Preparing for a knee replacement involves more than just the surgery itself; a successful recovery begins with being fully prepared for the hospital stay. Organizing the right items beforehand can significantly reduce stress and contribute to a more comfortable healing experience. Thoughtful packing ensures that administrative processes are swift and that personal needs are met, allowing you to concentrate entirely on your rehabilitation journey. This preparation is a proactive step that sets the foundation for a smoother transition.
Essential Administrative Documentation
Necessary paperwork ensures a streamlined admission and billing process upon arrival. Bring a government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license, along with all current health insurance and Medicare cards. If provided by the hospital, completed pre-registration forms should also be brought to accelerate the check-in procedure.
A comprehensive, up-to-date list of all current medications, including over-the-counter supplements, specific dosages, and frequency, is mandatory for the surgical team. This list allows hospital staff to safely manage your prescriptions and prevent potential drug interactions. If you have advanced directives, such as a Living Will or Power of Attorney for Healthcare, bring copies to ensure your wishes are documented and respected.
Personal Comfort and Hygiene Items
Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is recommended since you will be encouraged to get dressed daily for physical therapy sessions. Pack tops and bottoms, such as elastic-waist sweatpants or shorts, which are easy to pull on over a surgical dressing and accommodate post-operative swelling. Avoid tight waistbands, zippers, and restrictive fabrics that could complicate dressing while your mobility is limited.
Non-slip footwear is necessary for safety during walking and physical therapy exercises. Choose shoes or slippers with a firm sole and non-skid treads to minimize the risk of falls. Bringing your own basic toiletries, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and preferred skin moisturizer, provides a welcome sense of normalcy. Since hospital-provided items are often generic, personal skincare products can help soothe dry skin common after surgery.
To help pass the time, pack a cell phone or tablet and a charger with an extra-long cord. A long cord is useful because hospital outlets are often positioned far from the bed, making reaching for a device difficult after surgery. Personal sleep aids like earplugs and an eye mask are also beneficial for managing the noise and light common in a hospital environment, promoting restorative sleep for healing.
Specific Medical Needs and Recovery Aids
Some patients must bring specialized medical devices to ensure continuity of care during the hospital stay. Individuals who use a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine for sleep apnea must bring the unit, mask, and all necessary power cords. The surgical team needs to ensure its immediate availability, as sleep apnea can complicate post-operative breathing.
While the hospital provides general mobility aids, bring any specialized walker, cane, or brace that was custom-fitted or recommended pre-surgery. Confirm with your surgeon’s office which of your personal prescription medications, if any, the hospital staff wants you to bring. Generally, the hospital pharmacy supplies all necessary medications, but occasionally, a specific or unusual prescription may need to be handled by the patient.
Items That Should Be Left At Home
To ensure security, leave most valuables at home before your admission. Jewelry, including watches and rings, should not be brought to the hospital, as the facility cannot be responsible for lost or stolen personal items. Leave large amounts of cash and most credit cards behind, only bringing what is necessary for administrative co-pays or cafeteria purchases.
Avoid bringing excessive or large electronics that can clutter the limited space of a hospital room. Large suitcases or numerous bags should also be avoided, as they pose a tripping hazard and make it difficult for staff and physical therapists to navigate. Do not bring any personal prescription bottles, inhalers, or over-the-counter medications unless specifically instructed by the surgical team.