Setting Up for Success: Preparing for Joint Replacement
By taking the steps outlined below to optimize your health and environment, you’ll be well-prepared for joint replacement surgery and recovery. Remember, a little preparation can go a long way toward ensuring a smooth, successful outcome. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you prepare.
1. Focus on Your Health
Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can increase the stress on your new joint and complicate recovery. Work with your doctor or a nutritionist to achieve a healthy weight through balanced eating and regular exercise.
Quit smoking: If you smoke, consider a smoking cessation program to help you quit before surgery.
Manage chronic conditions: If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or other conditions, follow your doctor’s recommendations and attend all pre-surgery appointments.
Build strength and flexibility: Participate in physical therapy and engage in low-impact exercises, like swimming and walking, to strengthen the muscles around your joint and improve flexibility.
Review medications: Discuss your current medications and supplements with your healthcare team. They will advise which ones to stop or adjust prior to surgery.
2. Prepare Your Home
Create a recovery-friendly space: Set up a comfortable, accessible area where you can recover that is close to a bathroom and, if possible, on the first floor to avoid stairs.
Remove hazards: Eliminate tripping hazards, like loose rugs, cords, and clutter. Consider using nonslip mats in the bathroom and secure any handrails.
Arrange for mobility aids: Your surgeon may recommend using a walker, crutches, or a cane after surgery, so have these items ready before surgery.
Stock up on essentials: Stock up on groceries, medications, and other necessities. Consider precooking meals or arranging for meal delivery services.
3. Have a Post-Surgery Plan & Follow It
Enlist help: Ask a family member or friend to assist you during the first few weeks of recovery. They can help with transportation, household chores, and errands.
Understand your recovery plan: Knowing your recovery milestones can help you stay on track and motivated.
Schedule follow-up appointments: Ensure you have follow-up appointments scheduled to monitor your progress and address any concerns.
Follow pre-surgery instructions: Your surgical team will provide specific instructions to prepare for your procedure. Follow them closely, including fasting guidelines and pre-surgery hygiene steps.
Whether you are considering joint replacement surgery or preparing for your procedure, our total joint surgeons are here for you at Orthopedic Associates. To consult with an expert, please call (314) 266-9935 or request an appointment online today.
