How to Prepare for Hip Replacement Surgery

Are you ready for your upcoming hip replacement surgery? Whether you are nervous or ready to get it started, you should take the time to discuss how to prepare with your orthopedic surgeon in Deland. Often times, if you prepare your body correctly, you can save yourself extra trouble in the recovery process. These are a few ways to prepare for hip replacement surgery.

Preop Testing

Before you have surgery, about 30 days prior, you will likely have to participate in a preoperative test. This test includes electrocardiogram, stress test, medical evaluation, blood samples, urine sample, and a chest X-ray. The main reason you will have to take the preoperative test is to identify any conditions that need to be addressed before you can move forward with the surgery.

Exercise

Prior to hip replacement surgery, there are some light exercises you can use to strengthen the surrounding muscles around the joints of the hip. Doing this will also help recovery easier.

Donate Blood

During surgery, it isn't uncommon for there to be a bit of blood loss. Talk to your surgeon about preparations for this. Iron supplements before the surgery will build up your body's blood supply. This will make the need for a transfusion less likely to occur. Donating blood is also strongly encouraged for many just in case it is needed.

Manage Your Weight

If you are heavier than the average person, that extra weight increases your risk of complications and infection. It is strongly recommended and encouraged to get into a healthier state before surgery can be done. That being said, it isn't something that is as easy as it sounds. If your hip is making it difficult to get around, talk to your doctor about what your realistic weight loss options are.

Recovering From Hip Replacement Surgery

While most of the preparations for surgery can help lessen the recovery time, there are some steps you will want to take after your hip replacement:

• Take your surgeon’s recommended medications only.
• Pre and Post Surgery, you really need to avoid alcohol. The reason for this is because two major side effects of alcoholic beverages are an increase in bleeding and dehydration.
• Make sure you think ahead, and prior to surgery, install a toilet seat lift. Also, consider a shower chair. The idea is to prepare your home for your recovery. Make sure the most used and needed items are within reach. Prep your meals and store them in the deep freezer.
• Also, you want to keep bone, skin, and tissue healing as fast and easy as possible. One way to do this is to quit smoking. Also, when giving up smoking, you are dropping your chances of complications.

These are just a few ways that you can prepare yourself for hip replacement surgery. When you take care of your body before surgery, you are more likely to have a healthier and speedy recovery. Talk with our orthopedic surgeon in Deland to prepare for your surgery today.