Before Surgery

PRE-SURGICAL OPTIMIZATION CLINIC

At this appointment you will receive a medical work-up and education to help you prepare for surgery. Your appointment will be scheduled for a few weeks prior to your surgery.

This visit may take up to four and a half hours. You are encouraged to bring a snack or a light lunch and a light jacket.

AT YOUR VISIT, YOU WILL:

1. Meet with a pre-surgery nurse to review your medications and medical/surgical history. Instructions for your surgery will also be provided. *Please bring all medications you take (prescription medication, over the counter medication and herbal products) in their pharmacy bottles.

2. Receive testing, which includes non-fasting labs (patient may eat prior to appointment), a nasal swab, urinalysis, EKG and chest x-ray.

3. See a nurse practitioner who will complete a physical exam on you.

4. Attend a one-hour joint replacement class led by your Joint Replacement Navigator.

PRESURGICAL EXERCISE

Initiating an exercise program prior to surgery can greatly improve your recovery. If your surgeon prescribed physical therapy or gave you a home exercise program, be sure to complete your exercises regularly in the weeks leading up to surgery.

HOME SAFETY CHECK LIST

Before your surgery, use our home safety checklist to prepare your home when you return home after your surgery.

STAIRS & STEPS (INDOOR & OUTDOOR) Are there papers, shoes, books, or other objects on the stairs? o Always keep objects off the stairs. Are some of the steps broken or uneven? o Fix loose or uneven steps. Is there a light available at the top and bottom of the stairs? o Consider placing a night light at top and bottom of stairs, or having a flashlight available. Has a stairway bulb burned out? o Have a friend or family member change the light bulb. Is the carpet on the steps loose or torn? o Make sure the carpet is firmly attached to every step or remove the carpet and attach non-slip rubber treads to the stairs. Are the handrails loose or broken? Is there a handrail on only one side of the stairs? o Fix loose handrails, or put in new ones. Make sure handrails are as long as the stairs.

FLOORS When you walk through a room, do you have to walk around furniture? o Ask someone to move the furniture so your path is clear and direct. Do you have throw rugs on the floor? o Remove the rugs, or use double-sided tape or a non-slip backing so the rugs will not slip. Are there papers, shoes, books, or other objects on the floor? o Pick up things on the floor. Always keep objects off the floor. Do you have to walk over or around wires or cords (like lamp, telephone, or extension cords)? o Coil or tape cords and wires next to the wall to avoid tripping.

KITCHEN Are the things you use often on high shelves? o Keep things you use often at counter top level. Is your step stool sturdy? o If you must use a step stool, get one with a bar to hold on to. Never use a chair as a step stool .

BEDROOMS Is the light near the bed hard to reach? o Place a lamp close to the bed where it is easy to reach. Is the path from your bed to the bathroom dark? o Put in a night light so you can see where you are walking. Some night lights go on by themselves after dark.

BATHROOMS Is the tub or shower floor slippery? o Put a non-slip rubber mat or self-stick strips on the floor of the tub or shower. Do you need some support when you get in and out of the tub, or up from the toilet? o Install grab bars next to and inside the tub, and next to the toilet.

MISCELLANEOUS Do you have a cat or dog? Any other pet loose in your home? o Have a friend or family member secure your pet prior to you entering the room. After you are seated, your pet may be released. o _______________________________