Understand your plan
Before surgery, you should be able to answer: why this procedure, what operation is planned, the expected benefits and limitations, the major risks, and what recovery will look like. If any of those are unclear, ask. That is what the pre-operative visit is for.
Optimize your health
Certain conditions influence healing and surgical risk. Depending on your health, optimization may involve your primary care physician or a specialist. Common areas:
- Diabetes and blood-pressure control
- Heart, lung, and dental health, since untreated dental infection can seed a new joint
- Nutrition, anemia, and weight
- Tobacco and nicotine use, both of which impair bone and wound healing
- Medication review, including blood thinners (see the Medication Instructions sheet)
Line up your support
- Arrange a driver for surgery day and early appointments
- Plan for help at home during the first one to two weeks
- Stock groceries and prepare meals ahead
- Complete the home preparation checklist (separate sheet)
The week before
- Complete required testing and clearances
- Review fasting and arrival instructions from the surgical team
- Report any new illness, infection, rash, wound, or dental problem, even minor ones
- Confirm which medications to take the morning of surgery
Prepare mentally
Recovery is rarely a straight line. Swelling, soreness, fatigue, and disrupted sleep are normal
early on. Progress is measured in weeks, not hours; patience is part of the plan.