Joint replacement can help relieve pain and enable you to live a fuller, more active life. Once you and your orthopaedic surgeon have decided that you are a good candidate for joint replacement, it is important that you give yourself time to prepare for the physical, psychological, and social aspects of joint replacement surgery

Planning ahead for the challenges of surgery and recovery will help ensure a more successful outcome. This article includes some practical tips to help you get ready for your joint replacement surgery.

• Learn About the Procedure:

Talk to your doctor. Learn what to expect before, during, and after surgery. Do not hesitate to voice concerns or speak up if you do not understand some.

• Assemble Your Personal and Medical Information:

1. Any medical conditions or health problems you have, such as diabetes, asthma, anemia, or high blood pressure.
2. Any medications you take on a regular basis—along with their dosage and frequency
3. Any previous operations you have undergone, even those not related to your current problem.
4. Any allergies or adverse reactions you have had to drugs or anesthesia in the past. Provide the name of the drug, why you were taking it, a description of your reaction and when it occurred.
5. Your dietary restrictions and food allergies.
6. The name of your insurance company(s), along with the plan or group number and contact information. Be sure to bring your insurance card(s) to the hospital with you.

• Taking Care of your health Before Surgery:

1. If you smoke, cut down or quit. Smoking affects blood circulation, delays healing, slows recovery, and may increase the risk of infection.
2. Eat a nutritious, well-balanced
3. If you drink, do not consume any alcohol for at least 48 hours before surgery.
4. Ask your doctor about exercises you can do before surgery.
5. If you are having a hip or knee replacement, strengthening your upper body will make it easier to use crutches or a walker after surgery.
6. In addition, ask about the exercises that will be prescribed after surgery. If you become familiar with the exercises now, you will be ready to perform them after surgery.

• Prepare for Surgery:

1. Doctor will conduct a general medical evaluation before surgery. This examination will assess your health and your risk for anesthesia.
2. You may need to take several preoperative tests, including blood tests, an electrocardiogram (EKG), and a chest x-ray. You may also be asked to provide a urine sample.
3. If you are planning to have any dental work done, such as an extraction or periodontal treatment, schedule it well in advance of your surgery.
4. Notify your doctor if you come down with a fever, cold or any other illness in 1 week before surgery
5. A day prior to surgery, eat normal healthy and light food.
6. Keep a bag ready with your toiletries, change of loose fitting clothes, comfortable pair of slippers and other essentials you may need while in the hospital. Carry it with you to the hospital.

• Prepare for your Home-coming After Surgery :

1. Borrow a walker, cane or crutches to see how well you can maneuver through your home.
2. You may need to rearrange furniture or temporarily change rooms
3. Remove any throw or area rugs that could cause you to slip. Securely fasten electrical cords around the perimeter of the room.
4. Consider modifying your bathroom to include a shower chair, gripping bar, or raised toilet seat.
5. Place items that you use frequently (phone, remote control, reading material and medications, for example) within easy reach so that you do not have to reach up or bend down.