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
  • Extra electrodes
  • Extra batteries
• 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
  • With reusable bags

3D prints

• Crutch clips
• Cart cupholder

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