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How to Prepare for Joint Replacement Surgery
When you experiencing debilitating pain in your joints, it can drastically hinder your ability to perform even the simplest everyday tasks. Joint pain can strike any joint in the body and can be caused by a multitude of conditions or problems. Many patients benefit from nonsurgical treatment methods, but in some cases the joint pain is too severe to be treated with these types of methods, leaving surgery as the only other option.
If you’re about to undergo joint surgery, it’s best to be as informed as possible so that you’re fully prepared and know what expect during the procedure and recovery. Keep reading to learn more about how to prepare for joint replacement surgery.
Understanding Your Joint Pain
Joints are the places in the body where the bones meet. The ends of the bones are covered in cartilage so they can easily glide against one another without causing pain. When a patient is experiencing joint pain, he or she typically feels discomfort, aches, and general soreness in the joint.
Talk to Your Doctor
Be sure to schedule an appointment to talk with your doctor in order to gain a full understanding of the procedure. Undergoing surgery can make you feel uneasy, but discussing it with your doctor and knowing what to expect can make you feel less nervous. Ask any questions you may have in addition to the following:
- 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?
Plan for Arrival at Home
Recovering from joint replacement surgery will take a few weeks, so preparing your home for your arrival after the surgery will help you rest more comfortably. Take the following tips into consideration when preparing your home for your recovery period:
- Be sure to arrange to have someone take you home from the hospital after the procedure since you won’t be able to drive. If possible, it’s best for someone to stay with you for a few days after surgery to help you get settled.
- Have meals made up ahead of time for a week or two that are ready to eat or can easily be microwaved.
- If your bedroom is on the second floor, make a bed on the first floor so you don’t have to climb stairs. Have everything you need in this room such as the phone and the television remote.
Preparing for Surgery
In the weeks before your procedure, your medical team will make sure you’re prepared. You will have a medical evaluation performed, preoperative tests such as blood tests or X-rays, and discussion regarding the anesthesia that will be used during the surgery.
Joint replacement surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures for aging members of the population. Your doctor may suggest joint replacement surgery if nonsurgical treatment methods have been unsuccessful in the past. Following these tips to make sure you’re prepared will help your surgery and recovery process go more smoothly.
If you need an orthopaedic surgeon, click here to download our ebook, Your How-To Guide to Choosing an Orthopaedic Surgeon. This guide is full of helpful information, such as questions to ask surgeons to make sure you select the best one for you.
