Joint pain is one of the most common health issues among senior citizens. However, it can appear at any age due to various reasons. Doctors try to handle it in several ways such as through medicine, exercise etc. However, if no way to help it positively then doctors suggest joint replacement surgery for pain relief. It is a huge procedure; however, it is not risky at all. But you need to be prepared for this. In this blog, we are going to provide you with a step-by-step guide to be prepared for joint replacement surgery. Read the blog to handle this situation yourself or for your loved one more easily and connect with NeotiaGetwel Multispecialty Hospital for 24*7 emergency care & the best medical assistance.

1. Steps right before the surgery:

• Pre-screening blood work
• Physical exam by your primary care physician
• Selecting your support person
• Pre-operative Education Class
• Provide your health history information to the surgery centre Pre-Operative Nurse
• Contact your insurance company
• Discharge planning

2. Preparation for your home:

• Pre-screening blood work
• Physical exam by your primary care physician
• Selecting your support person
• Pre-operative Education Class
• Provide your health history information to the surgery centre Pre-Operative Nurse
• Contact your insurance company
• Discharge planning

3. What are the must-haves for the operation day?

• A walker or crutches (for hip, ankle or knee procedures).
• Loose, comfortable clothing to wear to and from the surgery centre.
• Tennis shoes or flat rubber-soled shoes that tie or slip on.
• Eyeglasses and denture cases.
• Picture ID and Insurance Card.
• Leave jewellery, valuables, credit cards, and large sums of cash at home.

4. What are the last-minute preparations?

Take a shower or bath the night before your surgery. Your surgeon may recommend an antibacterial soap or other medical wash. This will help reduce the risk of infection.

Do not shave the area of the surgery. If shaving is necessary, it will be done in the hospital.

Do a good skin assessment in the mirror. Any break in the skin gives bacteria a chance to enter your body and cause an infection. Look all over your skin, including in the groin area, under the breasts, behind the knees, and under the arms. Report anything abnormal to your doctor.

Remove any make-up, lipstick, or nail polish before leaving for the hospital.

Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery.

Pack a small bag to bring to the hospital. Some of the items you should include are:

• A pair of comfortable, sturdy bedroom slippers with non-skid soles
• A knee-length robe or gown
• A lightweight camisole or cotton shirt to wear under your hospital gown
• Something to read
• Copies of your insurance cards, advance medical directives, and medical history
• Any medications you take regularly
• A loose-fitting sweat suit or jogging suit and comfortable shoes to wear home

5. Pre-operation blood tests:

Right before the operation, some sort of blood tests are important. Your doctor will prescribe you. Diagnostic tests might be ordered closer to your procedure date.

6. In-depth health examination:

In-depth health examination is mandatory before this procedure. However, it does not get done right before the surgery. It gets done almost 2-1 week prior to the operation. Based on your health history and/or test results, you may require further evaluation. This will help identify any medical problems you may have that could put you at an increased risk during or after your surgery.

7. Get your support system at home:

This is the most important member of your team. Your support person’s commitment and active participation are the keys to ensuring a successful, timely recovery. It is vital to select a support person who will be there for you during preparation, the Education Class, the day of surgery, and for several days after you are discharged home. It is critical and required that you have a support person to be with you for the first several days after the surgery.

8. Pre-education is mandatory:

To fully prepare you for your surgery, your orthopaedic surgeon would like you to attend our Pre-operative Education Class. This class will enable you to participate in your care and gain a better understanding of the post-operative recovery period and exercise program. We encourage your support person to attend this class with you.

9. Have a chat with your doctor:

Talk to your doctor. Learn what to expect before, during, and after surgery. Your questions may include:

What is the process for being admitted to the hospital?

What type of anaesthesia 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?

In addition, do not hesitate to voice concerns or speak up if you do not understand something about your treatment

Some common FAQs:

Is joint replacement a risky surgery?

No, it’s not a risky surgery at all.

What is the basic process of joint replacement?

The procedure is performed in a hospital or outpatient surgery centre. During the surgery, the damaged cartilage and bone are removed from your joint and replaced with prosthetic components made of metal, plastic, or ceramic. The prosthesis mimics the shape and movement of a natural joint.

What does it mean to prepare for joint replacement?

Your testing will include a medical evaluation, blood samples, electrocardiogram, stress test, chest X-ray and urine sample. The tests will tell us if your body is ready for surgery or if you have any conditions that may need special attention before moving forward.

Final words: Join replacement is not a risky surgery. However, you need to be well-prepared to avoid any sort of further health issues. Ask your doctor whatever you want to know or may feel necessary. This helps in clearing any confusion. To know more about it connect with NeotiaGetwel Multispecialty Hospital.

Disclaimer

Though all attempts are made to provide correct information on the subject, inadvertent & typographical errors arising out of manual intervention cannot be ruled out. It is requested to bring any such discrepancies to the notice of the blogger for correction.