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Lumpas Asked February 2018

My husband is in the hospital and needs two knee surgeries. He won't go to rehab, what do I do?

Rainmom Feb 2018
I agree with Shane, completely.

Tell the surgeon about your hubbys plan to skip rehab.

I was present when my mom had her presurgery appointment with the surgeon who was to do her hip replacement- he told her he expected full cooperation and participation in physical and occupational therapy during her required - by him - rehab stay.

Unfortunately- there’s not a lot that can be done - should the patient agree before hand and then not follow through. As was the case with my mother.

Mom did stay the two weeks and actually wanted to stay longer as it was a brand new, on the fancy side, rehab facility. She was also getting a lot of visits, flowers and candy - attention from her friends - heroin to a hypochondria junky. 

They did sent her home at the two week mark due to her refusal to participate in her own recovery. For some reason my mother seemed to be expecting a spa experience rather than actual rehab. Frankly, she was so pissy and demanding I was amazed they didn’t 86 her earlier.

Anyhoo - give it a shot - talking to hubbys surgeon. It couldn’t hurt.  And while it might be more inconvenient- see about one knee at a time. If hubby doesn’t rehab the first, I doubt they’ll do the second. I’d bet money my moms medical file was red flagged for no more elective surgeries. 

gladimhere Feb 2018
Bringing to top for others to answer

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Shane1124 Feb 2018
Great advice, glad. I would also tell his surgeon that your husband plans to skip rehab. Surgeons strive for positive outcomes but need the cooperation of the patient to get there.
I have seen surgeons who do perform both knee replacements in one surgery, and in these cases the patient is closely assessed pre - operatively to assure that the patient will committ to post op rehab, otherwise the surgeon will reject replacing both knees at the same time and only do one knee. I am not sure if this is your husband’s scenario or if the surgeon plans to replace one at a time.
I would continue to reinforce what gladimhere suggests. 
Good luck!

gladimhere Feb 2018
You tell him you will not be able to provide the care he needs. Hire care for him in home, tell him he has two options, rehab or home carers (quite expensive). If he still is unrelenting plan a vacation for yourself and go for a couple of weeks, minimum and get the caregivers. Also make sure his doctor understands you will not be able to provide the care. Doctors can impress upon him that you providing care will be very hard on you. There is an option that would be better for him and you. Medicare will pay for rehab but will not pay for in home caregivers. Stand your ground.

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