would add a walker with a bin. I gives an independence. I could not carry a cup or books, or basically anything larger that the stuff which can fit into a pocket, while on crutches. I've rented a walker and purchased a bin for it. Now I will be trully independent!

Another thing I've posted here some time ago. For my second surgery recovery I bought a commode.  I had no problems with going to a bathroom during day, but at night--I often felt dizzy, groggy, and unsteady to go there in dark (I didn't want to turn lights on and to wake up my husband). I fell twice while going to the bathroom at night when I didn't have the commode.

Another thing I found useful--last time I loaned from Red Cross (and this time I rented) a hospitalover bed table, as I'll spend a lot of time in bed studying after the surgery. I can use it to work on my laptop, eat, and read.

And, the last thing for a long in-bed time. I found a zen-chair useful. I put it under my pillow at angle and it keeps me sitted comfortably in my bed. Otherwise, the pillows are sliding all the time. 

Oh, another thing--i've bought a pack of pre-moistened wipes to reduce the number of showers. For a first couple of weeks after a large surgery it is quite a undertaking, especially if you are non-weight bearing and cannot bend your leg to get into a bathtub.

I had to replace (remove) sliding glass doors on my bathtub tempoparily to a shower curtain, as I wouldn't be able to get there otherwise.

If I remebmer anything else, I'll post it. I am getting everything together now, as I am having my third surgery on monday.

[fergy]

Hey Shanna,

I hear what you're saying, but everyone is different.  Some people will have more discomfort post-op, some less.  We all have different set-ups in our homes.  Also, some people do their recovery alone, while others have people to help. 

IMO, the list isn't meant to be everything to everyone.  Use what you think might benefit YOU.  It's a personal choice.

Personally, I was glad I had certain things prepared ahead.  It made my life a LOT easier (as well as my family's).  And yes, I still love my shower chair. The shower I use is really awkward, so until I get better control of my leg muscles, I feel safer using it.  Anyway - why stand when you can sit?   

Thanks to all who have added their own useful things! 

[Nat]

Shanna,

I wanted to add just one thing to Fergi's comment. Some people here have different surgeries which require different time for recovery and different level of temporal disability. For example, after my second surgery I wasn't allowed to bear weight on one leg for two months. And the third month was a gradual return to stepping/walking. I wouldn't be able to manage without some of the preparation/home care devices. In addition, it gives me independence and ability to do something when I am home alone. You cannot compare little arthroscopic surgery with a complex one, for example High Tibial Osteotomy plus some ligaments recon.
I rented most of the stuff, some of it I bought--and everything was covered under my insurance. I'd rather use it and be independent and safe than count on somebody's help all the time. My husband is very helpful, but he is at work all day.   
In Canada, if you don't have an additional insurance, you can borrow most of the stuff you need post-surgery from Red Cross for free. If you have the opportunity and the need, why not use it?

Cheers,
Nat

[feeny]

Not enough kind words can be spoken about the shower stool.
In fact, I had a whole moulded plastic shower armchair. Quite remarkably essential.

[bavage]

Kudos for an excellent list.

[Shanna]

I meant no disrespect to anyone, regardless of recovery times and whatnot.  But, for me, economiically, it wasn't wise or affordable to obtain and/or construct some of these tools for home use.  I think others may be in the same boat.  Insurance doesn't always cover everything. 

I suppose that during my recovery, continual recovery, I have looked at things as temporary.  And, instead of buying or installing things permanently, I came up with other ways.  Just like I said with the hotel comparison.  While it would be nice to have all your belongings at the hotel for the weekend you stay, the stay is only temporary.  It's part of having a good outlook on my recovery and knowing the set-backs, pain, struggle, time invested, etc are only going to be temporary with a good outcome to follow.

[dancer49]

Fergy et al-
This list was unbelievably helpful!!!
I'm recouperating on a chaise lounge, which allows me to sit with legs straight out in front of me.

I'm day 3 after my ACLr surgery and these helped me the most:
1) Small bin of magazines, hairbursh, LIP BALM, WATER, snacks, fragrance, hand wipes, towel for moving leg, tissues, charged cell phone, paper pen, hand & body lotion. WATER!!! Cuddly sox, scented candles & matches. Thank you cards. WATER- (did I mention water?)

2) Stepper stools (2) I use in my bathroom to support leg for commode or in the living room or another location. (these were from my 'step aerobics' days)

3) Plastic bag to put things in when walking with crutches & need to transport small items. (Got tired of 'tucking' everything into my hip pants band!)

4) Collace (stool softener)

5) Zip jacket or sweater

6) Pillows to support leg, to support ankle, to support my back where ever whenever I needed one. Also a very soft blanket or two.

7) Cooling pads (4) I put one under and one over, when they get warm, I switch them out. Great idea.

Pre-moistened personal towlettes for women. Had hubby go out and buy more already! Can be used anywhere & everything - nuff said!

9) Two sets of eye glasses!

10) Laptop (Macs are best!! hahaha!)

11) A way to display small gifts, flowers and cards from well wishers.

Doing ok with old plastic folding chair for shower, plus suction cup safety handle (won't support weight but works ok to help steady you!) Used a new garbage bag to keep leg dry and another to keep water in shower-taped while shower door had to remain open.

Fergy's list got me started - I'm so grateful for that post!!

[dancer49]

Additional find!
I forgot to tell you! We have lots of "Turbie Twists" in our home, as they were a gift to me years ago from my husband. They are the small triangle shaped towels women use to dry their hair- he got them at a "As Seen on TV" type store.

Anyway, since the Turbie-Twist has a "pocket" on one end, it's easy for me to put my foot in it and grab the other end to help raise my leg up to reposition it places. (My doc says passive range of motion only this week till I see him post-op) I also use it to help me with my 90 degree flex and extensions. It's nice because the cotton towel is small, light weight and soft! It helps to also 'twist' the towel too, to secure my foot better at times.

See photos!

[crumpet]

Hey! 

Don't know if I should ask this here, but I'll give it a shot, as the thread title is includes what to do before surgery....

I would like to do some pre-hab excerisizes, but am finding that my knee, torques and cracks apart when I even do such things as squats. I plan on setting the bike up on a trainer, but I'm worried that the force I would use to push the pedals would be similar to squat...thereby making my knee come apart.

Am I worried over nothing? Are there other excersizes?

~Crumpet







 

[dancer49]

I had a physical therapist for 5 weeks prior to surgery-
I imagine there would be different exercises depending on injury.
At the time, I needed to build up the side tendons and my quads and hamstrings.

Some of the exercises included simple things-
1) Going up 1 step on bad leg, going down one step letting the bad leg let you down. Do this facing step.
2) Going up 1 step on bad leg, going down one step letting the bad leg let you down. Do this facing side step.
3) Using the wall as support (Shoulders to wall), legs out in front of you in a half squat (make sure you can see your toes EASILY- go up and down with squats.
4) Regular squats- careful- I was doing mine wrong- didn't realize it- but I was using more of my 'good' leg, and PT showed me how to do them 'evenly'- best to do in a mirror
5) Going up on toes with both legs and down again. Then just on the bad leg (10x each)
6) Doing a good calf stretch- standing 2+ feet from wall, leaning in with heels on ground.
7) Machine Hamstring curls (careful- this is 'open chain' make sure your docs ok this)
Machine Leg presses full leg- to almost full extension
9) Machine Leg presses just using toes
10) Machine 1 leg press using just one leg (drop weight for this)
11) Hip Thrusters - Get into the laying down on back, arms at sides, legs bent slightly apart. Lift your hips up to the second position. Squeeze your hamstrings and glutes at the top and hold for 2 seconds. Slowly lower your body back to the floor.
12) Good stretches - touching toes, full extension, toes pointing back, leg completely straight.
13) Doggie leash...laying on stomach, dog leash around my foot/ankle, bend knee back as far as you can, grab dog leach and pull foot further back giving thigh muscle in front excellent stretch- careful! Pull slowly!!! (Mine never did reach my butt!!! LOL)
14) I'd also do 5 min of stationary bike for warmup and then 5 minutes on treadmill -

After this, they'd do electrical stimulation (yuk) and gave me an ice pack for 15 min.

Really made me strong prior to surgery.
I know know after my surgery just what I can and cannot do- I know now how far I can go pushing myself and my swollen knee!
My knee gave out less prior to surgery- gave me more confidence going in to surgery. My knee made popping sounds here & there- cracking sounds- creeped me out, but trainers said it was normal. Heard it's normal too, even after, till swelling goes away completely. Careful and good luck!

[crumpet]

Hey..Dancer:

NOW that is what I call a comprehensive list!  I think I can manage most of them... The mini squats are definately out...for me. I'm thinking that was NOT a smart move yesterday. 

For sure...I want to make a chart for myself and be consistent, so I can feel like I'm really doing something. 

~C:) 

[dancer49]

Crumpet-
This was my routine 3x a week at the PT office, but also did many of them at home too.
I was also told to practice balancing on my bad leg, the wobbling helped the muscles work together to give me balance.
Just stand on one leg- I did this a lot. Also, walking heel to toe like when the cops want to see if you've been drinking- in the beginning it was pretty challenging, but soon, my balance improved!
You'd be surprised how just doing the simple 'step' exercises really helped. Good luck!

[crumpet]

Dancer:

I'm so glad to have a list now.  I can work with this and revise it 'round to what is doable given my particular circumstances.   

Its so funny that you mention walking heel to toe...  THAT, I can't do, and that's why I can't wear shoes! HaHA.

If I put my heal down when I walk, the tibia falls out of the joint space and I wind up dragging it behind me. The clunking and the SWELLING I get from that is WAY bad, and so I never leave the house now.

The other thing that makes it hard to work out...is that I also got a bad ankle injury at the time of the knee injury so my ankle is not ready to hold me either.  Maybe as the ankle improves?

I know...I know... I have a lot of issues!!!!  LOL   

Thanks a million for the tips...

~Crumpet



 

[fergy]

You are so awesome, Dancer!!!  Turbie Twist - 100 different uses!!! Who knew?   

Crumpet: what you describe sounds EXACTLY like I was prehab. I couldn't even do mini squats at all, and  I was a squat princess before the injury   Squats and lunges are among my fave lower body exercises.

Please go easy on the leg press and hamstring curls if you're having trouble with the squats.  Your goal is to keep the muscles strong, but you don't want to put too much strain on a damaged knee.  It's easy to do this with machines if you don't have them set right and you use too much weight.  Of course, it may be possible if you have a good PT assisting you.  Not sure if you said you were going to a PT?  I highly recommend finding a good one and even going just one day a week.

I used a swiss ball and some basic Pilates moves for a lot of at-home prehab work, but it's nothing I would recommend unless you're experienced with both.  (PM me if you want more info on what I did)

DO set up that bike on the trainer - it's hard to go wrong with biking.  Also don't forget your core and upper body.  Strengthening these will help keep your entire body toned and hold you steady and upright.  It's amazing how out of balance things get after gimping around for even just a couple weeks.

[Plumb]

I never seen a turbie twist used in such a way.  Grin    I used a summer belt to help with leg lifts.  I am sure you can do it with towels or a T-shirt you have no fear of gettting stretched out.   The yoga ball post surgery for me was used on the bed as well. If you can put a large sheet around it you can use it as a leg press to try to bend your knees in. ..  But please before doing anything be sure your not going to hurt yourself.  Ask your OS on what you  should and should not be doing.  Sometimes you have to be non weight bearing after surgery and that gets most people into a Funk.   

After my scope I found getting to and from the bathroom.  Grooming and getting washed and dressed the Hardest part of the day.  As tired as that makes you..  I find fighting the urge to rest all the time is a huge task.  I might suggest to all getting puzzles or some type of craft project to give your day a bit of purpose and enjoyment.   I found painting and crafts to be a great source of fun to keep me from sleeping all the time inbetween PT visits and getting up and washed and dressed for the day..  You are so done at times.  Just doing the bare bones stuff.   

Also  you might want to find a grocery store that has delivery and a drug store that has delivery.   Sometimes family is not around.   Heck you might even need to have a ride to PT and search for either a taxi service or a handicapped transport service. 


Note.  Please remember that after surgery you can always loan out your equipment if purchased.   Also you can rent.

[mollyc]

Hi Everyone: First, I want to say thank you to Fergy and others for this list. I found it invaluable when I was getting prepared for my surgery (which was last week).  I just wanted to add a couple of things that others might find useful.

First, if you are in the US (or elsewhere) where they send you home the day of surgery, get some bland food to eat the first day. Anesthesia can be hard on the digestive tract and my anesthesiologist told me to eat as if I had the stomach flu the first night after surgery.  So, I had to send someone off that night to get saltine crackers, bananas, ginger ale, etc. I ended up only wanting to eat this kind of food for the first 1.5 days. Never occurred to me in advance that I'd need this, but I really did.

Second, surgical tape is a must.  My leg is wrapped with an ace bandage (which I think is similar to tubigrip that all of you in Europe talk about). It's easiest to secure it with surgical tape rather than use the little metal holders or other methods. Now that I'm actually showering and doing exercises, I find that I'm wrapping and re-wrapping the ace bandage once or twice a day and surgical tape helps with that.  (The first day, I had to use packing tape because we didn't have anything appropriate!)

Third, I just want to echo someone else's earlier suggestion about a tray for bed.  I bought a super cheap breakfast-in-bed type tray from Bed, Bath, and Beyond. Cost $19.99. I use it to eat.  But, I also put my laptop on it when I watch DVDs. It's much easier on my neck and sometimes I don't want anything on my lap because of how my knee/leg is feeling.  I've gotten a ton of use out of it and I love that it was so cheap.

Fourth, small pad and pen for by the bed.  I use it to keep track of when I take my meds and when to turn on/off the ice machine.  Given the fog of meds, I found it very hard to keep track of this using just my memory. Normally, I don't have a problem with this sort of thing.  But, my cognitive capacities have been compromised by medication, exhaustion, lack of sleep, etc.  Keeping track in this way has helped a lot. I find myself checking my little record ALL THE TIME to see when I should be doing what.

Good luck to anyone preparing for surgery.  Being prepared has helped make the experience so much more manageable.  Molly

[JoH]

Great list fergy and very helpful

Also liked the lip balm, turbi twist and tray in bed.

I also found using a flask (in rucsac/plastic bag) to get drinks from the kitchen to lounge/bedroom/garden (well the sun was shining for once)  when I was using 2 crutches really useful

Crumpet - agree with fergy about the bike - great for my prehab but you may have different issues to me - once I could get enough flexion, although the push hurt my knee at first, improved really quickly and I felt very stable.

[jjarvis98]

Additional find!
I forgot to tell you! We have lots of "Turbie Twists" in our home, as they were a gift to me years ago from my husband. They are the small triangle shaped towels women use to dry their hair- he got them at a "As Seen on TV" type store.

When I was on crutches, I turned them around and used the top in this same way. MUCH better than trying to strain your knee to move your foot. I also had a Cane near by that I used. Just a generic wooden 'candy cane' cane.



Find some place close to the ground. I used a fold out out couch with pillows from another.



If you get a Cryo-Cuff, install it upside down. A bulk of the thermal mass of the water is in the big pouch, I found that cooling my quads didn't do much so I flipped it around so it was right on top of my swelling. I also applied it directly (or with 1 layer) to the skin. I found they put so much padding in there that it did nothing.

I think for my next ( ) surgery I'm going to get a submersible pump and some tubing and just cycle it constantly.

Also freeze large blocks of ice, they last longer. I found that with bag ice I was changing the ice once per 2-3 cycles of water into the cryocuff. More surface area meant that the ice just melted. A large block of ice is more than enough to cool the water in the cuff over 20 minutes.

[jjarvis98]

Cook before hand. Cook a TON of stuff. I think I got out my big pots and made 5 lbs of pasta. 2-3 lbs of Sloppy Jos. A few pounds of hamburgers. Cooked some chicken.

I also stocked a mini fridge and a microwave near my bed. You never know when you're going to get hungry. My sleep schedule was all over the place. (The night before surgeries I like to stay up all night so I sleep more after and the anesthesia seems to take over faster.

[Chufty]

Thanks for the awesome thread guys, some really good advice here. My surgery is tomorrow and I think I'm very well prepared thanks to you!

[turts88]

Great list, to add to it I would say a wobble board. I would also highly recommend the ColdOne icepack. Fantastic for acute injuries such as ACL replacement, very good for swelling. http://www.coldoneinc.com/icewraps/knee.html Feels very good after after physio

[nathanappasamy]

Hello everybody,



I am looking for people who have had Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction on at least one of their knees to take part in a study focusing on the effects and impact of ACL Reconstruction surgery on someone's Athletic Identity.



As someone who has had multiple knee surgeries, I am very interested in the psychological effects of such mobility impairing surgery and do not believe there has been enough research undertaken in the field. The hope for this study (which is part of an MSc in Psychology) is to provide a greater insight into the short term and longterm effects of ACL reconstruction on a person's sense of Self and Identity. If you have had ACL reconstruction surgery and would like your experiences to count towards our understanding within the field, your contribution is of value.



If you would like to take part in the study (which should take no longer than 15 minutes to complete), please click on the below link for further information. Alternatively, copy and paste the link directly into the address bar of your browser. If you know of anyone who may also be interested, then I would be grateful if you would notify them of this opportunity to participate:



https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NNAquestionnaire



If you have any questions (which are not answered by the information sheet, after clicking on the link), please contact me by email at u1037913@uel.ac.uk, and I'll be happy to help.



Nathan Appasamy

[holwba]

A good starting list and subsequent suggestions. Very useful!

Luckily my boyfriend who I live with has been a saint and taken all the household responsibilities over completely, and where he hasn't been available my mom has always wanted to help, so I was very lucly in that respect.

I'd reccommend to get some very good waterproof dressings - I got a few when I was discharged from hospital, but I have since purchased more. The ones I have are from 'Opsite'. I have had several showers and they really are good and watertight. I have a shower over a bath so was able to sit on the side of the bath, but it was a struggle to get in there in the first place.

Get a few good books, laptop, PS3 anything to take away the boredom once you've got your mind back, and of course always keep your meds nearby.

Supply of tea and biscuits for wellwishers too!