Preparing for Your Return
You will need to use crutches and wear a knee brace for around 6 weeks after your surgery, so it will be a little harder to get around and you will also find that your daily mobility will be reduced – bending, reaching, sitting and standing up will be a little more difficult, as will getting up and down stairs.
So it’s important to take some steps in advance to prepare for your return home from the hospital and to make the recovery process manageable for you. This is especially important if you live on your own.
If you have already been coping with a Meniscal or ACL injury before surgery, you may already have some of the following steps in place. But if not, you may want to ask for support from a relative or friend.
Around the house
A few important things you need to consider:
Shopping – stock up on needed items, like non-perishable foods.
Food – prepare and freeze some simple meals. You can have them on hand to reheat when it’s time to eat.
Location of items – place items you use every day at waist level to avoid reaching or bending down.
Remove any loose rugs any other small pieces of furniture that could cause you to trip or fall
Securely fastened safety bars or handrails in the shower.
Support – if you are a carer for someone or a pet.
Get any important domestic tasks done before you leave
You may not be able to drive for several weeks after surgery, so you will need someone to bring you home from the hospital and be on hand to run errands or take you to appointments until you can drive yourself.
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