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If you have questions concerning
your surgery, please call our Clinical
Care Coordinator, Deb Valentine,
at 203-273-4777. |
Preparing For Surgery
Your decision to have total hip or knee replacement surgery is a major one. Total joint replacement surgery is one of the most successful orthopedic surgeries performed each year. It will substantially improve your quality of life. As you recover, you will enjoy relief from the pain you had prior to surgery, and will have improved function and mobility.
You will soon be able to participate in many of the activities you once enjoyed. Our entire team is committed to excellence and our goal is for you to achieve the best possible outcome after this procedure. You are the most important member of this team; therefore, education and preparation are keys to your successful recovery.
Your surgeon will discuss all aspects of your total joint replacement including benefits, risks, and anticipated outcome, and answer any questions that you have regarding your surgery. The information we get from your primary care physician and the results of your testing will allow your surgeon, anesthesiologist and the rest of our team to create a plan of care for you that will allow for the best outcome possible. Be a good communicator and ask questions.
Medications
Continue to take your routine medications.
- Ask your physician if he/she recommends you take a multivitamin and iron supplement.
- Review all medications with your surgeon including herbal supplements. You may be advised to discontinue some medications prior to your surgery. Check with your surgeon regarding blood thinners and when they should be discontinued.
Exercises Before Your Operation
While pain may limit your physical activity before surgery, there are some exercises you should begin doing now to maximize your strength prior to surgery. Check your Total Joint Replacement Guide for a list of exercises to do as preparation for surgery and recovery.
Preparing for Your Return Home
- Move furniture that may obstruct a clear path. If you go home using a walker, you may need a wider space to walk.
- Remove loose scatter rugs. You may need to remove any wires that are in the area where you walk.
- Place a non-skid mat in your bathtub or shower.
- Have enough food on hand that is easy to prepare.
- Purchase a cold pack for use after surgery. An alternative is to purchase several bags of frozen peas and put them in a large zip top bag. This can be used in the same manner as a cold pack.
- Choose a pair of rubber soled, closed toe shoes to wear after surgery. If having hip surgery, place several cushions on an armchair to increase the seat height.
- If you have a pet, see if you can have someone help care for the pet for at least a week after you get home.
- Make arrangements with a friend or family for transportation home from the hospital and to outpatient physical therapy.
- If you live alone, provide a friend or family member with a spare key.
- As you may be more unsteady on your feet during the night, place nightlights or lowwattage lights to light the way to the bathroom.
- Consider putting a railing by any staircase that doesn't have one.
- Consider installation of a grab bar in the shower or tub.
- Having a cordless phone that you can carry from room to room may be helpful as you won't have to rush to answer a call.
Your Plan for Discharge —Checking Health Insurance Benefits
Rehabilitation is just as important as the surgery itself! Prior to surgery, check on your health insurance benefits by calling the customer service representative, which is usually located on the back of your insurance card. Let them know you are having an Elective Total Joint Replacement Surgery and would like information on the benefits for rehabilitation and durable medical equipment that you may need. Also ask them how you may qualify for the benefit. Check your Total Joint replacement Guide for a list of questions to cover with your insurance carrier.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Your clinical condition and insurance play a major role in your discharge options. It is very important that you know your discharge options prior to your surgery. Please contact your insurance company
Pre-admision Testing and Appointments
All appointments and testing must be completed at least 10 days prior to your surgery date. We recommend that you have at least 5-6 weeks from the time your surgeon schedules the procedure until your surgery date, so we can ensure that all aspects of your preoperative preparation are complete and reviewed by our team.
You must be medically cleared for your surgery, so if you need to schedule a primary care and/or specialist appointment, please do so as soon as possible.
There is blood work and an assortment of tests that must be done prior to surgery. Most likely included are the following:
- Routine blood work
- Chest X-ray
- Electrocardiogram
- Urinalysis
The above tests can be done at the location of your choice. The one exception is your:
This test must be completed at the Tully Health Center, and must be drawn within 21 days of surgery.
Patient Education Class
It is our expectation that you attend one of our total joint education classes prior to your surgery. You will do better after your surgery if you have come into it fully informed, mentally prepared, and ready to be a full participant in your care. During class, members of our healthcare team will provide you with a detailed overview of the preoperative procedures, the surgery, your hospital stay, planning for discharge, and your recovery phase. We encourage you to bring a family member or friend to class with you.
Classes are held weekly at the Tully Health Center. (If you have not been contacted by 3 weeks beforeyour surgery, please call 203.276.2023 to schedule your class.)
PLEASE NOTE: Class and pre-admission testing can be scheduled for the same day. Testing can be done before and/or after class. If you are doing both on the same day, allow at least 3 hours for everything to be completed.
For more information or to make an appointment please call
1-877-233-WELL (9355).