There is a lot that goes into getting ready for a knee replacement surgery. Pre screenings, exercises, doctor’s appointments, and let’s not forgot preparing your home. While you are busy doing all of this, you might ask yourself, are there items I need to purchase to prepare for this major surgery?
Along with some crucial equipment, here is a list of 6 helpful OTC medications I used during my knee replacement recovery. My surgeon required a couple of these medications, while others came strongly recommended by my nurse or physical therapists.
6 Helpful OTC Medication For Knee Replacement Surgery
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician.
Stool Softener
With knee replacement surgery comes strong pain medication. At first through an IV during your hospital stay, then through pill form. Every person is different when it comes to how long they stay on the stronger pain meds but regardless of how long your on them, these meds usually cause constipation. Buying a stool softener and taking it as directed can help keep “everything” moving, so you don’t end up with other problems.
I found I just needed the regular stool softener without the laxative. I took it regularly as I took the pain medication, and I had no problems with constipation. If you find this article a little too late or still have some problems going, Please DONT STAIN! Trying to take a stool softener with a laxative instead!
81 mg Baby Aspirin
Most surgeons have you take a low-dose baby aspirin for a few weeks to help prevent blood clots post knee replacement surgery. Less movement and trauma from surgery can put people at higher risk for DVTs/ blood clots. My surgeon, in particular, required me to take one a day for 30 days.
Tylenol
I had some Extra Strength Tylenol handy for when I was off the higher strength pain meds. At first, I would take this right alongside our next medication (Ibuprofen). After the pain wasn’t as bad, I would alternate the two to help prolong the pain relief.
Ibuprofen
Next up is Ibuprofen; this was truly the medication that was my best friend along with Icing. My body responds very well to NSAIDs. Of course, every person is different on what medications will work best with their body’s chemistry. I actually found that NSAIDs worked better for me than strong pain medications. Make sure you talk to your doctor if you are in a lot of pain. Some pain is to be expected, but you shouldn’t be in agony!
Coconut Oil
This one might surprise you. Coconut Oil is great for massaging the areas around your scar and keeping the muscles and skin loose. It will help with mobility and pain! If your early in your recovery still and the wound is not totally closed, be very careful, though. You will not want to get the coconut oil inside of the wound.
Scar Lotion
If you have read some of my other posts, you know how much I love scar lotion, Bio-Oil being my favorite. Once the scar has healed over, or your surgeon has given you the okay to lotion it, it is time to use scar lotion at least two times a day. I used it to keep that skin moving so it wouldn’t get stuck. If that scar gets stuck to the tissue underneath, it can make it much harder for the knee joint itself to move and can cause extra pain. Another benefit of scar lotion is it helps reduce the appearance of the scar over time.
Did your surgeon give you other OTC medicines to use during your recovery? Let us hear about them in the comments below!
Until next time happy healing, Take care!
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician.
Want to read my knee replacement story? Click HERE
Need to shop for other knee surgery supplies? Check out my other must-have lists 10 Pieces of Equipment Needed Now, 10 Necessary Items, Top Ice Packs, Helpful OTC Meds for surgery.
SAVE THIS POST FOR LATER?
