A robotic knee is a medical wonder, but that does not mean that receiving a new knee a walk in the park. Modern techniques make the procedure minimally invasive, but that does not mean that recovery will be pain free. If one of your loved ones has received a replacement knee surgery, they will need someone close to them to help with their recovery process. Knowing what you are getting yourself into will help to make sure the experience is if not a pleasant experience, a successful one.
Coping with Emotions
The desire for independence is at the core of the human spirit. Losing the ability to stand up or use the toilet on your own is never a pleasant experience. When you are tapped to help someone with these basic functions, you have to be ready to deal with the frustration they will experience. Even if they try to push you away, you need to help them stand up and sit down to avoid falls that could otherwise prove disastrous.
Provide Motivation
The narcotics prescribed to help manage pain combined with frustrations over how the experience is going can make it hard for a patient to find the motivation to stick with physical therapy exercises and other activities that will help them to recover properly. When their motivation wanes, you need to step in to provide encouragement.
Transportation
During the recovery process, a patient should not be behind the wheel of a car. Thus, you will likely have to help get them to and from appointments as well as help them to run other errands as they are able.
Take Turns
As the above suggestions indicate, helping a knee-surgery patient recovery is a full-time gig. You have to understand the demands placed on you and make sure that you don't let your desire to help a loved one lead you to neglect yourself. Recognize that you have limits and that it is okay to enlist help. When your turn with helping ends, make sure that whoever is helping with the recovery process understands what they are being asked to do.
The biggest thing you can do to help with recovery is pay attention as the physician explains your responsibilities and make sure you communicate effectively with the patient. Explaining what you are doing and why will help them to relax their guard and allow you to help. Remember that a successful recovery is the key to avoiding setbacks that could lead to new injuries or compromise the replacement knee that the patient has received. For more information, contact clinics like Noyes Knee Institute.
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