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Before Surgery

You are the focus of everything we do.

We’re proud to offer you the expertise, technology and capabilities of large hospitals. But, where we truly excel is how we care for you. We’re here to treat you right. You are our highest priority.

Getting you back in the game safely and effectively is our passionate pursuit. From the latest techniques in surgery to our expert rehab therapy, we’re here for you.

Preparing for Surgery

Visit Your Family Doctor
Just like any other surgery, you will need to complete a physical at your primary care provider’s office before coming to Joint Camp. Dr. Lindsey will help you set up the visit with your primary care provider before you are scheduled for surgery. Your primary care provider will examine you to make sure your body is healthy enough to undergo surgery. This may involve blood work, x-rays and an EKG (a simple test to make sure your heart is working properly). Your physical and blood work should be completed no fewer than 14 days before your surgery.

Coordination with Your Insurance Company
Before surgery, we want to help ensure you claim your full insurance benefits. We can help you find out if pre-authorization, recertification, a second opinion or a referral form is required. It is very important to coordinate insurance coverage as not doing so may result in their reducing benefits or delaying your surgery. We’ll want to make you aware of any deductibles or co-pays for outpatient therapy sessions. Contact one of our helpful Financial Services Representatives at 342-4717 if you have questions or need any assistance.

Choose a Coach
Your coach is an important part of your team. He or she is the support person who will help you with your exercises, daily living activities and transportation needs as you recover from surgery. Many patients choose their spouse or other family member to be their coach, but you may select anyone you feel comfortable with and anyone who is willing and able to help you.

One Week before Surgery
Get your house ready for your arrival back at home. Follow the home preparation checklist to help make sure your house is as safe and comfortable as possible for your recovery.

Find out more from Dr. Lindsey on other ways to prepare one week before surgery in the video below.

The Night before Surgery
Do not eat or drink anything starting 6 hours prior to your surgery – including water – unless otherwise instructed to do so. Do not use any tobacco products, chewing gum, candy or lozenges after midnight. Try to get plenty of rest. Make sure to take any medications prescribed by your physician for constipation and/or blood clots.

If you have a walker, put it in the trunk of your car. We will make sure it is working correctly and fit to your body before you leave the hospital. If you do not have a walker, we will make sure you are given a walker before you leave the hospital.

More from Dr. Lindsey on preparing the night before your surgery:

What To Expect

Arriving at Southwest Health
On the day of your joint replacement surgery, you will need to come to the main entrance of Southwest Health (1400 East Side Road). The entrance is open at 6:30 am. If you arrive prior to that time, please enter through the Emergency Room entrance. Leave your suitcase and your walker, if you bring one, in the locked trunk of your car. Your coach or another friend or family member can bring your suitcase to your room after surgery. The walker you will need when you’re ready to be discharged.

Check in at the patient registration desk in the main lobby. We’ll escort you from there to our Surgery Department. There, the anesthetist will meet with you and discuss your procedure and answer any questions you may have. You’ll also have the opportunity to talk with Dr. Lindsey and discuss any last-minute questions or concerns.

You will be giving your permission for surgery by signing consent forms. When your surgical team is ready, you will be taken to the operating room for your procedure. At that time, your coach or primary contact will be escorted to the surgery waiting area and provided an electronic device that provides remote updates. That enables him or her and other family and friends the freedom to visit the cafeteria, other waiting rooms and other appropriate parts of the hospital.

Answers to frequently asked questions on what to expect the day of surgery:

In the Operating Room
The operating room will be chilly, with bright lights and equipment that’s unfamiliar to you. Rest assured, we’re there to take very good care of you. The anesthetist will give you medicine to help you sleep. Surgery staff will prepare you for your procedure by scrubbing your leg/arm and positioning you for surgery.

In the Recovery Room
When you wake up, you will be in the recovery room. You can expect to be there for at least an hour. Nurses will take your blood pressure often and monitor your pain. You will probably be getting oxygen through a mask. You will be asked to rate your pain on a scale of 0 – 10 and will be given pain medicine as needed. You may also receive medicine for nausea, and you will have an x-ray taken of your new joint.

While you are in the recovery room, Dr. Lindsey will speak with your coach or primary contact and other friends or family members in the surgery waiting area. They will be informed of your hospital room number. You will then be taken to your room on our Medical/Surgical unit on our second floor.

Therapy

Exercises to Perform Prior to Hip Replacement
It is important to perform exercises prior to surgery if the physician feels you are able to medically. These exercises are designed to improve your strength and range of motion to help promote a faster recovery following surgery. The better condition you are in prior to surgery will help your overall outcome. These exercises will be outlined in the following pages and again are to be performed under physician instruction.

Ankle Pumps
While in a relaxed position, flex and extend the ankle through the full range of motion. Repeat this exercises 10 times and perform 3 times a day.

Quad Sets
Push the involved knee into the bed while tightening the thigh for 5 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times and perform 3 times a day.

Short Arc Quad
Place a rolled up towel or bolster under the involved knee. Straighten the knee while tightening the thigh muscles and hold 5 seconds. Repeat this exercises 10 times and perform 3 times a day.

Heel slide
Slide the heel of the involved leg toward the buttocks. Using a cookie sheet may be helpful. Repeat this exercises 10 times and perform 3 times a day.

Straight Leg Raise
Lift the involved leg 6-8 inches off of the table while tightening the thigh muscles. Repeat this exercise 10 times and perform 3 times a day.

Gluteal Sets
Squeeze bottom together. Repeat this exercises 10 times and perform 3 times a day.

Hip abduction and adduction
Slide leg out to the side keeping toes pointed up and knees straight. Bring the leg back to the starting position. Repeat this exercise 10 times and perform 3 times a day.

 


ADDITIONAL TOPICS

Medications: What Every Patient Should Know (a Guide to Safe and Proper Usage)

As the patient, you play a very important role in your medication therapy. As your health care providers, we want to ensure that all of our patients are provided with the proper information to use medications safely and effectively[read more]

Be Prepared

Here’s a checklist of what to bring to the hospital and how to prepare your home for your return from the hospital…[read more]

After Surgery

To find out more about what to expect after surgery click here.