Tips for Preparing for Joint Replacement Surgery

In order to ensure a successful operation and a seamless recovery, certain preparations must be made before joint replacement surgery. Addressing certain issues beforehand will allow the patient to relax and focus on recovery afterward.

Before having a joint replacement, it is important to follow any specific guidelines and recommendations the doctor provided. Some of the most common recommendations include the following:

TIP #1: LOSE WEIGHT

Especially if you are having knee or hip replacement surgery, getting your weight down to an acceptable level can help make healing after surgery much easier. An added benefit of working off that extra weight is that you will have improved physical conditioning and strength.

Being in the best physical condition possible can help shorten your healing time, because the surrounding body structures are physically strong. Also, working out the upper body will make it easier to use crutches during recovery.

TIP #2: BANK BLOOD

Banking your own blood before your surgery is a smart idea in case a transfusion is necessary during the operation. This will ensure that you receive your own blood, which is always ideal. If you require more blood during surgery than was banked, the surgeons will also use other donated blood.

TIP #3: PREPARE IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS

Gather any advance directives like a living will, medical records (including a list of current medications and any that have recently been discontinued), and insurance documents. Calling the insurance company to verify all coverage before the surgery is also wise for planning ahead.

TIP #4: PREPARE YOUR HOME

Be sure to have a walker and crutches to assist with walking after the surgery. Rearrange furniture to widen pathways, and remove any cables or rugs that may cause tripping. Consider purchasing a special toilet seat (which makes the seat slightly higher), and consider installing railings in the bathroom to prevent falls.

Choose an ergonomic, comfortable chair to use as a base, and assemble any desired items in reach of it – such as a phone and TV remote control. It’s a good idea to purchase an aid for reaching, like a pole with a claw on the end, to help retrieve items while seated.

TIP #5: ASSEMBLE YOUR PERSONAL TEAM

Enlist the help of friends, family members, and neighbors beforehand to be ready to help you if and when needed. If you live alone, ask a close friend to stay with you for the first one or two nights after the joint replacement surgery – just in case.

MEDICAL TEAM FOR JOINT REPLACEMENT SURGERY

If all of these issues are addressed before your operation, it will help reduce the amount of stress you’ll experience after the surgery. The absolute last thing someone healing from joint replacement surgery wants is to require sudden emergency help to run errands, fill prescriptions, or take care of overlooked details.

When it is time to investigate joint replacement surgery, contact the Wooster Community Hospital. Call our team today at (330) 263-8144 or request a consultation online, and take the first step toward an improved you!