Preparing for Joint Replacement Surgery
If your doctor advises you to undergo joint replacement surgery, the first thing that you might do is to get a second opinion. You should understand the procedure, the risks involved, the benefits from the surgery and take good care of your health prior to surgery. You should make some arrangements at home before leave for your surgery so that you are able to rest once you get back home. You can take the advice of your doctor and plan your homecoming so that you recuperate faster.
• Understand the procedure: this creates more awareness and prepares you mentally for what is about to happen. If you are not aware of the outcome, you might find it difficult to deal with the situation. Ask your doctor about the risks involved in surgery and what you can do to minimize them. Also, get to know how many days you would need to spend in the hospital once the surgery is over. If you want, take a second opinion to make sure, if you really need to undergo this procedure.
• Medical evaluation: take the advice of your doctor about the pathological tests you should go through before your surgery. Your doctor might ask you to quit alcohol, smoking and drugs. You might be asked to provide all the information regarding your current medication and if you have any medical condition. Ask your doctor if you need to stop taking any particular medicine before your surgery. If you have a dental problem, you might be asked to see a dentist prior to surgery.
• Check insurance: Check with your insurance company if it will cover all the cost of the procedure. Do not forget to check if it will cover for the other procedures like follow ups, medication, rehabilitation etc. Remember to take the insurance papers that you would be required to submit on the day of operation.
• Plan for homecoming: after the procedure is over, you will need help at home, so that you can rest. This may include help in doing the household chores, walking, taking you for follow up treatment, etc. Many people prefer to call physiotherapists at home to take their exercises. Check what would suit you and decide accordingly. If you live alone, you can plan to shop for the necessary groceries before you are hospitalized. Check with your dietician about the foods you should avoid after the procedure is over and do not buy them.
Preparing for Joint replacement surgery would be very helpful for you. It will help you heal in a better way and help you cope with the whole process. You will follow the instructions and precautions in a better manner and you will be able to get back to normal life. If you have any doubts regarding the preparation, do not hesitate to consult your doctor.
• Understand the procedure: this creates more awareness and prepares you mentally for what is about to happen. If you are not aware of the outcome, you might find it difficult to deal with the situation. Ask your doctor about the risks involved in surgery and what you can do to minimize them. Also, get to know how many days you would need to spend in the hospital once the surgery is over. If you want, take a second opinion to make sure, if you really need to undergo this procedure.
• Medical evaluation: take the advice of your doctor about the pathological tests you should go through before your surgery. Your doctor might ask you to quit alcohol, smoking and drugs. You might be asked to provide all the information regarding your current medication and if you have any medical condition. Ask your doctor if you need to stop taking any particular medicine before your surgery. If you have a dental problem, you might be asked to see a dentist prior to surgery.
• Check insurance: Check with your insurance company if it will cover all the cost of the procedure. Do not forget to check if it will cover for the other procedures like follow ups, medication, rehabilitation etc. Remember to take the insurance papers that you would be required to submit on the day of operation.
• Plan for homecoming: after the procedure is over, you will need help at home, so that you can rest. This may include help in doing the household chores, walking, taking you for follow up treatment, etc. Many people prefer to call physiotherapists at home to take their exercises. Check what would suit you and decide accordingly. If you live alone, you can plan to shop for the necessary groceries before you are hospitalized. Check with your dietician about the foods you should avoid after the procedure is over and do not buy them.
Preparing for Joint replacement surgery would be very helpful for you. It will help you heal in a better way and help you cope with the whole process. You will follow the instructions and precautions in a better manner and you will be able to get back to normal life. If you have any doubts regarding the preparation, do not hesitate to consult your doctor.
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