05/08/2019
It has probably been a long time coming, but now you have decided to have a total joint replacement. Regardless of the joint you plan to have replaced, there are some items to keep in mind as you prepare yourself and your home for after surgery.
Go home when you leave the hospital.
Patients heal faster at home because they are more active and comfortable in their own environment.
Have physical therapy after surgery.
Every physician is different, so discuss with your physician their rehab plan for after surgery.
Stay with someone for at least 24-48 hours.
Find someone who can stay with you while you get situated at home post-operation. Also, plan to have someone you can call after that if you would need anything (ex. a ride to your physician or physical therapy appointments).
Discuss your physician’s goals for you.
Discuss when you can drive again, when you can return to certain activities (ex. golf, fishing), precautions for your type of surgery (ex. range of motion goals, activity precautions) and how long will your precautions last?
Remove tripping hazards like rugs and cords.
Make sure you have a clear path to everything you will need to access in your home.
Consider a handrail for steps/stairs.
Examine your home. Count the number of steps/stairs you have. Do they have a reliable handrail to assist with support? If not, consider getting one — it will help you access your home easier.
Measure the height of your bed, bath tub/shower, and toilets.
You may be surprised by how much effort it takes to get in and out of bed, to bathe, and to use the toilet. You will practice these activities in the hospital and practice as close as possible to your home environment, so knowing the bar ahead of time will help with accuracy.
Have a plan for meals.
You might need someone to help you with cooking, or you might be able to prepare everything ahead of time.
Have a plan for your pets.
Set up a plan for someone to assist in the care of your pets while you are not as mobile. You may have already considered things like bending down to fill water dishes or clean litter boxes, but have you thought about pets who love to weave between your legs, or cuddle with you in areas that may be healing?
Talk to your insurance company about coverage.
Check with your insurance company on what assistive devices (ex. walkers) and adaptive equipment (ex. shower chair) they cover. Also, if they require preauthorization, any additional paperwork or documentation needed for them to cover the equipment. Do they have preferred providers?
At OrthoNebraska we offer online joint replacement education to patients who are scheduled for total hip, total knee or total shoulder replacements. This education goes over many of the above items in detail and answers patient-specific questions so you can feel very prepared for your joint replacement.
