Preparing For Surgery

Once you and your doctor agree that you are a good candidate for total joint replacement, use the weeks before surgery to get prepared. With knowledge and proper preparation, you can better ensure a smooth surgery and recovery.

Take the time to learn as much as possible about all aspects of the process, from the procedure, anesthesia, your hospital stay, recovery, and life after joint replacement. Start assembling your personal and medical information, including insurance coverage, medical history, medications, allergies or adverse reactions to drugs or anesthesia, any dietary restrictions, and all your legal arrangements. Keep this information readily available, as you will likely be asked to provide it repeatedly.

Also, prepare yourself physically for surgery. Quit smoking or significantly reduce use. Smoking has adverse affects on healing and lengthens recovery. Avoid any alcohol consumption at least 48 hours before surgery. Alert your doctor to use of any controlled substance to ensure it will not impact the success of your surgery. Begin a weight loss plan to reduce the pressure on your new joint. Finally, ask your doctor about presurgical exercises. You will likely need to strengthen your upper body to effectively move around with crutches or a cane. Also, practice rehabilitation exercises before surgery so they will be easier to perform after surgery.

Finally, set up your house to accommodate your needs during recovery. You may need to research a rehabilitation facility if you live alone or have special needs.

Plan ahead for your homecoming

Recovering from joint replacement surgery takes time. But you can take steps now that will help make your recovery easier and faster. Planning ahead is key to minimizing stress and optimizing your outcome. At minimum, arrange for someone to stay with you during the first few days after surgery. It is recommended that you make meals in advance and freeze them, or purchase ready-made meals.

Place commonly used items at arm level to minimize bending down and reaching. Using a walker or crutches, test how well you can maneuver through your home. You may need to rearrange furniture or temporarily change rooms. Remove any rugs that may cause you to slip. Securely fasten electrical cords around the perimeter of the room.

You may need to modify your bathroom to include a shower chair, gripping bar, or raised toilet. Items such as a long-handled shoehorn, a long-handled sponge, a grabbing tool or reacher, a footstool, a big-pocket shirt or soft shoulder bag for carrying things around will make daily activity easier. Arrange an area where you will spend most of your time with the phone, TV remote, water, and medication in close reach. Consider obtaining a parking permit for a disabled person from the Department of Motor Vehicles. All that is required is your doctor's signature.

Presurgical Medical Evaluations

A team of health care professionals are involved in your surgery. First, your primary care physician will complete a comprehensive medical evaluation to assess your health and your risk for anesthesia. The results will be sent to your orthopedic surgeon, along with a surgical clearance. Any blood donations should be scheduled at least one week apart, beginning about six weeks and ending approximately five days before your surgery. Be especially careful to eat properly and take a daily iron supplement. Just before your surgery, you will likely have an orthopedic examination to review the procedure and answer any last-minute questions.

The anesthesiologist will discuss with you the anesthesia protocol. Certain tests, such as blood tests, a cardiogram, a urine sample and a chest X-ray may be required. Inform your anesthesiologist about any medications. You may need to cease taking or substitute certain medications until your surgery. Schedule any major dental work, such as extraction or periodontal therapy well in advance of your surgery. Avoid any dental work, including routine cleanings until several weeks after your surgery. Alert your doctor of any fever, a cold or any other illness in the week prior to surgery.

Final preparations

The day prior to surgery requires that you follow strict guidelines. Designate a family member or friend as your primary contact to disseminate information to other friends and family for the day of surgery. To reduce the risk of infection, take a shower or bath the night before your surgery. Avoid shaving in the area of the surgery. Any needed shaving will be performed at the hospital. Do not eat or drink after midnight to reduce the risk of nausea. Also, do not wear make-up or nail polish. And be sure to follow any pre-suregry instructions

from your doctor and hospital. Arrange in advance for someone to drive you home and stay with you for a few days

Prepare a bag with the following items to increase your comfort during your hospital stay:

Comfortable, sturdy bedroom slippers with non-skid soles
A robe or gown
A lightweight shirt to wear under your hospital gown
Reading material
Copies of your insurance cards, advance medical directives and medical history
Ample supply of normal medications
Personal care items such as a hairbrush, denture case, eyeglass case, contact lens case
Leave your cash, credit cards and jewelry at home
A loose-fitting jogging suit and comfortable shoes to wear home