Getting Ready for Surgery

You may want to make a few simple changes around the house before surgery. This will help make life easier during recovery. Be sure to see your primary care doctor or dentist. Treating health and dental problems ahead of time helps improve healing after a joint replacement. If you're a smoker, do your best to stop or cut down. Your surgery risks and recovery rate will improve.

Prepare at Home

Make life easier and safer after surgery. Reduce household hazards now. Also, limit the amount of reaching and stair climbing you'll have to do. Try these tips:

• Stock up on canned and frozen foods. Store food and supplies between waist and shoulder level.
• Prepare a room on the main living level if you normally sleep upstairs. Or set things up so you have to go upstairs only once a day.
• Pick up clutter. Remove any throw rugs and tape down electrical cords.

Arrange for Help

After your knee replacement, you won't be able to drive for the first few weeks. Perhaps a family member or friend can deliver groceries and help you run errands. If you live alone, ask someone to stay with you for a few days after surgery. By planning ahead now, you'll have less to worry about during recovery.

See Your Doctor

Your primary care doctor makes sure that you're in shape for surgery. You may have an ECG (electrocardiogram) to find out what type of anesthesia is best for you. You also may have a chest x-ray, and lab or blood tests. Your doctor will talk with you about any health problems, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, that need to be treated before surgery.

Discuss Your Medications

Tell your surgeon about all of the medications you take, even over-the-counter ones. This is important. Some medications don't mix well with anesthesia. Others?aspirin, ibuprofen, and blood thinners, for example?can increase bleeding. To avoid problems during surgery, you may need to stop taking certain medications before your joint is replaced.

Finish Dental Work

Have tooth or gum problems treated before surgery. Also, finish any dental work that is under way. If you don't, germs in your mouth could enter the bloodstream and infect the new joint. This could delay your recovery. In an extreme case, an infection in the new joint might mean that the prosthesis would have to be removed.

Donating Blood

Blood lost during surgery may need to be replaced. Donating your own blood ahead of time is often best, since there is less risk of reaction this way. If necessary, blood can be provided by a blood bank. This blood is always screened to rule out disease.

This content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Only your doctor can diagnose and treat a medical problem. © 1990, 1995, 1998, 2000 The StayWell Company, 1100 Grundy Lane, San Bruno, CA 94066-3030. www.krames.com 800-333-3032. All right reserved.