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Now that you have made the decision to have your joint replaced, your surgeon’s office staff will schedule your appointment for pre-admission testing (PAT) as well as your surgery date.
Pre-Surgery Planning
Most total joint replacements are elective surgeries. This gives you time to pre-plan what you need to have in place for a successful recovery. It would be beneficial if family members or friends are available to help you, especially if you live alone. Making special preparations before your surgery can minimize the amount of help required. Preparation plans can include:
- Food preparation and meal planning
- House preparation and safety modifications
- Getting durable medical equipment (ex: walkers, canes, commodes)
- Asking for family or friends' help and resources
- Setting up transportation
1. Eat and take your medications as you normally would do. You do not need to fast for the tests.
2. Bring to the hospital a list of all your medications, including dosage and instructions; a list of your physicians’ names and phone numbers; a copy of any documents with instructions on who will assist us in your healthcare decisions.
3. Park in the hospital visitor’s parking lot. Valet parking is available at a nominal rate.
4. We look forward to your arrival at the Admitting Desk on the first floor. Have your insurance card and photo ID available.
5. The nurse will complete an interview and insure that all the tests ordered by your surgeon are performed. Testing may include blood work, urine, x-rays and an EKG.
6. The PAT visit takes approximately 3 hours.
Days Leading up to Surgery
Ten days before surgery stop all anti-inflammatory medications such as Aspirin, Motrin, Naproxen, Vitamin E, Herbal Supplements, etc. These medications may cause increased bleeding. If you are on Coumadin, Plavix or other blood thinning medications you will need special instructions from your physician for stopping the medication. The physician will instruct you on what to do with your other medications.
If you are feeling sick anytime before your surgery or on the day of your surgery, call your surgeon. He or she will tell you what to do.
The Night Before Surgery
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight. The only exception is to take medications with a small sip of water, as instructed by the anesthesiologist or nurse. Do not chew gum, mints, or candy.
The Day of Surgery
1. Please arrive to the Admitting Department on time. We will place an identification bracelet on your arm and show you to your room.
2. The nursing staff will prepare you for the Operating Room (change into hospital gown, start an intravenous (IV) line, etc).
3. You will then be brought to the Holding Area of the Operating Room. Here we will start your antibiotics.
4. The anesthesiologist, Operating Room nurse and your surgeon will all see you in the Holding Area before you go into the room for your surgery.
5. After surgery you will go the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), where you will be closely monitored for one – two hours. While you are recovering, your physician will talk with your family. During your time in the Recovery Room, pain control will be established, your vital signs will be monitored and an x-ray may be taken of your new joint. You may have an oxygen tube in your nose when you wake up. You will still have the IV line.
Your family members can stay up-to-date with your progress by downloading the Family First mobile application. This app allows hospital staff the ability to communicate directly with your family and provide text-message updates during and immediately after your surgery. No personal information is required and it can be found in the application store of Andriod and iOS devises.
6. After your stay in the PACU, you will be taken to your room in the Orthopaedic unit. Family members or friends may visit. During this time you will be receiving pain medication. As soon as possible, start your exercises.
7. The physical therapist, case manager and the Total Joint Coordinator may visit you later in the day.