For the best possible recovery after your surgery, we start preparing you weeks before surgery. It’s important that you follow all directions. Here’s a timeline of what to expect during the process:
6 weeks before surgery
- Begin preoperative exercise program
- Attend JointWorks education class
2 – 4 weeks before surgery
- Complete history and physical exam (and blood work, EKG, urine tests, etc.) with primary care physician (completed within 30 days of surgery)
- Complete dental exam 1 – 2 weeks before surgery
- Attend JointWorks education class
- Complete lab work not performed in primary care physician’s office
- Complete nasal swab for MRSA screen (within 4–14 days of surgery)
- Stop blood-thinning medications according to physician instruction
Preparing for surgery
- Hibiclens shower (cleanser and instructions available in surgeon’s office)
- No food or drink after midnight (or as directed by surgeon)
Day of Surgery
- Second Hibiclens shower before coming to the hospital
- Arrive in Admissions & Testing unit at time designated by surgeon
- Discuss anesthesia plan with anesthesiologist
After your surgery
- Arrive on nursing unit
- Out of bed in afternoon/evening; begin ankle pumps every hour, when awake
- May participate in first physical therapy session
- Work with nursing team to manage discomfort
Day 1
- Out of bed the majority of the day
- Physical therapy/May have occupational therapy
- Get dressed in regular clothes (shorts for knee patients; shorts or sweatpants for hip patients)
- Move legs while in recliner chair or bed; ankle pumps every hour, when awake
- Work with nursing team to manage discomfort
- Discuss discharge options with patient care facilitator (PCF) or case manager (CM)
- Most patients go home this day
After hospital discharge
- Attend therapy sessions, as prescribed
- Post-surgery visits with surgeon, as determined
- Stay active and enjoy life!