Preparing for Surgery
Once you and your doctors have determined that you are a good candidate for joint replacement surgery, you should immediately begin preparing both physically and mentally for the procedure.
One of the largest factors of your recovery is your physical condition going into surgery. The more prepared and fit you are, the quicker and better your recovery. You will need to prepare yourself, your family and your home to make your recovery as smooth as possible.
topMedical Evaluation
You may be asked to have a complete physical by your family physician several weeks before surgery. This examination will assess your health and rule out any conditions that could interfere with a successful surgery. Tests like blood samples, a cardiogram, and a urine sample may be needed to help your surgeon plan your surgery.
A preoperative urological evaluation should be considered for individuals with a history of recent or frequent urinary infections. For older men with prostate disease, required treatment should be considered prior to knee replacement surgery.
Your knee and leg should not have any skin infections or irritations. Your lower leg should not have any chronic swelling. If either is present prior to surgery, contact your surgeon.
topHome Planning
The following is a list of things you can do at home to help make your recovery easier on you and your family:
- Safety bars or a secure handrail in your shower or bath.
- Secure handrails along your stairways.
- A stable chair for your early recovery with a firm seat cushion (height of 18-20 inches), a firm back, two arms, and a footstool for intermittent leg elevation.
- A toilet seat riser with arms, if you have a low toilet.
- A stable shower bench or chair for bathing.
- Loose rugs and cords should be secured to the floor.
- Going up and downstairs after surgery will be difficult at first. You may want to set up a temporary bedroom on the main level if possible.
- Prepare food ahead of time and store in small containers. You may also want to stock up on canned and frozen foods that can be prepared quickly and easily.
- Rearrange the kitchen so that the most often used items are located easily within reach.
Arrange for Help
You should have someone stay with you the first few days after you are released from the hospital. You will be able to walk on crutches or a walker soon after surgery but will need help for several weeks with tasks like cooking, shopping, bathing, and doing the laundry. If you do not have anyone that can help you out or feel you need additional help, check with your doctor's office about home health agencies. They also can help you arrange for a short stay in an extended care facility during your recovery if this option works best for you. You won't be able to drive a car for a few weeks following your surgery. Make arrangements to have someone run errands.
topDental Work
Although very rare, infections in your mouth can enter your bloodstream potentially leading to infection in your knee. This could adversely affect your recovery. Treatment of significant dental diseases (including tooth extractions and periodontal work) should be considered before your total knee replacement surgery.
topDonate Blood
You will lose some blood during the surgery and it may be necessary to give you blood to compensate for this loss. You should consider donating blood ahead of time for use during the operation.
topList All Medications You Take
Your surgeon needs to know precisely what medications you are taking to make ensure that no adverse reactions will occur with any medications you will receive during and after surgery. Make a list and discuss each of them with your surgeon. The list should include over-the-counter as well as prescription drugs.
topFasting
Typically, you will be instructed to not eat or drink anything after midnight the day before surgery. Your surgeon's office will provide you with specific instructions.
topHygiene
You may be instructed to use a special soak to scrub your leg before going to the hospital. You also need to remove any nail polish prior to surgery.
"Preparing For Surgery" courtesy of Plus Orthopedics