> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://achronicvoice.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Knee Surgery Post-Operative Care: Introduction to the Series (Part 1/6) - URL: https://achronicvoice.com/knee-surgery-post-operative-care-introduction/ - Published: 2022-12-13T15:39:19.000Z - Updated: 2025-10-24T16:52:31.000Z - Author: Sheryl Chan - Tags: Disability, Community, Chronic Illness, Pain Management A knee surgery, or any major surgery, carries with it a certain percentage of risk. There's the general anaesthesia, rare but possible mishaps, unforeseen problems, medication interactions and more. Knee surgery post-operative care and the recovery process will look different for every individual, but there are some resources in general that can benefit most patients. In my case, I suffered a [spontaneous bilateral patellar tendon rupture](https://casereports.bmj.com/content/12/2/e227931). Meaning both my knees were [completely broken](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/299204) \- from the thigh, down to the kneecap and quadriceps, which left me bed bound for a year. Whilst mine are the two biggest tendons in the knees, others suffer from bone fractures, [ACL (anterior cruciate ligament)](https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/anterior-cruciate-ligament-acl-injuries/) and [MCL (medial collateral ligament)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21979-mcl-tear) tears, and more. Many elderly people need knee replacement surgery done as well. These knee surgeries differ in degrees of severity, but all affect our ability to walk and move properly. Spending that much time in bed is a nightmare in terms of logistics and physical health. This series of articles will focus on knee surgery post-operative care, and to make coping with disability a little easier. (You can [**view the full series at the end of the post**](#full-series).) --- **❗️ Disclaimer:* Knee injuries and surgeries, or any major surgery for that matter,* [*vary widely from person to person*](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/knee-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20350849)*. Your age, lifestyle, weight, circumstances, other chronic health conditions, medications, comorbidities, allergies and other issues can impact your recovery timeline, as well as the tools and methods required. *They should be adapted for YOU.** *This article and the resources provided below are based on MY own personal experiences with spontaneous bilateral patellar tendon ruptures, as a person with many chronic illnesses. It also includes extensive options to cover various knee surgeries – not everything is meant for your specific type of knee injury or knee surgery. *They are meant for educational purposes and not to be substituted for medical advice. I am not a doctor, so please consult your own medical provider before trying anything out.** *This post also contains affiliate links. It will cost you nothing to click on them. I will get a small referral fee from purchases you make, which helps with the maintenance of this blog. Read our* [***privacy policy page***](https://achronicvoice.com/privacy-policy/) *for more information. Thank you!* **Resources with a star ⭐ next to them are ones I’ve personally tried and would recommend!** *Originally Published: 13 December 2022* --- My Ex-Chronic Illness Life: > [ View this post on Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/reel/CWIf02RD3PM/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) > > [A post shared by Sheryl Chan (@achronicvoice)](https://www.instagram.com/reel/CWIf02RD3PM/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) My New Chronic Illness Life: > [ View this post on Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/p/Ci-dgEtv-IR/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) > > [A post shared by Sheryl Chan (@achronicvoice)](https://www.instagram.com/p/Ci-dgEtv-IR/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) ## Support From Friends & Family Post-Operation is Crucial Besides the obvious physical aspect, a major surgery or knee surgery can take a huge mental and emotional toll on anyone. The psychological impact from the sudden loss of mobility and independence can be terrifying. It take a huge blow on your self-confidence and self-esteem. It can make you question your self-identity. Support from friends and family play a huge role in your knee surgery post-operative care, and during the long recovery process. Your loved ones are there to encourage and cheer you on, and they help to pass the time in the best possible ways. Friends whom I hadn’t met in ages offered to commit to weekly visits, and I looked forward to these events in my calendar. They were like bright spots in the gloom of it all. There were also weekly milestones, as I counted down to when I could start physiotherapy. This horrible incident rekindled some friendships. Or rather, it reminded me that just because I haven’t seen my friends in a long time, it doesn’t mean that they have stopped caring. Pin to Your Chronic Illness & Disability Support Boards: ![Knee Surgery Post-Operative Care - Your Support System Matters](https://cdn.achronicvoice.com/knee-surgery-post-operative-care-your-support-system-matters.jpeg) Read Related Posts: - [Loss of Identity with Chronic Illness & The Plot Twist: Sharpened Self-Worth](https://achronicvoice.com/loss-of-identity-chronic-illness/) - [7 Ways to Be a Better Friend to Someone with a Chronic Illness (and 3 Things You Should Never Do)](https://achronicvoice.com/better-friend-chronic-illness/) - [The Savagery of Panic Attacks & The Saving Grace of Internet Friends](https://achronicvoice.com/panic-attacks-internet-friends/) - [What’s it Like to be a Caregiver for a Chronically Ill Loved One (The Challenges & Rewards)](https://achronicvoice.com/caregiver-chronically-ill-loved-one/) - [Asking for Help (and Why Everyone Needs to Learn this Important Life Skill)](https://achronicvoice.com/asking-for-help-life-skill/) ## **A Big Thank You to Everyone Who Supported & Continue to Support Me** I would also like to thank everyone - family, friends, acquaintances and even strangers who helped me along my major knee surgery post-operative care and recovery journey. For those who supported us financially, a lot of the funds went into some of the items listed in this series of posts. For those who supported emotionally through visitations and communication - this was invaluable for my mind and spirit. For those who supported physically, I couldn't have gotten around to my doctor appointments without your help, and managing everyday tasks would be an even bigger challenge than it already was and is. **So a big thank you to each and every single one of you - you know who you are :)** A common comment I see on social media is that others with chronic illness or disabilities do not have anyone to support them or to rely on. So I am very grateful for all the kindness and support that I do have. I know that I'm very fortunate that way, and appreciate every little action. Here's wishing you a steady and speedy recovery from your knee surgery, or any major surgery! You can click on the links below to view the entire series. ## Sign Up for My Free Newsletter Be the first to get the latest post updates in your inbox, and unlock the comments section. You will also receive an e-book full of uplifting messages, quotes and illustrations as a token of appreciation! [Browse more membership plans here](#/portal/), or [make a one-off donation](https://achronicvoice.com/#/portal/support) instead. Sign Up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Pin to Your Knee Surgery Post-Operative Care Boards: ![Knee Surgery Post-Operative Care - The Comprehensive Series](https://cdn.achronicvoice.com/knee-surgery-post-operative-care-comprehensive-series.jpeg) View the Full Knee Surgery Post-Operative Care Series: 1. *[Knee Surgery Post-Operative Care: Introduction to the Series (this post)](#)* 2. [After Surgery Care at Home: Hygiene Resources](https://achronicvoice.com/after-surgery-care-at-home-hygiene/) 3. [Must Haves After Knee Surgery to Stay Comfortable In Bed](https://achronicvoice.com/must-haves-after-knee-surgery/) 4. [Resources & Therapies for Pain After Major Knee Surgery](https://achronicvoice.com/therapies-for-pain-after-major-knee-surgery/) 5. [Wound Care & What to Wear After Knee Surgery](https://achronicvoice.com/wound-care-what-to-wear-after-knee-surgery/) 6. [Physiotherapy After Knee Operation](https://achronicvoice.com/physiotherapy-after-knee-operation/) Read Related Posts: - [What It Feels Like to be Suddenly Disabled](https://achronicvoice.com/suddenly-disabled/) - [My Recovery Time for Simultaneous Bilateral Patellar Tendon Rupture (With Lupus & Steroid Treatment)](https://achronicvoice.com/recovery-time-for-simultaneous-bilateral-patellar-tendon-rupture/) - [Knee Surgery for Spontaneous Bilateral Patellar Tendon Rupture: Weeks 1 – 6](https://achronicvoice.com/knee-surgery-spontaneous-bilateral-patellar-tedon-rupture-weeks-1-6/) - [Depression After Knee Surgery & How to Cope](https://achronicvoice.com/depression-after-knee-surgery/) ### Comments Archives: Comments imported from previous WordPress site. - [ **Carrie John Kellenberger** ](https://www.myseveralworlds.com/2022/12/08/what-it-feels-like-to-win-health-coverage-in-taiwan/) Dec 14, 2022 What a great resource, Sheryl! Strangely enough, I was just thinking of you again today and wondering how you were managing, as my husband had to lift me out of bed last night for “help.” It was a bad night and unfortunately they’ve been frequent this year. And then—poof—here is your article, and I’ve got a great number of the items you’ve listed here in my room right now (aside from bed pans, which we now know we must get). I’ll be sure to share widely and will wisely hold on to everything this time, as I keep giving it away and then inevitably need it again. I admire you. I’ve thought many times of your holiday giveaway this year and while I love it, I’m also aware of how much work it is. I was glad to see you take this year off, but I admit I’ve missed your posts and wanted you to know that someone notices your regular events from this site! Glad I could be the first to comment on this extraordinary resource guide and wish you a happy holiday—and hopefully a better year for both of us! Sending hugs and love from Taiwan 💛 - [ **Sheryl Chan** ](https://www.achronicvoice.com/) Dec 16, 2022 Thank you so much for your support as always, Carrie — I appreciate it tremendously 🙂 I’m sorry to hear that you’re in so much pain. Many healthy people don’t realize that the resources I listed for post-surgery are just as helpful for those living with chronic illness, since our daily pain levels can be similar. Sending hugs to you. And yes, I definitely needed a break from the giveaways — they’re *too much*work and always cause me to burn out and flare up 😅 When I’m up for it, I’ll be sure to host one again. **Start a new conversation in the Member Comments below!**