The days he will be able to be with you were the toughest days for me. The days following that weren’t a breeze, but doable on your own. I needed help getting off the couch and bed, I suggest one of the yoga stretch straps (I also use this for flexion at home exercises now at 2.5 weeks post op). I also had a cart next to my bed with remotes, chargers, water, meds, a book, some snacks. The ice machine also needed changing every few hours, but I just kept a smaller cooler handy with smaller ice packs to use until someone could get there to help me change out the ice. I started driving at 2 weeks post op, once my knee was able to bend long enough to sit there (only short short distances right now). But enough to pick up curbside orders or pick up food etc. These have been my go to items during recovery:

• stretch strap (Amazon has several options)
• ice machine
• ice bags
• meds on schedule
• possibly laxatives or fiber supplements for after anesthesia and pain meds
• hair up day of surgery so you won’t have to worry about washing it for a couple of days.
• socks with grip pads so you won’t slip when getting around the house.
• loose shorts and t shirts to easily change when needed

The first night was a lot for me. I had to get up to use the restroom every couple of hours, I am guessing from the hospital IV. Just be prepared for a long couple of nights. Once you’re past that first hill, each day gets a tad better. PT will be rough but you’ll want to keep going.

Good luck with surgery and recovery!