Total knee replacement issues.
Hello everyone. Just retired in December and once we get a couple of things paid off we plan to purchase an RV hopefully early next year. My question this afternoon concerns a potential health issue...
Forum Discussion
coolmom42 wrote:
I have no direct experience camping, but am now 10 weeks out from a knee replacement and can tell you some things that are very important.
*You will be in the hospital 2-3 nights, depending on the time of day you have surgery and your general condition.
([COLOR=]Each facility is different. In Tucson, AZ at the major orthopedic facility, one night stays are normal with possible two.)
*STEPS are not a good thing. You will need to minimize the amount you do, and do them 2-footed. They should teach you how in the hospital. This could be a factor getting in/out of your RV. You will definitely need a good hand-hold. Step DOWN with the operative leg first and UP with the good leg first.
([COLOR=]RV steps will pose absolutely no problems. There aren't many of them. Home stairways are different.)
*You will have a circulating ice water cold pack to use at night. You will need freezer space to freeze about 10 small water bottles to use with it---some to freeze and some to use.
*You will need at least 2 re-usable cold packs to use during the day. You will also need freezer space for these.
This also varies by hospital. I had the re-circulating one for my shoulder replacement but not the knee.
HINT: instead of freezing plain water or using hard ice packs here's a great recipe:
Get a heavy-duty Ziploc bag and insert it into another one double-bagging. Add 1 cup rubbing alcohol to 2 cups water and freeze. Make up 2 or 3 of these to have a fresh frozen one on hand. The alcohol makes the ice slushy, not firm, and it conforms to your knee much better.
As stated, every facility is different in procedures and timelines. Pick a facility that does a lot of them and you'll be in good hands.
