Surgery can be unnerving, no matter how simple it is expected to be. But the more informed you are about the process, the easier it will be for you to prepare for your recovery.
To help you get ready, we put together a general guide on how to prepare for surgery and what to expect during recovery. We will help you every step of the way and will talk with you about any additional steps you may need to take.
Pre-operative Testing for Hip Replacement
Your preoperative testing will be scheduled within 30 days of your surgery. Your testing will include a medical evaluation, blood samples, electrocardiogram, stress test, chest X-ray and urine sample. The tests will tell us if your body is ready for surgery or if you have any conditions that may need special attention before moving forward.
Please be prepared to discuss:
- Advance directives
- Dietary restrictions or allergies
- Medical conditions
- Medications and supplements you take
- Primary care doctor and any specialists
- Prior surgeries
Blood Donation Prior to Surgery
You may lose some blood during your surgery, so your surgeon will make recommendations on how you can prepare. Taking iron supplements before surgery helps build your blood supply and lessens the need for a blood transfusion. We also may encourage you to donate your own blood in case it's needed during your surgery.
If you do not wish to accept blood products, we offer a safe and unique bloodless surgery program. Please discuss it with us.
Weight Management Prior to Surgery
Excess weight can increase your risk of infection and other complications. To the extent that you're able, we will encourage you to get in shape before surgery. But we understand that part of the reason you may need hip replacement surgery is because your physical abilities are now limited.
Our providers will help you to determine what a reasonable and realistic weight loss goal should be for you. You should be able to achieve this goal through reduced calorie intake and regular physical activity. You can meet your goal by:
- Controlling portions
- Drinking enough water
- Eating at regular times throughout the day
- Eating slowly
- Eating your calories instead of drinking them
- Researching how many calories are in what you're eating
Ways to Make Recovery from Hip Replacement Easier
There are several small changes you can make in your personal life and around your home that may make surgery recovery easier.
- Adjust your medications: To avoid complications, do not take medications that cause bleeding (i.e., blood thinners). You should only take medications recommended by your surgeon.
- Avoid alcohol: In the days leading up to your surgery, you should avoid alcoholic beverages, which can cause increased bleeding and dehydration.
- Identify a caretaker: Make arrangements to have someone transport you safely home after surgery and to stay with you for a few days.
- Prepare your home: This may include installing a toilet seat lift and shower chair, adjusting your bed height, rearranging your closet/dresser/kitchen/bathroom to put your most-used items within easy reach, preparing meals to store in the freezer and removing tripping hazards such as rugs and cords.
- Quit smoking: Smoking can prevent bones, tissue and skin from healing and can make it more difficult for the body to fight off infection. However, research shows that if you quit smoking before surgery, your risk of complications goes down. If you need help quitting smoking, learn about our Smoking Cessation Program.
- Schedule dental care: Schedule dental procedures for at least six weeks prior to surgery, and do not schedule anything further until three months after surgery. Germs in your mouth can enter the bloodstream and potentially infect your new joint.
In addition, light exercise prior to surgery will help strengthen the muscles surrounding the hip joints, which may also make recovery easier. We can give you a list of illustrated exercises including:
- Quad sets
- Hip abductions
- Gluteal sets
- Straight leg raises
Learn more about the recovery and rehabilitation process
More Hip Replacement Information and Resources
We offer free hip replacement classes where you can obtain detailed information about what to expect before and after surgery.
In addition, we put together several educational videos that we strongly suggest you watch before undergoing hip replacement. These videos give detailed information about how to prepare for surgery, how the surgery works and what to expect after surgery as you recover.