post op knee replacement living alone

Minty
Minty Member Posts: 10
edited 26. Mar 2025, 10:09 in Living with arthritis

I have finally given in to agreeing to go on list for knee replacement, probably total. I live alone and am 76. Wondering what kind of care and help I'll need to organise for after, say the first two weeks and then ongoing? I'm in a house with stairs but can arrange to sleep downstairs to start with.

Comments

  • annabanana
    annabanana Moderator Posts: 129

    Hi @Minty , I hope your surgery goes well and your recovery is smooth :)

    Unfortunately I don’t have any personal experience so can only offer related links but hopefully someone who does comes alone. You may also be able to search on here for similar situations.

    https://versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/surgery/knee-replacement-surgery/

    Need more help? - call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm

  • Bryony
    Bryony Member Posts: 76

    I'll be going through the same, but I'm a bit younger than you (66). I did have a hysterectomy a few years ago, so can remember some issues from back then, which would be similar for knee replacement.

    If you can have a family member or friend or neighbour visiting you on a daily basis for the first few days, that can help a lot, even if it is just for picking up something that has fallen in a difficult place, or getting something from an awkward shelf in a cupboard. Or a bit of shopping you hadn't thought about, like fresh salad, milk etc. If they can't visit daily, at least have someone as a phone contact who would be willing to help if you find you need it. Even with a lot of planning there is probably something you hadn't prepared for.

    Do get in plenty of pain meds in, in advance, the usual ibuprofen, paracetamol, maybe co-codamol if it is something you have been taking, as you don't want to be without them.

    Think about getting online supermarket delivery, if you haven't got family/friend to do a weekly shop for you - decide in advance which you would use, and how it works if you have not used it before.

  • Fran54
    Fran54 Member Posts: 292

    @Minty

    I don't live alone, but have decided to try those ready meals that can be delivered to your home. There are a couple that advertise in magazines or you can Google them. I had a THR last year and am due to have the other one done sometime soon, so it will be one thing less to think about and give my hubby a break from cooking! A useful gadget is a grabber and I have two of these, one downstairs and the other upstairs. Also I doubled up on my basic toiletries and as mentioned painkillers. Hope this helps.🙂

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