Once you and your Doctor decide that surgery will help you, you will need to learn what to expect from the surgery and create a treatment plan for the best results afterward. Preparing mentally and physically for surgery is an important step toward a successful result. Understanding the process and your role in it will help you recover more quickly and have fewer problems.

Working with Your Doctor

• Before surgery you are likely to be referred to an investigation clinic at the hospital where you'll undergo routine tests, such as blood tests and x-rays together with a physical examination, and at that time you'll be provided with more detailed information regarding your in-patient stay, and your joint replacement generally.


• Discuss any medications you are taking with your doctor and your family physician to see which ones you should stop taking before surgery.


• If you are overweight, losing weight before surgery will help decrease the stress you place on your new joint. However, you should not diet during the month before your surgery.


• If you are taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications, you will need to stop taking them one week before surgery to minimize bleeding.


• If you smoke, you should stop or cut down to reduce your surgery risks and improve your recovery.


• Have any tooth, gum, bladder or bowel problems treated before surgery to reduce the risk of infection later.


• Eat a well-balanced diet, supplemented by a daily multivitamin with iron.


• Report any infections to your surgeon. Surgery cannot be performed until all infections have cleared up.

Home Planning

• Arrange for someone to help with everyday tasks like cooking, shopping and laundry.


• Put items that you use often within easy reach before surgery so you will not have to reach and bend as often.


• Remove all loose carpets and tape down electrical cords to avoid falls.


• Make sure you have a stable chair with a firm seat cushion, a firm back and two arms.