to get my house ready, all I really did was pick up throw rugs and runner in the hall (you will clear them with the front of your walker and your feet only to catch the back leg of the walker on the edge of the rug, so if you don't get them out of the way, watch out for this). I looked around each room and moved any furniture that would be in the way of walking with a walker. (moved coffee table further away from couch, moved my reading chair about 6 inches to give more room, that kind of thing). I did buy a polar active ice machine from amazon and that was the best thing I did, but gel packs will work well also, just be sure to have several as you will want to ice all around your knee and have extra ones waiting in the freezer. a wedge pillow is great for elevating and not expensive, I bought one at bed,bath,beyond but I have seen them at drug mart too. I also bought some strong suction cup grab bars for my shower (and I am going to leave them there forever!), you can't expect them to support your full weight but they are great for getting in and out. I did not want to use a raised toilet seat so I found free standing rails on amazon that are very helpful, this is the name of the one I bought:
Drive Medical Stand Alone Toilet Safety Rail, White
I second guessed myself between the decision and the surgery, but I have had no regrets, I am almost 9 weeks out and doing very well, I don't have that grinding pain, I don't limp, my leg is no longer bowed. my swelling and discomfort (no longer pain) from the surgery is almost gone and I couldn't be happier that I had this done. good luck to you, your knee won't get better without the surgery and you won't get younger and healthier, so do it now and start enjoying your life more fully!
United States
