A total joint replacement or total joint arthroplasty is a surgical procedure in which your damaged or worn joint (either due to arthritis or traumatic injury) is surgically removed and replaced with a new artificial joint.
Whether you’re getting a new knee, hip, or shoulder joint, preparing for your total joint replacement surgery can significantly improve your overall experience and optimize your chances for a successful surgery.
Here are some tips to ensure a smoother and more successful surgery and recovery and where you can go for a successful total joint replacement surgery in Watertown, New York.
Tip#1 Learn What Your Joint Replacement Procedure Entails
Before agreeing to joint replacement and preparing for it, it’s vital to know the surgical procedure that will be performed on you. Learning about your surgical procedure will alleviate your anxiety and fear and help you mentally prepare for the surgery. It’s best to know about the benefits and risks of the procedure and the outcomes of the surgery.
#2 Take Your Pre-op Testing Seriously
Before your surgery, your orthopedic surgeon will request a medical evaluation to assess your overall health and identify any potential risks and complications. The pre-op medical evaluation will also inform your surgeon about any of your underlying conditions that may need medical attention.
Your preoperative testing may involve lab tests like blood and urine tests and imaging tests like X-rays, MRI, or CT scans.
#3 Gather Your Personal and Medical Information
Before your surgery, take some time out to put together a list of your personal and medical information. Be sure to include the following in your list:
- Name, address, and contact information of the doctor you are currently seeing. Also, mention your reason for seeing those doctors
- Any medical condition or problem such as anemia, asthma, diabetes, or hypertension you have
- Any medications, along with their dosage and frequency, that you take daily. Do not forget to include supplements and multivitamins you are taking
- Any allergies or adverse reactionsto anesthesia or drugs you have had in the past
- Any food and metal allergies
- Your insurance provider’s address and contact details
Be sure to bring your identification card, insurance card, and other legal documents with you.
#4 Get in Shape
People who are healthier and active before surgery are more likely to have a smooth and quick recovery.
So, do physical activity as much as your body allows, lose extra weight, do some stretching and strengthening exercises to improve your endurance and strength, see physical therapists for pre-op physical therapy,and last but not least, eat a healthy and nutritious diet.
#5 Plan for Your Homecoming and Rehabilitation
Before your surgery, take some steps to make your home safer and more comfortable. This may include:
- Organizing your space to minimize trip hazards
- Installing safety equipment such as handrails and grab bars
- Stocking up on essential supplies like non-perishable food items, medications, toiletries,
- Arranging for assistance from a friend or a family member
- Buying mobility aids like crutches, a walker, or a wheelchair, if you are undergoing replacement surgery for knee or hip
- Preparing your meal in advance
- Finding a rehabilitation center
- Planning your post-op rehabilitation by coordinating with your orthopedic surgeon
Total Joint Replacement in Watertown, New York
If you have arthritis of the knee, hip, or shoulder and are considering replacement surgery for lasting relief, visit us here at North Country Orthopaedic Group to determine if you are a candidate for total or partial joint replacement. Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons, Dr. Bruce Baird, Dr. Steven Fish, and Dr. D. Peter Van Eenenaam, have built an excellent reputation in offering joint replacement surgeries with exceptional outcomes.
If you would like to know more about us or the services we offer, call us today at (315) 782-1650 or fill out our online appointment request form.
