Introduction

The decision has been made. Your joint replacement surgery date has been set. Now what? With a little organization and planning, you'll be better prepared for surgery and recovery. From now until after your surgery, you'll spend a great deal of time thinking about the surgery. Use the checklist below to help you organize your thoughts into an effective plan of action.

Surgery Prep Plan

Weeks Before Surgery

• Gather personal and medical information Link to medical history worksheet, medicine information sheet
• Contact health insurance provider
• Notify employer of upcoming surgery
• Identify primary caregiver (spouse, parent, sibling, friend, etc.)
• Create a needs list. See article "Developing a Joint Replacement Support Network
• Contact family/friends
• Enlist help from family/friends for specific tasks
• Make modifications to the home (temporary/permanent)
• Make arrangements to care for pets
• Arrange for lawn care, housework help
• Make necessary legal arrangements (power of attorney, living will, etc.)
• Manage finances (pay bills, balance checkbook, etc.)
• Pre-register for surgery at the hospital (check with doctor on timing). Take medications list and emergency information list
• Lab work, other diagnostic tests as ordered
• Give your own blood (as recommended by doctor)
• Purchase/borrow special equipment (walker, grabber, elevated commode, etc.)
• Secure your home (as if leaving on extended vacation)
• Contact neighbors
• Contact church/synagogue/mosque office
• Contact clubs, boards, other organizations and transfer duties
• Purchase gifts for birthdays, holidays that happen during surgery/recovery period
• Reschedule health care appointments, such as dentist, ophthalmologist, or other non-critical visits. Do not schedule dental work, even routine cleanings, for the several weeks after your surgery. For more information, contact your doctor.
• Schedule hair cut/style, manicure, etc. as close to surgery day as possible.
• Have automobiles serviced
• Prepare and freeze meals or stock up on frozen dinners
• Arrange for transportation to and from hospital

• Grocery shopping
• Contact pharmacy for pre-surgery medication, regular medications
• Pack for hospital
• Double check all instructions from the surgeon, hospital and insurance provider
• Notify your doctor if you come down with a fever, cold or other illness
• No alcohol for at least 48 hours before surgery
• Remove false nails
• Check with your orthopaedic surgeon if aspirin or similar medication which may effect bleeding should be stopped

• Take a shower or bath the night before surgery
• Do not shave the area of the surgery (the doctor will take care of this, if necessary)
• Remove nail polish
• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery.