Preparing for Surgery

After finally accepting the need for my TKR surgery, I was disappointed to learn that I would have to wait nearly three months for an available surgery date. A surgeon’s schedule is not cast in stone, though, and as with much of life, squeaky wheels can get heard. In speaking with the nurse responsible for scheduling my surgery, I had repeatedly stressed that I would be available to take the place of any last-minute cancellation. Although I initially planned to have surgery in early December, I received a call during the first week of September. “Would I be ready to have surgery the following Wednesday?” “Yes!” I replied. But after jumping at this chance for an early date, I panicked – there was so much to do!

While I had used the time between diagnosis and surgery to improve my muscles tone though physical theraphy and exercise, I had neglected to prepare my nest. “Nest” is the term I will use throughout this book to refer to the home space dedicated to my recovery. I had also overlooked buying comfortable clothes to wear during rehab. See Prehab II.

Fortunately, a good friend loaned me the soft, loose clothing she had worn during her TKR recovery. This included a snuggly shawl, which, when wrapped around me, proved to be as comforting as the teddy bear I had held as a child. Given the short time between the office call and my surgery date, I could not attend the preparatory TKR classes provided by the hospital. Instead, I listened to the hospital presentations online.

Seasonal issues also demanded attention. Although the weather was still warm, this was mid-September in New England, and I knew I would need to switch my clothes from a summer to a winter wardrobe. It would be cold when I was ready to start walking outside again. I learned that I could borrow crutches, a walker, and a raised toilet seat from our local Senior Citizen’s Center. While the last two items were quickly returned, I used the crutches during both of my recoveries.

Early Tuesday morning, I was at the hospital for my pre-admission tests. As I soon learned, everything at the hospital regarding TKRs was well organized and efficient. I met with the hospital social worker to select a home health care service and a rehab facility, should I need one. I also met with an anesthesiologist and a physical therapist and had an EKG. Blood was drawn for lab work, and we reviewed my medical history to ensure I was ready for surgery. I forgot to ask for a temporary parking pass at that time but was able to obtain one at my two weeks post-surgery checkup.

Everything had happened so quickly; it was hard to believe that I would be having surgery the next day.