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 — untreated dental infection can seed a new joint
- Nutrition, anemia, and weight
- Tobacco and nicotine use — both 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.