Patient Care

The medications you are currently taking as well as a written list of what they are and the prescribed dosages

Small bag of personal toiletry items if your surgery will require an overnight stay (don’t forget to bring glasses or contact lenses and case)

A comfortable outfit to change into after surgery

Ask your surgeon for any other instructions on what you should pack

1. Physical Prep: Arrange for a trusted individual to be your support person and your ride home.

   Plan to bring loose fitting clothing to wear home - pick an outfit that will easily fit over the surgical site and any dressings

   
   

2. Consumption Prep Most likely, you will be asked to avoid eating or drinking, beginning the night before surgery. Ask your physician about whether you can still take your usual medications.

   
   

3. Practical Prep: Double check to make sure your small bag of packed personal items has everything you need. Remember to call your doctor right away if you have a cold, fever, severe asthma, chest pain or a skin rash prior to surgery. Your procedure may need to be rescheduled if you are not in good health.

Talk to your surgeon beforehand to discuss any special decisions that need to be made concerning your procedure.

Some helpful resources:
Getting ready for joint replacement:

Talk to your doctor. Learn what to expect before, during, and after surgery. Your questions may include:

• What is the process for being admitted to the hospital?

• What type of anesthesia will I receive?

• What type of implant or prosthesis will be used?

• How long will I stay in the hospital?

• How long will my recovery take?

• How will my pain be managed after surgery?

• Why is this procedure being recommended? Are there alternatives?

• What are the benefits of this procedure in terms of pain relief, functioning/mobility? How long will the benefit last?

• What are the potential complications?

• What can I do to decrease my risk for complications?

• What is the success rate for this procedure?

• What is the procedure called? How is it done?

• Will this surgery solve the problem? Will any more surgery be required in the future?

• How many of these procedures are annually performed at this hospital?

• What percentage of patients improve following the procedure?

• What will happen if I don't have the surgery now?

• Will I need any tests or medical evaluations prior to the surgery?

• What kind of anesthesia will be used? Are there possible after effects or risks? Will I meet with the anesthesiologist in advance? Will her or she know my needs/allergies?

• What kind of implant or prosthesis will be used? What are the outcomes using this device? How long will it last?

• Will I have pain following the procedure? What pain relief or pain control measures will I be given?

• How long will the recovery take? What are my limitations during recovery? Will I need assistance at home afterwards? For how long? What will discharge instructions be?

• Will I have any disability following surgery? Will I need physical therapy?

• When can I return to work? When can I drive my car?

• Are there any materials about this surgery that I can review?

The hospital will give you complete instructions before the procedure. Follow these instructions carefully. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call us

On the day of the surgery, you will want to arrive early. Often, there will be paperwork to fill out before you get started. Be sure that you haven't had anything to eat or drink. The anesthesia requires an empty stomach. Finally, you will want to limit the amount of personal belongings that you bring along with you. Just bring what you know that you will need.

Immediately following the surgery, you will wake up in a recovery room. More often than not, patient's do not remember this room because the anesthesia is still making them groggy while it is wearing off. Once the anesthesia has worn off you will likely be reunited with your friends or family. Depending on what procedure you had, you will go to your inpatient room or be sent home with discharge instructions.

Those patients who follow post-operative protocol exactly will heal much more quickly and achieve better results when compared to those who do not complete their therapy and post-operative instructions as directed. It's important that you understand the goals and potential outcomes of therapy and that you know what is expected of you.

For day procedures you will be able to go home when you have fully recovered from your anaesthetic and had something to eat and drink. You will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours after a general anaesthetic.

You must not drive a vehicle for at least 24 hours after a general anaesthetic.

You usually receive a lot of instructions just prior to leaving. The nurse will give you the highlights in writing, including a list of the medications you will need to take as it is hard to remember everything.

As always, ask questions if you do not understand the instructions.

Have a family member present to help recall what was said.

Take notes and, specifically, find out:

• When to see the doctor again

• Dates and times if home nurses or therapists are coming to you

• When to change your bandages

• When bathing is permitted

• When it is okay to be alone in the house

• When you can drive

• Instructions about elevation of an operated extremity, and weight bearing on a leg after surgery

Make sure you understand any signs of complications, such as infections or blood clots. Know how to quickly contact your doctor or healthcare team should you notice signs of complication

Even at home, getting up to go the bathroom at night can be dangerous. Sleeping pills and pain medications can cause unexpected balance problems. Blood loss from surgery can make you feel dizzy when you first stand up.

• Stand still at the bedside for a moment before walking

• Use eye glasses and turn on a light

• Be sure slippery scatter rugs have been removed

• Be aware that emptying your bladder can drop blood pressure and cause fainting. Men are much safer sitting down.

After an injury or surgery, an exercise conditioning program will help you return to daily activities and enjoy a more active, healthy lifestyle. Following a well-structured conditioning program will also help you return to sports and other recreational activities.

Before you begin any program, speak to your doctor first to ensure it is safe and effective for you, it should be performed under your doctor's supervision. Discuss with your doctor or physical therapist about which exercises will best help you meet your rehabilitation goals.

Some helpful resources:
Hip rehabilitation exercises PDF

Some helpful resources:
Knee rehabilitation exercises PDF

After surgery, you may expect your lifestyle to be a lot like how it was before surgery — but without the pain. In many ways, you are right, but returning to your everyday activities will take time. Being an active participant in the healing process can help you get there sooner and ensure a more successful outcome.

It is important to remember that your recovery time will depend on the type of surgery that you have. There are some standardised tips that will help your post joint replacement surgery recovery go smoothly.

1. Follow pre-surgery instructions: It is important to follow all of the pre-surgery instructions that you are given. They are provided to you for a reason, which is to ensure that you meet all requirements necessary so that the surgery can be performed. If you have any questions or concerns about the instructions provided to you, be sure to consult with your doctor.

2. At-home Care: The care you have arranged for yourself when you return to your home is every bit as important as the post-op care you receive in the hospital.

   • Caring for surgery site - To avoid infection, and help your incisions to heal faster, it is imperative that you follow the care instructions you are given in the hospital.

   • Pain medication - Be sure to never take more of the medication than recommended, and try to take the medication before pain hits its peak.

   • Maintain the proper activity level- When healing, you do not want to over exert yourself and risk potentially harming your joint replacement surgery, yet you also do not want to remain completely inactive. Consult with your doctor and/or a physical therapist to create an appropriate rehab plan.

3. Maintain a proper medical follow up plan: Make sure to attend all of your follow up appointments with your doctor or physical therapist. If you do not maintain these appointments, it will be impossible to track how you are healing and to make the necessary changes to your treatment plan.

Whenever you are recovering from a surgery, it is in your best interest to be fully informed. You should not feel foolish asking questions. In fact, the more you equip yourself with the knowledge about your treatment, the more successful you will be in your post joint replacement surgery recovery.

Some helpful resources:
After your joint replacement surgery PDF 

Any other questions?

The team at SOC are ready to to help with any questions or concerns you might have. Contact us today.

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