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Nature Of Recovery From Knee Replacement

Nature Of Recovery From Knee Replacement

Recovery time from knee-replacement depends on the individual case. It also depends on the type of surgery carried out. The key issue is that you must strictly follow instruction of hospital or medical team involved in the procedure.

One important  fact is that you must be ready with all finances  before surgery for meeting knee replacement cost in india. You cannot afford to be bothered by it during the recovery period.

AFTER SURGERY

You will be shifted to the surgical ward. Here, you will be handed a switch which enables you to safely self-administer medication for pain. Oxygen may be provided via tubes or mask. In some cases, you will be administered  a blood transfusion.

You may have a big dressing on the knee for protecting your wound. Blood will be siphoned off through drains placed in the incision spot to avoid its collection in the wound. Till full healing, your wound dressing will be replaced on a regular basis.

RESUMING ACTIVITIES

You will be guided to move on your own, as soon as it is possible. In case of minimally invasive surgery or  fast recovery program, you may be able to walk on the day of the surgery. Generally, you will be helped to your feet within 12 to 24 hours after surgery.

Your medical team will encourage you to walk with the help of crutches. Majority of patients are able to walk on their own using sticks within a week but this may vary as per the case.

During hospital stay, you will be trained in exercises to improve knee strength by a professional Physio Therapist (PT). You can start exercising  the very day after the surgery. One must strictly follow instructions of the PT to avoid mishaps like dislocation of the new joint.

It is quite normal to sense swelling in your feet and legs and also, discomfort during exercising and walking. You may be connected to a Passive Motion machine to resume motion of your leg and knee. This machine will help you to move the knee while resting in bed. Also, it helps reduce swelling, since your leg will be in raised position and helps enhance your circulation.

AT HOME

Your hospital stay will be typically for 3 to 5 days. This depends on your progress and what type of knee-replacement  you have undergone. A shorter stay will only be needed by those who have had only partial knee replacement or minimally invasive surgery. If you are well and fit, your surgeon may put you on a fast recovery program by which you can return home within 1 to 3 days.

At home, you must expect to feel very tired in the first few days. This is because of the major surgery you have undergone and tissue and muscles near your brand new knee will entail some time to heal. At home, you must strictly follow instructions of your medical team and in case you have any concerns, be quick to contact the team.

You may need the help of a friend or relative to stay with you at home for a few days, for  some routine tasks. You must follow the exercise program given by the PT  in  strict fashion.

You will begin feeling almost normal, within 6 weeks after surgery. But for the reduction in swelling and pain, it may take up to 3 months. For the swelling to disappear, it can take up to a year. You must keep the period of recovery in mind while planning for cost of knee surgery in india.

 

 

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