Knowledge about what to expect will make aspects of your surgery and recovery more understandable. Please review the following information prior to your pre-admission appointment.
Pre-Admission Visit
Your pre-admission visit, which includes an interview to review health information, diagnostic testing and pre-operative education, will take place at the Patient Assessment Center. The center is located on the ground floor of the Sid Richardson Tower and is open for appointments from 8:15 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- If your surgery is scheduled for 9 a.m. or earlier, you must complete your pre-admission visit prior to the day of your procedure.
- If your surgery is scheduled for after 9 a.m. and circumstances prevent you from completing a pre-admission visit, then you must arrive at the hospital at least four hours before your scheduled surgery time.
During the pre-admission visit, you will be given surgery consent forms to sign. Any questions about the consent forms should be directed to your doctor. If the patient is less than 18 years of age, a parent or legal guardian must accompany the child and sign the consent forms.
During this visit you will be interviewed by a registered nurse about your health history, allergies and any medications your are taking that could affect laboratory tests and/or surgery. You will receive information on what to expect before, during and after surgery. Please bring a list of any medications that you are currently taking as well as the dosage and frequency of use, including herbal products and over-the-counter medications.
During this visit your condition will be assessed by a physical therapist. A package containing your exercise program (total knee or total hip), specific precautions and information on what to expect during physical therapy sessions after your surgery will be given to you. The therapist will also demonstrate how to walk with a walker and how to transfer safely. You are encouraged to ask questions during this visit. Exercises may vary according to your medical condition. Your physician will order specific exercises. Prior to implementation, consult with your physician and/or physical therapist.
If you have any questions, call 817-250-3068.
Preparing for Surgery
Medical Evaluation: If you have not seen your primary physician and orthopedic surgeon, you will need to make an appointment with them to evaluate your health condition and your damaged and painful joint. If you have had a recent urinary tract infection, inform your physician.
Skin Care: Your skin should be free of any infections, rashes and insect bites. If any skin condition is present, inform your surgeon for treatment prior to surgery.
Blood Donation: You may want to donate blood in advance for surgery. Contact your orthopedic surgeon for instructions about blood donation.
Medications: Your orthopedic surgeon will ask you about the medications you are taking, even over-the-counter medicines and herbal preparations. Some medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen and blood thinners may increase bleeding during surgery, so it is important for you to inform your surgeon about your medications.
Dental Work: Inform the surgeon of any current dental work and routine cleaning of your teeth. An infection may enter the bloodstream during dental procedures and treatment should be planned with your orthopedic surgeon.
Equipment: The discharge planner on your orthopedic unit will assist you in obtaining special equipment, such as a walker, shower bench or other items.
Things You Will Need: Plan to take personal care items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, hair brush or comb, deodorant, lotion, slippers with nonskid soles and a front opening robe with loose sleeves if you already have one. Although most patients can be allowed food provided by family or friends, please check with the nurse first.
Nutrition for Surgery: How can you nutritionally prepare for surgery? Healthy eating is important at all times, but especially when you are preparing for surgery. Use the following guidelines to vary your daily food choices for a nutritionally balanced diet:
- Six to 11 servings of bread, cereal, rice or pasta
- Two to four servings of fruit
- Three to five servings of vegetables
- Two to three servings of meat, poultry, fish, dried beans, eggs or nuts
- Two to three servings of milk, cheese or yogurt
- Fats and sweets -- use sparingly
NOTE: If you already limit fat, sugar or other nutrients in your diet, please continue to follow your usual diet.
Use the following suggestions to increase your daily protein intake prior to surgery:
- Spread peanut butter on crackers, bread, toast, celery, banana, apple, waffles and pancakes.
- Cook oatmeal in milk instead of water.
- Add boiled eggs, cheese or diced meat to sauces, vegetables, soups, salads and casseroles.
- Blend yogurt, fruit and fruit juice to make a fruit "smoothie."
- Add 2-4 Tbsp. skim milk powder (nonfat evaporated milk) to the following foods and beverages:
- Milk
- Sauce and gravy
- Scrambled eggs
- Cream soups
- Mashed potatoes
- Macaroni and cheese
- Hot cereal
- Casseroles
- Instant cocoa
- Custard
- Milk shakes
- Meat loaf
- Pancakes
- Waffles
- Pudding
Planning for Home: After surgery, you will need some help for several weeks with household tasks such as cooking, cleaning and shopping. If you live alone you may make arrangements to have someone help you or ask the surgeon's office or discharge planner at the hospital for assistance. (Insurance approval is necessary for rehabilitation services.)
Some changes in your home can help reduce bending and increase safety after surgery. Store food and supplies between waist and shoulder level to decrease the amount of lifting and bending. Put items that you use frequently within easy reach. For safety measures, remove all loose rugs, carpets and electrical cord in areas where you walk. If you normally sleep upstairs, consider preparing a room on the first level. You may want to install secure grab bars in the bathroom shower and a night-light to prevent falls. Secure all handrails along stairs for safety.
For more information about orthopedic surgery, visit these websites: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Zimmer Orthopedic Products and the Arthritis Foundation. |
