Are you or is someone you know preparing for an upcoming hip or knee replacement surgery?
If you and your healthcare provider have determined that joint replacement surgery is the best option for you, it is wise to prepare and plan for your recovery to ensure success.
Getting educated about the procedure can help you gain some insight as to what you can expect before, during and after surgery. You can do this by asking your surgeon or healthcare provider questions about the procedure and what to expect. For example, you may want to know what medications will be administered, how the surgery is performed, what type of implant or prosthesis will be used to replace or repair your bones or tissues, how long you will stay in hospital, or what to expect during the recovery phase. You may also choose to watch a video of the procedure or talk to people you know who have had the surgery in the past to gain an understanding of the experience from a patient perspective.
There are several things that you can do to prepare your body for surgery. If you smoke, try to cut back your consumption, or quit altogether. Smoking can slow your blood circulation which can delay healing. Understandably, quitting can be a very difficult thing to do, so if you need help with smoking cessation speak with your healthcare provider who may be able to offer you a program to help you quit or cut back.
Eating a well-balanced, nutritious diet can also help to prepare your body for surgery.
If your doctor has suggested that you would benefit from losing weight prior to the procedure, you may want to speak with a professional such as a dietitian to find out which foods and nutrients can help you achieve a healthy weight prior to surgery and to find out which foods can help you recover. If you are well enough to cook prior to surgery, prepare healthy meals to put in your freezer, and fill up your fridge and pantry with healthy ingredients so you don’t have to worry about shopping when you return home. You may also want to have some options or a plan for delivery of meals.
Move as much as you can now if you can do so with minimal pain. Find out what exercises you can be doing that will help you strengthen your muscles before surgery. If you become familiar with the exercises now, you will be ready to perform them after surgery. It can be helpful to work with a professional who can prescribe exercises to strengthen muscles around the area where you are having surgery, as well as muscles in your upper body to help support you while you may be unable to fully weight-bear after surgery.
You may find it helpful to see a rehabilitation professional such as a physiotherapist, kinesiologist, chiropractor, massage therapist, manual osteopath, or acupuncturist who can help you align and balance your body before and after your surgery.
Joint replacement is major surgery, and it will take several weeks to recover, but there are steps that can be taken to make your home safer and more comfortable. Ensure you are coming home to a clean, clutter-free home to prevent any falls or injuries.
Place regularly used items (ex. Phone, remote control, facial tissues, wastebasket, reading material, medications, etc.) at a level high enough for you to reach without having to bend over. You may want to purchase a grabbing tool or set of tongs in case you need to pick something light up off the floor. It can be helpful to have an Occupational or Physical Therapist come into your home prior to surgery to make recommendations about what you will benefit from having in your home when you return, and to ensure there are no potential hazards that may set your recovery back. If you live alone, you may want to ensure someone can stay with you during the first few days or weeks to help you get around, or to help you get to any appointments you may need to attend. Talk to your healthcare provider, Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist to determine what gait aid is recommended after surgery and practice walking around with it in your home to ensure you can get around and into every room. If you have pets, make sure that they will be taken care of while you are in hospital, and when you arrive home.
Joint replacement surgery may relieve chronic hip or knee pain and help you live a fuller, more active life. Follow the guidance of your healthcare providers and do not hesitate to ask questions along the way.
Remember that this is a major surgery that requires time to heal which may take several weeks or months to feel like you have fully recovered, so be kind to yourself during the process and try not to overdo it.
For more information about any of the free services offered by the Minto-Mapleton Family Health Team, visit our website at www.mmfht.ca or call the Drayton/Palmerston office at 519-638-2110 or Clifford office at 519-327-4777 or follow the team on Facebook.
Holly DeVisser, R. Kin, OCT, DOMP is with the Brockton and area family health team.
