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Use this comprehensive checklist to help you get ready for your joint replacement surgery.
Preparing Yourself
__ Have physical exam with your primary care physician 10-30 days before surgery.
__ Review medications with your doctor.
__ Have needed dental work at least 2-4 weeks before surgery.
__ Do the exercises (daily) that you were taught in joint class.
__ Wash with antiseptic soap each day for 3 days prior to surgery.
__ Do not shave your legs within 3 days of surgery.
__ Do not eat or drink anything after midnight (or the time you were instructed by the nurse) the night before surgery.
__ The morning of surgery, brush your teeth and take any meds you were instructed to take with just a few sips of water.
__ Do not wear makeup and remove all piercings (including earrings) for your surgical appointment.
Getting Your Home Ready
__ Prepare meals so they are easy to move from freezer to microwave to table.
__ Place frequently used objects in each room at waist level so they are easy to reach.
__ Clear floors and stairs of clutter, wires and area rugs to reduce tripping hazards.
__ Install handrails (if not in place) along stairs you will be using.
__ Place nightlights in your bedroom, bathroom and hallways.
__ Remove sliding shower doors and replace with a shower curtain.
__ Consider installing grab bars in the shower.
__ Get a shower bench or chair.
__ Install a raised toilet seat.
__ Locate an arm chair that is not too low or too soft (firm cushioning is better).
__ Get a supply of 4-inch bandages and tape.
__ Identify any applicable equipment you have available, such as a cane or a walker.
__ Get an ADL kit (typically, a dressing stick, sock aid, shoe horn and grabber).
__ Apply for a temporary handicap driving permit (if needed).
Your surgeon and physical and occupational therapists will determine what other durable medical equipment (DME) you may need based on your recovery progress and your home situation. Many insurance companies do not cover this equipment, so now is a good time to check.
Your Support Person
Arrange for a family member or friend who will:
__ Accompany you to pre-op appointments to learn what to expect and how to help you.
__ Bring you to the hospital on surgery day.
__ Be with you at discharge to collect your instructions and belongings and drive you home.
__ Help you at home, if necessary, to get into bed, a chair or the car, or to navigate stairs.
__ Help with meals, errands, housework and driving.
__ Support and encourage you.
What to Bring to the Hospital
Leave valuable items at home. Bring only items you really need and limit your bag to the size of carry-on luggage. You’ll need:
__ Footwear with closed-in heels and nonslip soles
__ Toiletries
__ Personal items such as eyewear, cell phone and hearing aids
__ Walker and/or crutches, if you already have them (label any assistive devices you bring with you)
__ Underwear and loose clothes to wear home
You may also want to pack:
__ Reading material
__ Hand sanitizer
__ Lip balm
__ Pen and paper (to write down questions and make notes to refer to later).
Paperwork to Bring With You
__ Your advance directive or healthcare proxy
__ A list of your current medications (name, dosage, frequency, and date/time of last dose)
__ A list of allergies and how you react to each one
__ Your insurance card and photo ID
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