How to prepare for your Knee replacement Surgery? 15 points by Dr. Anupam Khandelwal, Indore

So you have bad knees and you’re either scheduled for knee replacement surgery with Dr. Anupam Khandelwal or considering it soon. But, now you are wondering how to prepare for your Knee Replacement Surgery with us.

I’m Dr. Anupam Khandelwal, robotic joint Replacement Surgeon in Indore, and I’ve helped thousands of patients across Madhya Pradesh – from Bhopal to Ratlam, Ujjain to Khandwa – prepare for their scheduled knee replacement surgery & help them walk pain-free again after knee replacement surgery.

First things first – don’t panic or overthink about it ! It’s one of the most successful surgeries in orthopedics. With a little preparation, you can make your recovery much smoother and faster.

Let me walk you through what you need to know – from mental readiness to packing your hospital bag. 🧳✅

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🧠 1. Understand the Surgery – Knowledge Reduces Fear

Let’s be honest – surgery sounds scary. But when you understand why you’re doing it and how it helps, half the stress disappears.

Knee replacement involves replacing the damaged parts of your knee joint with a smooth, artificial surface (prosthesis) that lets you move pain-free again.

In cities like Khargone & Neemuch, patients often delay surgery out of fear or myths. But truth is:

“घुटना बदलवाना जीवन बदलने जैसा होता है – दर्द से मुक्ति और फिर से चलने की खुशी।”
(Knee replacement is like reclaiming your life – freedom from pain and the joy of walking freely again.)

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🩺 2. Book Your Pre-Operative Check-Up

A few days before your surgery, we’ll do routine tests like:

• Blood tests 🩸
• Chest X-ray 📸
• ECG
• 2D Echocardiography (check heart status)
• Surgical fitness clearance from a physician 💓
• Pre-anaesthetic check-up
• If needed, a COVID test or additional clearance

These tests help ensure your body is ready for surgery and reduce any risk during anaesthesia or recovery.

If you’re from nearby towns like Guna, Sehore, or Mandsaur, don’t worry – we coordinate with local labs so you don’t need to travel unnecessarily.

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3. Continue or Stop Certain Medications – Ask Before You Decide!

Many of patients are already on medicines for high BP, (uncontrolled) sugar, heart, or arthritis. It’s very important to tell me ( your operating surgeon) exactly what medicines are you’re already taking.

Here’s what usually happens:

• BP and thyroid medicines: usually are continued them unless advised otherwise ✅.*
• Blood thinners (like Ecosprin, Clopidogrel): These are usually stopped 5–7 days before surgery to avoid excess bleeding ❌. *
• Diabetes medications: May be adjusted around surgery time, especially if you’re fasting for anesthesia 💉.*

* Please consult your treating doctor for expert advice.

📌 Please do NOT stop any medicine on your own. During your pre-op check-up, I personally review your medicine list and coordinate with your physician or cardiologist if needed.

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4. Personal Hygiene – Stay Clean, Stay Safe!

A clean body heals better. Simple, right? 😊
Before surgery, your skin must be clean and infection-free. This reduces the risk of any complications after the operation.

Here’s what we advise:

✅ Take a full Medicinal bath twice daily for 2–3 days before surgery 🚿with the medicinal scrub provided from our clinic.
✅ Clean and trim nails (especially toenails)
✅ Wash hair, shave if needed (especially around the surgical area)
✅ Avoid using talcum powder or strong perfumes
✅ No cuts, boils, or rashes around the knee area – inform us immediately if you have any skin issues ⚠️

कई बार मरीज रतलाम या खंडवा से आते हैं, तो हम अस्पताल में सर्जरी से पहले एक सैनिटाइज़िंग बाथ भी कराते हैं।

If you’re coming from outstation cities like Jabalpur or Khargone, don’t worry – our staff ensures pre-op hygiene at the hospital if you miss it at home.

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5. Don’t Ignore Insurance Paperwork – Start Early!

Many patients from delay surgery because insurance formalities aren’t done in time.

Here’s what to keep ready:

✅ Doctor’s prescription stating “Total Knee Replacement Required”
✅ X-rays and investigation reports
✅ Aadhaar card & health insurance card
✅ Employer or TPA form, if applicable

💼 We have a dedicated insurance helpdesk at my clinic in Indore to guide you, whether you’re covered under:

• CGHS / ECHS / MP Govt. / Ayushman Yojana
• Private Health Insurance (ICICI, Star, HDFC, Tata AIG, SBI health, etc.)
• Corporate TPA panels

We even help patients from remote towns like Burhanpur with online claim support and pre-approvals.

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6. Pre-Operative Physiotherapy – Stronger Muscles = Faster Recovery!

Before your surgery, a few simple strengthening exercises can go a long way in speeding up your post-op recovery.

Our physiotherapy team will guide you on:

✅ Quadriceps strengthening (leg raises, ankle pumps)
✅ Hamstring stretches
✅ Knee bending exercises (as tolerated)
✅ Walking with correct posture

Even doing these for 15–20 minutes daily for 10 days helps build muscle memory and confidence.

Many patients from nearby cities like Dewas take a few online physio sessions with our team before they travel to Indore for surgery.

You’ll feel more in control of your body – and believe me, your recovery will be smoother!

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🥗 7. Eat Right and Stay Active (But Safe)

Even if walking hurts, try light activity or physiotherapy before surgery. It helps keep your muscles strong and prepares you for faster recovery after the operation. 🏃‍♂️🧘‍♀️

Also, eat a balanced diet with:

• High protein (paneer, eggs, dal, soy) 🍳
• Iron-rich foods (green veggies, dates, jaggery) 🥬
• Hydrate well 💧

Avoid junk food, alcohol, and smoking at least 2 weeks before surgery. 🚫

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8. Attend Pre-Surgical Counselling Sessions

At my center in Indore, we conduct pre-operative counselling sessions for all patients and their families.

Why attend?

👉 We explain the full surgical process
👉 You can see real implants, walk through rehab plans
👉 Common myths (like “will I walk again?” or “will it pain forever?”) are cleared
👉 You meet people who’ve already undergone successful knee replacement from cities like Bhopal, Dewas, Ujjain

It boosts your confidence, removes fear, and builds realistic expectations. And yes – we’ll answer all your questions, no matter how small. 😇

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🏡 9. Prepare Your Home for Recovery

After your discharge (usually 3–4 days post-surgery), you’ll recover at home. Set up your space for comfort and safety:

✅ Keep essentials near your bed (water, phone, meds)
✅ Use a high-seated chair or toilet seat if needed
✅ Remove slippery rugs or wires to prevent falls
✅ Ask a family member or helper to be available during the first 10–14 days

Many patients from Ratlam, Mhow, Dewas shift temporarily to Indore for their recovery. My clinic can help arrange nearby accommodations or home physiotherapy support.

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🧳 10. What to Pack for the Hospital?

Don’t overthink it. Here’s your easy checklist:

• Loose, comfy clothes 👕
• Slippers with grip 🥿
• Your regular medications 💊
• Test reports and ID proof 📄
• Toiletries (brush, towel, etc.) 🪥
• Phone + charger + some light reading 📱📚

Pro tip 👉 Leave jewellery and valuables at home!

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👫 11. Arrange a Caretaker

Whether you’re coming from Khandwa, Khargone, or right here in Indore, make sure a relative or friend is with you for at least the first 2–3 days in the hospital.

They can help with:

• Post-surgery movement
• Coordinating with staff
• Giving emotional support (trust me, it helps 😊)

And yes, we ensure attendant food & bedding at my partnered hospitals so they are comfortable too.

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🧑‍⚕️ 12. Choose the Right Surgeon and Hospital

This one’s important! 🙌
Make sure your surgeon is specialized in joint replacement and has experience with modern, minimally invasive techniques. At my center in Indore, we use:

✅ Imported Implants (with 15–20+ year lifespan)
✅ Rapid Recovery Protocol
✅ Dedicated Joint Replacement OT

We regularly treat patients from Jabalpur, Ujjain, Gwalior, Guna, and other towns like Shajapur or Sendhwa – because we ensure personalized care and affordable packages.

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💬 Real Patient Experience – Ratlam से आए श्री अशोक जी

“मुझे 8 साल से घुटने में दर्द था। अब ऑपरेशन के 3 महीने बाद मैं बिना सहारे चलता हूँ। डॉ. अनुपम ने बहुत अच्छे से समझाया और पूरी टीम ने घर जैसा माहौल दिया।”
– श्री अशोक चौधरी, 62 वर्ष, रतलाम

(“I had knee pain for 8 years. Now, 3 months after surgery, I walk without support. Dr. Anupam explained everything and his team made it feel like home.”)

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🚗 13. Arrange Travel, Stay & Support – Plan Your Logistics!

If you’re from outside Indore – plan your travel in advance:

✅ Book your travel and hospital admission date
✅ Carry all necessary documents and reports
✅ If you need help with accommodation, our staff can guide you to clean, affordable guesthouses near the hospital
✅ Arrange for someone to stay with you for 4–5 days

🎁 Bonus: We have dedicated FREE pickup/drop support for people above 50 years from Indore railway station, airport or even bus stops in Dewas & Ujjain.

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🚶‍♀️ 14. Mentally Prepare – You Got This!

Surgery is not just about the body – it’s also about mindset. Stay positive. You’re choosing to walk again without pain. That’s brave! 💪

Watch YouTube videos, talk to previous patients (we can connect you), and visualize your life after recovery – walking freely in Rajwada, attending a wedding in Ujjain, or climbing stairs again in your Jabalpur home.

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15. Bonus Tip: The Night Before Surgery

Alright – you’ve done everything. Now it’s time to relax your mind and prepare your body.

Here’s your night-before checklist:

• ✅ Take a light dinner by 8:30 pm 🍲
• ✅ No food or water after midnight unless advised
• ✅ Remove jewelry, nail polish, dentures (if any)
• ✅ Keep your phone, charger, documents ready
• ✅ Take a shower with antiseptic soap 🛁
• ✅ Try to sleep early and avoid stress – tomorrow is the first step to a pain-free life! 😴

“कल घुटना बदलेगा… पर असल में, आपकी ज़िंदगी बदलेगी।”
(Tomorrow your knee will be replaced… but truly, your life will be transformed.)

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🔁 After Surgery – What to Expect?

• Walk (with walker) in 24–48 hours
• Discharge in 2-3 days
• Stitches removal at 2 weeks
• Full mobility in 3–8 weeks
• Long walks, stairs, and travel after 1 month

Yes, you’ll walk independently soon – and even dance at family functions! 💃🕺

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📍 Serving Patients Across Madhya Pradesh

We proudly serve patients not only from Indore, but also from other citie. We provide services in the following locations –

• Ratlam & Bhopal – Our OPDs twice a month
• Ujjain & Dewas – Quick OPD + follow-up centers
• Guna, Khandwa, Khargone, Neemuch, Mandsaur – Special support for travel and accommodation
• Jabalpur, Gwalior – Teleconsultation + surgical slots in Indore

Wherever you are in MP, we’re here to help you walk again! 🙌

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📞 Still Have Doubts?

No problem! Call us on 📱8818814030 or visit www.dranupamkhandelwal.com
You can also WhatsApp us for a free surgery counseling session. 💬

“घुटना बदलिए – ज़िंदगी बदलिए!”

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✅ Final Checklist Before Surgery:

🔲 Complete your tests
🔲 Talk to your surgeon
🔲 Arrange caretaker
🔲 Pack your bag
🔲 Stay calm and trust the process

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✍️ Conclusion: Your New Life Begins Now

Knee replacement is not just about fixing a joint – it’s about getting your life back. And I’m here to walk this journey with you – from first consultation to final physiotherapy session.

If you’re from any part of Madhya Pradesh, reach out today.

Your pain-free life is waiting – let’s get you there! 🦿🌟 – Dr. Anupam Khandelwal