A hip replacement is major surgery, and preparation for the operation should be taken seriously. Follow your doctor's advice in the weeks and days prior to surgery, and heed these tips and advice for getting ready, including what to do at home to prepare.
Instructions
1. Understand your surgery. Talk to your doctor about what to expect following the procedure, including the length of your hospital stay and how long you can anticipate having difficulty walking. Write down the questions you have prior to visiting with your physician, and record his responses on paper.
Share with your doctor and the nursing staff a complete list of all your prescription and non-prescription medications. Some physicians require that patients cease their aspirin-therapy regimen prior to surgery.
2. If you have not have a dental appointment in the last year, go see a dentist. Studies show that mouth, gum or tooth infections can cause infections in other areas of the body. Clear up any lingering dental issues prior to your operation.
3. Make appointments and schedule all of the preliminary tests recommended by your doctor. Sometimes, physicians recommend that patients donate blood prior to surgery. If a blood transfusion is needed, your doctor can then use your own blood instead of donated blood. A physician might also schedule an EKG or ECG, which evaluates heart function, or a chest X-ray to determine lung health. Your doctor might also request that you come in for blood work prior to surgery.
4. Consult with your anesthesiologist prior to surgery. Depending on your hospital and type of surgery, you may have options regarding the type of anesthesia used during your procedure. Talk to the anesthesiologist about any concerns or questions you might have.
5. Arrange a consultation with physical-therapy staff. The physical therapist can advise you regarding equipment--such as a cane or walker--that you might require after surgery. During the consultation, ask the staff to demonstrate any exercises they believe might aid in recovery. You can practice these exercises prior to surgery.
6. Find a family member or friend who can provide transportation to and from the hospital. You might also need this individual to pick up grocery items or prescriptions from the pharmacy. Be sure he is available and flexible.
7. Talk to friends and family members about visiting you during your recovery, which may take more than a week. Depending upon your surgery and hospital, you may stay in the hospital for 3 to 5 days. After you return home, you'll need someone to check in on you and to help with meal preparation or chores. It might be best to arrange for several people to help out, so you don't feel guilty about potentially over-burdening one individual. If you need help, don't be afraid to ask. Pushing yourself too hard after your surgery can lengthen your recovery time.
8. Go grocery shopping. It might be more than 10 days before you feel comfortable going to the store, so stock up before surgery. Select items that are easy to prepare and easy on the stomach. For some people, pain medications can cause nausea.
9. Prepare several meals during the week prior to your surgery. Make anything you enjoy and can reheat easily.
10. The night before your surgery, set up a recovery area. It should be in a place that is comfortable to you, like your living room or bedroom. Put a stack of pillows within arms' reach. Pillows can be used to help you find a comfortable position after surgery. Also make sure you have a heating pad nearby. Heat can ease discomfort after surgery.
Have nearby your remote, any books or magazines you enjoy, movies you'd like to see, games you enjoy playing and a hard surface you can eat upon. You shouldn't be getting up and down often after surgery.
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