Joint replacement can be a life-changing experience, especially during the holidays. Not only will you start the new year off right, but you will also have plenty of friends and family around to help you during your recovery. The cold weather also gives you a great excuse to stay indoors by the fire while your surgical site heals.
Navigating the holiday season while planning your recovery post-surgery can feel overwhelming, especially when considering potential missed festivities. To alleviate this stress, here are practical tips and techniques designed to ease your concerns:
- Be Realistic: The first step of recovery is accepting that the process can be slow. Be patient and don’t put unnecessary pressure on yourself. Take advantage of this time to rest and understand that the recovery will progress incrementally each day.
- Find a Helper: A holiday helper can make a huge difference. Everyday tasks can seem frustrating while recovering. Ask a loved one for help while enjoying time with friends and family.
- Prep Your Home: Before the surgery, plan ahead and get everything you need for your recovery. Prepare your home, rearrange furniture, stock up on medical supplies, and do all chores beforehand, for comfort during the holidays.
- Modify Holiday Festivities: Engaging in holiday traditions is a wonderful opportunity to bond with loved ones. If concerns about your joint replacement affecting your participation arise, adapt the activities to suit your needs. Whether it's decorating, cooking, or hosting, proceed cautiously, ensuring activities won't jeopardize your healing joint.
- Practice Stress-Reduction Methods: For many, the holiday season can trigger added stress during recovery. Practicing methods to relieve stress such as deep breathing, meditation, or self-care.
- Stay Positive: Maintaining a positive attitude is essential during your recovery. Take time to focus on what you’re grateful for this holiday season, while following your rehab protocols at home.
Many of our patients have great experiences recovering during the holidays, with a new year of renewed mobility ahead. Experience the joy of the season while recovering from joint replacement!
AUTHOR: Dr. Andrew Ehmke is a board-certified and fellowship-trained joint replacement surgeon specializing in robotic-assisted and minimally invasive hip and knee replacement in Chicagoland and NW Indiana.
