Aging Gracefully and with Great Health

4 Things You Can Do To Prepare For A Joint Replacement Surgery

30 December 2016 by For Content

Many people need a joint replacement surgery. It is amazing that specialists can take out an entire bone joint and replace it with something like metal that is stronger and will cause the person less pain. If you planning on undergoing a joint replacement surgery, it is important that you prepare yourself for it. Here are some things you should do before the surgery.

1. Make A List Of Medications That You Take

Before you get the surgery, you need to talk to the doctor about the possible reactions with medications that you are taking. Many people who get joint replacement surgeries are on anti-inflammatory medications, steroids, pain medications, and much more. In addition, if you take other drugs such as birth control, antidepressants, cholesterol medication, and anything else, you must tell your doctor. This is the surest way to avoid a negative reaction during the surgery. In fact, you may be asked to go off the medications for months before the surgery to prepare your body.

2. Donate Blood

During the surgery, there is a good chance that you will lose some blood. To be safe, many people choose to donate their own blood and have it on hand so that if there needs to be a blood transfusion, there is plenty of blood there that is definitely safe to use.

In order to do this, you will need to talk to your doctor and have it done at the hospital or with the doctor's staff who is performing the surgery.

3. Start Physical Therapy and Exercising

Before you get the surgery, you will probably be asked to start your exercising and physical therapy. This is not some kind of exercise that is high intensity or for weight loss or anything; it is specific exercises for your joint that will help you heal faster. For example, you might be asked to do some stretches with the joint and some pressure exercises before the surgery. Then immediately following the surgery, you will continue these exercises and then add more difficult ones as the joint heals.

4. Go To The DMV

If you are getting a hip, knee, or ankle replacement, it may make it hard to walk for weeks after. This is why many people get a temporary disabled parking permit. It is best if you get this done before you go so that you don't have to try and drive without it.

By doing these things, you can be prepared for your joint replacement surgery at a center like the one represented at http://www.towncenterorthopaedics.com.

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