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Preparing for Surgery
Surgery Message Board |
Additional Resources |
Fact Sheets from the AAOS |
Once you and your doctor decide that surgery will help you, you'll need to learn what to expect from the surgery and create a treatment plan for the best results afterward.
Preparing mentally and physically for surgery is an important step toward a successful result. Understanding the process and your role in it will help you recover more quickly and have fewer problems.
Working with Your Doctor
- Before surgery, your doctor will give you a complete physical examination to make sure you don't have any conditions that could interfere with the surgery or its outcome. Routine tests, such as blood tests and X-rays, are usually performed a week before the surgery.
- Discuss any medications you are taking with your orthopedic surgeon and your family physician to see which ones you should stop taking before surgery.
- Discuss with your doctor options for preparing for potential blood replacement, including donating your own blood, medical interventions and other treatments, prior to surgery.
- If you are overweight, losing weight before surgery will help decrease the stress you place on your new joint. However, you should not diet during the month before your surgery.
- If you are taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications, you will need to stop taking them one week before surgery to minimize bleeding.
- If you smoke, you should stop or cut down to reduce your surgery risks and improve your recovery.
- Have any tooth or gum problems treated before surgery to reduce the risk of infection later.
- Eat a well-balanced diet, supplemented by a daily multivitamin with iron.
- Report any infections to your surgeon. Surgery cannot be performed until all infections have cleared up.
Home Planning
- Arrange for someone to help out with everyday tasks like cooking, shopping and laundry. Another option is to arrange a short stay in an extended care facility during the recovery period.
- Put items that you use often within easy reach before surgery so you won't have to reach and bend as often.
- Remove all loose carpets and tape down electrical cords to avoid falls.
- Consider installing equipment that can help you have a safer and easier recovery such as an elevated toilet seat, a stable shower bench, or a long-handled reacher.
- Install secure handrails and grab bars in your shower to help steady yourself.
- Make sure you have a stable chair with a firm seat cushion, a firm back and two arms.
Financial Issues
- Contact your health insurance provider to find out if there are regulations you need to know about. Some providers require a second opinion before proceeding with surgery.
- Find out from your provider exactly what is covered and what your deductible will be.
- Ask your provider specific questions, such as:
- Will physical or occupational therapy or home health care be covered after surgery? For how long?
- Will in-hospital rehabilitation be covered?
- Will any equipment or home modifications be covered?
- Will follow-up visits with my physician be covered?
Learn more about preparing for surgery.
