Five questions to ask the surgeon before hip replacement surgery
You don’t need to visit a psychic to find out what will happen with hip replacement surgery. You just need to talk with your surgeon. As an experienced professional, he can answer questions about how to prepare and what to expect. Here are a few suggestions from Medline Plus to help get the conversation started.
What do I need to do before surgery?
There are often steps you can take before surgery to improve the outcome so let your surgeon know you are willing to make the extra effort. Sometimes exercise to build up muscle groups can help with recovery. For some people, loosing a few pounds before surgery may reduce the load on the new hip. If you will need to use a walker or crutches following surgery, it may be helpful to learn to maneuver them before surgery. Finally, it is always a good plan to stop smoking and cut back on alcohol before surgery, so talk to your physician for help in reaching these goals.
What will happen during the surgery?
Ask the surgeon what he plans to do during the surgery from the size of the incision to the type of artificial joint being used. Find out how long the surgery is expected to last and the type of anesthesia that will be used. If you have had concerns about anesthesia from past procedures, share these concerns with the surgeon.
Are there any other things I should know?
If you have an existing condition like high blood pressure or diabetes which is causing you to worry, you can discuss these with the surgeon and find out how they will be managed. If you have any worries, ask your surgeon.
What needs to happen the day before surgery?
The surgeon needs to know all medications you are taking including vitamins, supplements and over the counter medications so that instructions can be given to stop or continuing taking them. Medications can affect different functions in the body so it is important to be sure you follow instructions about stopping them. Ask about food and drink the day before surgery. In most cases, you will need to stop eating and drinking to prepare for the procedure. Find out what kind of clothing to take to the hospital and whether you can shower before the procedure. Finally, be clear about the time you are to arrive at the hospital. The surgery may be at 10 a.m. but your arrival time might be hours earlier.
What happens after the surgery?
Although every person reacts differently to surgery, there are some basics that apply. Ask how much help will be needed and whether a stay in a short-term rehabilitation is recommended. Check on special equipment needed during recovery. Be clear on the type and frequency of rehabilitation that will be required. Find out how much time you will need to take off work and when you can drive again. Finally, check on expected pain levels and how it will be managed. Although the surgeon can’t predict exactly what the outcome will be, he can give his expectations based on past surgeries. Knowing what to expect and what is normal can help you prepare for a safer recovery.
A wise choice
Recovering at home may sound appealing at first but it is important to honestly evaluate the situation. If a surgeon recommends a stay in the rehabilitation center, he is making what he considers to be the safest and most likely successful option. Instead of relying on family members or friends for needed assistance, you will be provided with professional care for everything from pain management to effective therapy to increase the speed and effectiveness of your recovery.
One of the premier choices for short-term rehabilitation is Whitehall of Deerfield where there is a team of specialists ready to care for your wound, manage your pain and get you back to life. Whitehall of Deerfield has consistently received Medicare’s highest rating in Medicare’s five-star rating system of nursing and rehabilitation centers, as well as receiving U.S. News & World Report’s highest “Top Performing” rating, making it one of the best options for short-term care in the area.
Exclusively for those recovering from joint replacement surgery, their Elective Orthopedic Pavilion features a state-of-the-art orthopedic gym specially designed for those recovering from joint replacement surgery. Guests have access to state-of-the-art equipment like the Kinesis® One, a functional training station to improve strength, balance and flexibility as well as an APT restorator bike to help with range of motion. There is also a computerized balance gym for balance and weight bearing testing and training.
At Whitehall of Deerfield’s Elective Orthopedic Pavilion, guests enjoy all-private rooms with luxurious amenities including an iPad lending service, concierge service, daily delivery of Starbucks coffee and newspaper, dozens of cable channels with a 24-hour channel of newly released movies and even valet parking for visitors.
Guests can also enjoy a wide-ranging choice of cuisine from selective menus as well as a variety of dining settings. An on-site ice cream parlor and coffee shop offer fresh baked goods in the mornings and ice cream treats in afternoon as well as gourmet coffee all day long.
The Elective Orthopedic Pavilion at Whitehall of Deerfield offers a free orientation on the third Tuesday of every month where you’ll meet their team of experts and discover what it takes to recover successfully.
To learn more or schedule a tour, visit whitehallofdeerfield.com or call 847-945-4600.
Copyright © 2018, Chicago Tribune