► Advance Healthcare Directives
Prior to your surgery, you’ll likely be asked to complete an advance healthcare directive. This form indicates the person(s) you'd like to make health or medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to. Check out these helpful resources from the American Hospital Association.
► Coping with a Slow Recovery
BoneSmart, an advocacy website for knee and hip replacement patients, has a popular community forum for sharing your questions, concerns, experiences and, yes, frustrations if your recovery seems slower than you’d hoped.
► Exercises After Joint Replacement
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers patient guides to beginning and advanced post-op exercises for recovering from knee replacement or hip replacement surgery.
► Getting Around After Joint Surgery
Whether you need crutches, a cane or a walker to get around after your joint replacement, learn from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons how to position and use these walking aids.
► Orthopedic Infections
Check out this information from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons to learn more about the risks and consequences of infections and what you can do to avoid them.
► Peer-to-Peer Support for Joint Patients
BoneSmart is a patient advocacy and online community for knee and hip replacement patients. People scheduled for or recovering from joint replacement surgery use the discussion boards on this site to share questions, experiences, tips and insights.
► Preparing for Joint Replacement Surgery
This article from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons provides helpful information on preparing for surgery. It covers everything from understanding the procedure you’re about to undergo to the materials to have on hand and what to do to be ready for your return home.
► Posture Tips for Sitting at Work
Use these ergonomic guidelines to learn to how to sit in a “neutral posture”.
► Self Care After Joint Replacement
Check out these National Library of Medicine tips on sitting, bathing, dressing, using the stairs and more after knee replacement or hip replacement surgery.
► Using a Disability Placard
DMV.org offers general information on obtaining and using a disability placard for your motor vehicle, which may be needed for a time after joint replacement surgery. Policies may vary by state.
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