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- Upon discharge
from the hospital, you may be up with your crutches for short
periods of time, about 20-30 minutes. You may place as much weight/no
weight on your surgical leg as is comfortable for you. Please
use your crutches until otherwise instructed by your doctor.
- Your knee
may swell after surgery. To reduce swelling and discomfort, elevate
your surgical leg on 1-2 pillows (higher than your heart). Use
an ice bag on your knee for the first 72 hours, then continue
to use the ice if it makes you more comfortable or you notice
your knee is swollen.
- You may take
off your knee dressing within 48 hours after surgery. Leave the
white tapes that are secured over your incisions on at all times.
Keep your incisions clean, dry and covered with Band-Aids. You
may shower after taking off the dressing
(in 48 hours). You may
not bathe, jacuzzi or soak your knee until cleared by your doctor.
- Pain medication
has been prescribed for you. If you are having only minor discomfort,
you may find that plain Tylenol will relieve your symptoms. Please
be aware that most pain medications can be constipating, so make
sure you drink plenty of fluids.
- The physical
therapist will instruct you on the proper way to use your crutches.
An exercise program will also be outlined for you. Start the exercises
on the day of surgery, at a slow pace, and try to increase them
daily.
- If you develop
a fever (above 101 degrees), increase in pain or acute tenderness
in the thigh or calf, please contact the nurse at (509) 466-6393.
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