Getting Ready for surgery

Things you need to do before surgery

  • Plan to attend joint replacement class. Please call (434) 243-5445 or (434) 982-0571 to make an appointment.
    • Classes are held every Thursday from 1 - 3 p.m. on the second floor of the U.V.A. Musculoskeletal Center, Fontaine Avenue.
  • Lose weight safely if you need to
  • Stop smoking
  • Give your own blood if possible
  • Let your doctor and the nurses know all the drugs you are taking. Most arthritis medicine and aspirin needs to be stopped one week before surgery.
  • Start making arrangements for going home after surgery.
    • Decide who will take you home from the hospital and to your doctor appointments.
    • If you live alone or are home alone during the day, plan for family/friends to stay with you for at least one week after surgery.
    • Depending upon your circumstances, you may go directly home and we may arrange for home visits by nurses and physical therapists. If you live alone, you may benefit from one to three weeks in skilled nursing facility where you can receive meals and daily physical therapy. If you have Medicare, it will assist in paying for these services. Please contact the skilled nursing facility of your choice and make these arrangements as soon as possible.
  • Start getting your home ready:
    • Move your bed to the main floor if it is upstairs. If you have a waterbed it should be replaced with a box spring and mattress.
    • Take up all scatter rugs and tape down edges of large area rugs.
    • Keep walkways clear of furniture, electrical and phone cords and toys.
    • A handrail is recommended if you have steps into your home.
    • Place emergency telephone numbers on or near the phone. Make sure a phone is near your living area and/or beside your bed. A cordless phone is a great idea.
    • An apron with pockets, shoulder bag or knapsack is useful to carry items around the house.
    • Always use a rubber mat or nonskid adhesive strips in the tub and/or shower stall to prevent slipping.
    • Precook meals and stock up on groceries.
    • Place night-lights in dark hallways and have a flashlight at hand for nighttime trips to the bathroom.
    • Obtain a chair with a firm seat and arms. You will not be able to sit in a recliner, soft chair, rocking chair, or sofa for 6 weeks after surgery as these could cause your hip to come out of the socket.

Go to the next page in the Replacement Guide