Ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment. Answer two questions below to personalize your appointment guide.
- How would you rate your pain? What number would you give it on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the worst pain ever?
- How often do you need to use your pain medicine?
- What exercises and daily activities are you able to do? Do you need assistance?
- How often are you using your home exercise program? Are you always able to complete it?
- How often are you using your walker, crutches or cane?
- How well have medicines and physical therapy helped your knee pain or stiffness? How about joint injections?
- How much is your knee pain or stiffness limiting your daily activities? Sometimes, frequently, or all the time?
- What activities do you avoid due to knee pain? Do you have pain even at rest?
- Have you had knee X-rays or other types of joint imaging?
- How would you rate your quality of life due to your knee pain? Good, fair or poor?
- Are you ready to consider knee replacement surgery? What questions or concerns do you have?
- How well is your medication controlling your symptoms? Do you feel it is effective?
- What is your biggest concern about knee replacement surgery?
- What new symptoms are you experiencing?
- How do you know if knee replacement surgery will be successful for me?
- What are my knee replacement options? Am I a candidate for minimally invasive surgery?
- What are the risks and possible complications of the surgery you are recommending? How can I help prevent them?
- How long will I be in the hospital after knee replacement surgery? How long does full recovery usually take?
- How should I prepare my house before surgery to make my recovery easier? Where can I find more information or help with this?
- How active can I be until I see you next time? What restrictions do you recommend?
- How long will I need physical therapy? What exercises should I continue after PT to maintain strength and flexibility in my new knee?
- What symptoms could mean there is problem with my new knee? When should I call you?
- How long should I use my pain medicine? How can I avoid getting addicted to my pain medicine?
- How can I protect my new knee after I've recovered from surgery?
- Would another medication do a better job of controlling my pain and other symptoms?
- Are my new or different symptoms related to my knee replacement?
- What type of knee replacement is best for me? Am I a candidate for minimally invasive surgery?
- How will you know when it's the best time to perform knee replacement surgery?
