How to Prepare for Orthopedic Surgery

If you have pain and discomfort, your doctor can examine you, take tests, and make a diagnosis. Depending on your symptoms, you may have musculoskeletal problems and your doctor may recommend orthopedic surgery.

Here are several things that you can do to prepare for orthopedic surgery.

Prepare Your Body for Surgery

Your doctor will tell you how to prepare for orthopedic surgery so that you recover quickly and completely. Some preparations may include the following:

• Lose Weight: If you are overweight, it is best to lose weight before surgery. This weight loss can eliminate undue stress on your joints and allow them to move easily as you heal.
• Quit Smoking:If you smoke, quit your smoking habit as soon as you know that you will have surgery. This will help your lungs and heart circulate the maximum amount of oxygen and blood in your body.
• Treat Other Medical and Dental Problems:If you have dental or gum problems, digestive problems, or bladder or bowel problems, have these conditions taken care of before surgery. This will eliminate any source of infection that can complicate your recovery from surgery.
• Donate Blood: When you have surgery, you will lose some blood during the procedure. To remedy this, you can donate your blood beforehand to be used during your surgery. This is the safest blood to transfuse because disease transmission and allergic reactions are eliminated. Your doctor can arrange for your blood donation.

As you work to prepare your body, you also need to prepare your home.

Prepare Your Home for Recuperation

Plan your orthopedic surgery far enough in advance so that you can prepare your home to be a good place to recuperate.

• Nutrition: Ask your doctor if any specific foods and drinks can benefit you after surgery. Stock your kitchen and pantry with these items to give you a well-balanced diet that will last for several days or a week or two while you recover.
• Comfort: Make yourself comfortable at home with extra pillows and blankets near your bed. These items can elevate your extremities to keep stress off your joints.
• Safety: Prepare your home to be a safe place while you recuperate. Remove area rugs in your home so that you do not slip and fall. Tape down electrical cords that could be in the way as you walk.

Make sure you have a stable chair with armrests and a neck cushion so that you can be fully supported when you sit.

Prepare Yourself for Healing

To make sure that you heal thoroughly and completely after orthopedic surgery, talk to your doctor about a treatment plan, an exercise routine, and medications.

• Treatment Plan: Talk to your doctor about a treatment that you can follow after surgery. Your doctor may suggest that you have several sessions of physical therapy to keep your joints strong and your muscles flexible for maximum mobility. Make appointments with a physical therapist before surgery to start these therapy sessions.
• Exercise Program: After surgery, your doctor will advise you when to begin an exercise program to move your body and get your blood circulating to promote healing. Your doctor will advise you of specific exercises designed for your body and tell you when you can begin them.
• Medications: Your doctor may prescribe medications to keep your body free of infection and pain after surgery. Pick up these medications before surgery so you can be prepared when you return home.

With research, preparation, and care, you can have a successful orthopedic surgery and complete recovery. For quality orthopedic health care, contact Omaha Orthopedic Clinic & Sports Medicine, P.C. Our doctors, nurses, and medical staff can assist you before, during, and after your orthopedic surgery.