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 Black Hills Orthopedic & Spine Center. Please call (605) 341-1414 or request an appointment online today.
