Tips for Preparing for Knee Surgery
Here are my best tips for preparing for knee surgery! I just had my sixth procedure– an MPFL reconstruction (revision) on my left.
Health Savings Account
If you live in the USA, your out-of-pocket medical expenses might start adding up. You can avoid paying tax on these expenses by using a Health Savings Account (HSA) (or FSA, if your employer/insurance offers this instead). Not only are the medical copays HSA eligible, but also a bunch of the post-op supplies too. I created my HSA with Fidelity.
My curated list of post-op supplies
- Shower chair
- Waterproof shower sleeve
- Loose-fitting shorts
- Compression socks
- Compression leg sleeve
- Grippy socks
- Shoulder bag/fanny pack
- Small cart with wheels
- Cup or water bottle with lid and straw
- Leg elevation pillow
- TENS unit
- Yoga strap
- Resistance bands
- Extra strength acetaminophen
- Baby aspirin
- Senna laxative
- Breg T Scope brace
- Electrolyte supplement
- Waterproof bandages
- bioCorneum scar gel
- Silicone scar sheets
- HurryCane
- Ice and compression machine
3D prints
Pre-op tasks
- Get ahead on other appointments that will be tough to get to for a while: dentist, dermatologist, flu shot, etc.
- Pick up area rugs
- Find a physical therapist
- Remove jewelry and piercings – risk of burns from electrocautery tool