Preparation for Joint replacement surgery

Preparation for Joint replacement surgery


This information is intended to be an overview of activities that you may experience during joint replacement surgery. It is not intended to replace any instructions provided by your doctor and we would encourage you to discuss this information with your doctor.

Four weeks before the surgery

Become familiar with your joint anatomy. You may find it useful to understand your joint anatomy and able to read answers to common questions. Check out guide knee surgery and guide to shoulder surgery. Start gentle exercise to strengthen your muscles.

Three weeks before the surgery

Store frequently used items in easy to reach cabinets, such as cleaning supplies. Avoid very high or very low shelves as these may require you to use a step stool or kneel.

Check the safety of your home to prevent falls or tripping

Move long electrical & telephone cords against the wall
Place a non-skin mat in your bath area
Make preparation to reduce climbing stairs


Two weeks before the surgery

Anti-inflammatory medications: Your doctor may not want you to take any non-inflammatory medications (pain-killers) 14 days prior to the surgery. Be sure to discuss this with your doctor.

One week before the surgery

Make note of all the pharmaceuticals ,medication you take, the dosage and how often you will want to take this with you when you are pre-admited at the hospital.

Week of the surgery

What to bring to the hospital: Below is a list of things you may want to bring with you to the hospital I preparation for your surgery. Talk to your doctors he may have additional information about preparing for your hospital stay.




· Do not bring your personal belongings until after surgery. Tell your family that your room will be assigned when you are in surgery or in recovery and which point they can bring your personal items to your room.
· Personal grooming items that you may want to pack include a toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, eyeglasses/contacts, comb, shaving cream / razor, shampoo, undergarments, etc.
· Bring slippers to walk I the hallway.
· Bring loose fitting clothes for your trip home.
· Bring medications you are currently taking. You should also make a note of your medication information to be given to the hospital staff. Be sure to include the name, dose and how often you take the medication.
· Please communicate any allergies you might have, to your doctors and the nursing staff.
· Leave valuables at home.


On arrival at the hospital.

You should report to the hospital the day before your scheduled surgery. The nurses will complete your preparation for surgery and will likely review your care following surgery.

How you will feel after the surgery: Be sure to ask your physician how you may feel after the surgery. You may feel nauseated, dizzy, weak, experience loss of appetite, have constipation and slight pain. Patients usually recover in few days after surgery.


First meal after the surgery will likely be liquids &will progress to solid foods as tolerated:

Check with your doctor about your first meal.

Self-care after the surgery: A catheter may be in place after the surgery. It is normally removed when you can get out of bed to the commode or restroom; you can feed yourself, and can bathe your face and upper body. Your bandage will probably be changed once or twice a day.

Visitors after the surgery: you are allowed visitors once you have been moved from the recovery room into your room/ward. If you would prefer not to have visitors, please tell then nursing staff so they can communicate this to the visitors.







Your stay at the hospital:

Your surgeon will visit you and the physiotherapist will begin post-operative exercises. Your pain may be managed with injection or pills.

Self-care:

Our care takers will help you to walk to the wash room till you are able to support yourself. Walking to the restroom will build your strength & prepare you for discharge to home. You can bathe yourself with a little help, around your surgery area.

Discharge from the hospital:

You will discharged from the hospital when your doctor feels the time is right, this is usually five days (less or more depending on the type of surgery) after surgery. You will need to make arrangements for someone to drive you home from the hospital, as you will not be able ton operate an automobile. You will also be asked to wear comfortable, loose clothing to avoid pressure on the incision area.

Transfer to a rehabilitation facility:

Depending on your situation, your doctor may recommend that you be transferred to rehabilitation facility after you are discharged from the hospital. You may require few more day so you can begin physiotherapy & your health can monitored.

Fill pain medication prescription:

Your surgeon will probably give you a prescription for pain. You will probably need less each day but you may need them at night for a few days. Check with your doctor. Do not drink alcoholic beverages while you are taking pain killers.

Once you are home

It is very important that you follow your doctor’s instructions. The following suggestions should be discussed with your surgeon before your hospital discharge.

If you will be using walker or crutches to assist with walking, ask your doctor how much weight you may put on your operated joint.
Remember that you will probably tire more easily than usual. You may want to plan a rest period of 30 to 60 minutes mid-morning and mid-afternoon.
It is safer and easier to get in and out of chairs using both arm sand you should avoid low or overstuffed furniture. To increase your comfort, use a cushion or pillow to raise your body while seated.
An elevated toilet seat may reduce stress to your hips and knees as you sit and stand.
A bathtub seat (bench) allows you to sit while bathing for increased safety and comfort.
A long-handled bath sponge may be used to reach lower legs
Avoid sweeping, mopping, or running the vacuum cleaner. Use long-handled feather dusters for dusting high and low items. Your doctor will tell you when it is okay to sweep, mop and vacuum.
For riding/ driving, you must follow your doctor’s instruction.
Constipations is a common problem for patients following surgery. This is usually due to your limited activity and medications you may be taking. Discuss your diet with your doctor. It should include fresh fruits and vegetables as well as eight full glasses of liquid each day, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Your doctor will probably give you a prescription for pain medication. Please follow your doctor’s instructions concerning these medications.
Some swelling around the incision is normal. You will find it more comfortable to wear loose clothing to avoid pressure on the incision. Ask your doctor or other qualified health professional about appropriate wound care.
Eat well-balanced meals for healing purpose.
Wound care-in some cases, when you are discharged your bandage will be removed and may be replaced with a smaller bandage. You will want to change your bandage as recommended by your Doctor, which is typically once a day. Call your Doctor if you notice any signs of infection, this should be discussed by your Doctor.


One week after the surgery

Visitors: You may want to wait a few days after you are home from the hospital/rehabilitation facility to give you an opportunity rest and become comfortable I your home setting. Schedule the post-operative appointment. If your post-operative appointment has not already been scheduled, call your doctor after a day or two after you are home from the hospital to set up your post-operative visit, which is typically two weeks after your surgery.

Three weeks after the surgery

Post-operative appointment. Your surgeon will examine the surgery area to check for any signs of infection. Your stitches / staples will likely be removed as well. Your range of motion will also be examined and you will review your physical therapy instructions. You will want to wear comfortable, loose clothing. You will likely return for follow-up appointments at three months, six months, and one year post-operation. You will probably return once a year thereafter.
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