So, you're having arthroscopic done on your knee. Congratulations – you'll soon be pain free. The prognosis after arthroscopic knee surgery is excellent. However, you will be immobile for a small time and on crutches for at least a few days. Prepare ahead so that both your surgery and recovery time are optimal.

Information to Tell Your Doctor

It is always best to be honest with your doctor, no matter how inconvenient those truths. However, as you're preparing for arthroscopic knee surgery, your doctor needs to know specific information from you, according to Medline Plus.

Many people enjoy a glass of wine with dinner. If, however, you regularly imbibe more than that, tell your doctor. Alcohol affects both how anesthesia works and how your wound heals. So, yes, your doctor will likely advise you to taper off alcohol consumption.

Likewise, smoking slows down the healing process. It's ideal if you can quit smoking before your surgery. Your doctor can help with that.

Make sure you tell your doctor about all medicine you currently take. This includes over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements. Any substances in your body can interact with the anesthesia and pain medication.

Finally, if you think you might be coming down with an illness, let your doctor know. This includes chronic outbreaks such as herpes.

Items to Purchase

Knee scoping is a minimally-invasive procedure. Typically you go home the same day. However, having some items on hand will make your recovery feel easier.

First of all, your doctor will likely prescribe pain medication. Have that prescription filled ahead of time. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are also effective against the pain and swelling associated with the surgery. Likewise, your doctor may prescribe aspirin for blood clots.

You'll go home with your knee dressed and/or secured with an Ace bandage. You may need to change the dressing, so have gauze and medical tape available.

For the first 24 hours, you want your knee elevated and iced. Set up your convalescent location beforehand.  Buy a bag of ice or, even better, purchase two or three medical ice bags. Have those set up in the freezer.

General Preparations

Someone will need to drive you home from the clinic and be around those first 24 hours. If you live alone, set that up before you go in for surgery. Likewise, make sure you have provisions for feeding yourself the first couple days because you will not feel like preparing meals.

You'll need to be seen at the health care clinic and, possibly, by your surgeon after the surgery. Set up those appointments before you have surgery.

Obviously, you'll need to take time off work or school. Your doctor will tell you exactly how long, but expect at least a few days. Likewise, you won't be able to drive, probably for at least a week. Plan for alternate forms of transportation.

It won't be long before you're in physical therapy and then, finally, pain free. Plan for your knee surgery and recovery ahead of time so the interim feels easy.

For more information, contact a local clinic, like Noyes Knee Institute.