Orthopedic Resources and Frequently Asked Questions for Patients

• When your surgery is scheduled, arrange for a family member or other caregiver to help you immediately after surgery.
• If you are having a total joint replacement procedure, schedule your Preoperative Education Class for two to four weeks before the surgery.
• Read up on the procedure and ask your doctor any questions you have.
• Prepare ahead of time for your return home.
• Ask your doctor which of your medicines you should stop taking before surgery. Also, ask which ones you should take on the day of surgery.

• Health insurance cards or documentation that includes the insurance company name and policy number, and a picture ID.
• An up-to-date list of all the medicines you take, including dosages and when you take them. This includes vitamins, herbal supplements, prescription, and OTC medicines.
• Bring lightweight, loose-fitting, comfortable clothes such as pajamas, lightweight robe, sweatpants, shorts, and t-shirt for therapy.
• Bring comfortable, low-heeled shoes with closed heels and toes. Non-skid or rubber-soled shoes are preferred. Walking or tennis shoes are a good choice.
• Basic toiletry items are available. If you prefer your own, you can bring them. It can be a good idea to bring lip balm.
• Bringing a book, magazine, iPad, or hobby item can help you relax.

• Please leave valuables at home. This includes jewelry, large sums of money, computers, etc.
• Please do not bring your own medications. Make sure to bring a list of what you are taking.

• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery. This includes gum, hard candy, water, soda, coffee, tea, beer, wine, or other alcoholic beverages.
• You may brush your teeth the night before and morning of surgery. If you take regular medicine, take the ones that your doctor has told you to take.

Get your house ready at least 2 weeks before your scheduled surgery If you cannot do it yourself, ask someone for help. Doing these things ahead of time will help to make your return home easier.

• Remove clutter from rooms and hallways. Make sure there is nothing you can trip on.
• Organize your living areas so that you do not have to do too much lifting, bending, or reaching.
• Move heavy objects and things you use often to an area at waist level (counter height).
• Do some cooking and store meals and soups in the freezer so you have plenty of things to eat. You may want to move some of the things in the lower part of your refrigerator and freezer to higher shelves to make them easier to reach.
• If you have steps, you may want to set up a place to sleep on the main floor of your home for a short while.
• Set up a firm chair with armrests.
• Arrange for extra help with household tasks if you think you will need it.

TIP: To aide in your recovery, keep an icepack in your freezer in case of joint swelling after surgery. You can also use a bag of frozen peas.