Preparing for the first months after knee replacement

An estimated one in five Americans is expected to have a knee or a hip replaced at some point. I’ll be one of them as of December 4. 

Recovery time varies; I hope to meet or better the average of three months for knee replacement. For the first three weeks after surgery, when a physical therapist will come to me, I probably won’t go out and may not stand for more than 10 minutes. After that I will go for orthopedic follow-up and physical therapy but don’t yet know what else I’ll be able to do. 

The orthopedic surgeon provided a list of every medical to-do before knee surgery. I’m making another list of what I’ll need at home afterward. Here’s what I’ve thought of so far. If you’ve had a joint replaced, please tell me what else to take care of.

• Bathroom modifications

My one-bedroom condominium has only a tub/shower combo. The 18½-inch-deep bathtub was getting difficult to step into. I learned that a step-through opening could be cut into the side of the tub, creating a walk-in shower — a less disruptive, less expensive, and more environmentally friendly solution than replacing the tub with a shower. A company called The TubcuT does custom openings, which I now have; other companies install premade kits for the openings. Google “tub cutouts” if you’re curious.

Other recommended bathroom modifications include grab bars, a toilet seat riser, and a shower chair. The shower already has two grab bars. A friend who had a knee replaced earlier this year will loan me the other things.

• Other home modifications

It’s recommended to put frequently used items where you won’t need to reach up, bend your knees, or climb a stepladder to get them. A grabber tool and a long-handled shoehorn are also suggested. 

• Food

I live alone, so I’ll need to have my groceries delivered. As I was looking into delivery services, an offer arrived from Jewel for half off an annual membership in its Fresh Pass. I’m going to sign up. 

I expect to be able to cook after a month, but it’s a good plan to cook and freeze a few meals now for the early days. 

• What to do

I’ll check plenty of books out of the library and may also start reading ebooks. As for television, I’ve already watched many drama series on PBS Passport but might explore its nondrama offerings, such as Great Performances, Nature, and American Experience. 

I’ll also look into online courses, beginning with the the list of possibilities I made during the pandemic. 

• Household chores

I can hire a housecleaner for the first month. I’ll have to ask her to do laundry as well as clean. I’ll see where I am after that.

If I find after surgery that I hadn’t thought of everything, I expect that my generous relatives and friends won’t mind helping out.