If you're undergoing hip replacement surgery soon, you'll need to prepare and consider many factors. You'll have to take all the necessary steps to ensure that your recovery goes smoothly and that you have a positive experience.
Hip replacement is an extensive surgery, and you must know what to expect so as not to get overwhelmed. If you're undergoing this surgery, you can click here to learn more about it. Moreover, here are some tips on how to prepare yourself for your hip replacement surgery:
1. Lose Weight
Weight loss may be the best thing you can do for your health in this case, especially if you're overweight. Losing weight before a hip replacement surgery can reduce complications and improve recovery time after surgery. It's also crucial for people with arthritis in their hips due to excess weight because it can reduce wear on the joints over time.
Depending on your body mass, losing even just 10% of your current weight can improve your health and well-being. You can do this by eating fewer calories than you're burning each day but not so few that you're starving yourself. A proper diet and light exercise (one that doesn't strain the hip) can do the trick.
Doing this will help ensure that your recovery goes smoothly and your mobility improves after the surgery.
2. Stop Smoking
If you're a smoker, refrain from smoking before your hip replacement surgery. Smoking can increase the risk of complications after your surgery. It also affects how well your new hip joint will work and how long it will last. If you smoke and need a hip replacement, you have to quit before the surgery, and here's why:
- Blood Clots: Smoking can narrow and damage the lining of blood vessels, which can also cause blood clots. Blood clots can form in the veins of the legs or pelvis and travel to the lungs. These clots can be life-threatening if they block an artery in the lungs, causing chest pain and difficulty breathing.
- Infection: Smokers have higher rates of wound infections after total joint arthroplasty than nonsmokers. It happens especially when they have surgical implants coated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA).
3. Find Support Group
It's crucial to build your support network before your hip replacement surgery. Your support network can help you get through the pain and recover from surgery. If you have a spouse or family member, they can be a great source of support during your surgery and recovery.
You might also consider joining a support group for people who have undergone hip replacement surgery. Or maybe an online forum or social media site to connect with others who have undergone hip replacement surgery. They can be helpful when you're looking for ways to improve your post-surgery life.
4. Set Up Your Home For Safety
The first step in preparing your home for safety after hip replacement surgery is to remove all items from the floor that might be tripped over or cause an injury. It includes things like toys, shoes, and books. It would be best if you also emptied shelves, so nothing falls on you.
You should also make sure that your doorways are clear of clutter or other obstacles that could cause someone to trip over them when walking through them. Ensure no cords are lying around that could lead to cuts or other injuries if they get stepped on by accident. Lastly, consider installing hand bars or rails across rooms to have something to hold on to when walking or getting up or down.
5. Prepare Your Documents
In preparation for your hip replacement, you should gather all your medical records and put them in one folder to bring with you to the hospital. It includes past X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and other tests. You must also have copies of all your prescriptions and medical history forms.
Furthermore, you need to have an insurance card on hand and any insurance paperwork that your doctor's office or hospital may require. It could include a list of any pre-existing conditions that might affect coverage or reimbursement.
6. Reduce Stress
Feeling stressed and anxious about your upcoming hip replacement surgery is normal. The thought of the surgery and the pain afterward may scare you. But it would be best to reduce your stress levels before your surgery.
You may be able to reduce some of the pain you experience after surgery by learning ways to manage your stress level before and during your recovery. Here are some ways you can reduce stress before hip replacement surgery:
- Discuss with your doctor about your surgery - this is so you can address any concerns and know what to expect.
- Research about the surgery - so you can learn more about the procedure, its success rate, and its effects, lessening any misconception about the surgery.
- Learn therapeutic techniques - breathing exercises, yoga, and mindfulness therapy can help reduce your anxiety and stress.
7. Get Finances In Order
It's time to get your finances in place before your hip replacement surgery. This step can help you avoid complications, avoid unnecessary financial stress, and have a smoother recovery. Here are some things you can do to be financially prepared before your hip replacement surgery:
- Get Your Credit Cards Under Control: If you have a lot of credit card debt or are behind on your payments, it's best to pay off as much as possible before the surgery. It will help you avoid paying interest on any remaining balance after the procedure, saving you money in the long run.
- Start Setting Aside Money for Emergencies: If you don't already have an emergency fund, now is an excellent time to start one. An emergency fund will allow you to take care of any unexpected costs after surgery without resorting to credit cards or other loans, which could be added expenses.
- Insurance: Make sure you have health insurance coverage for physical therapy and other services required after surgery. Contact your health insurance provider before surgery if you are unsure of your coverage.
Final Thoughts
If you want your hip replacement surgery to go smoothly, prepare by doing the following things mentioned on this list. Feel free to share them with your friends, family members, and anyone else who might be scheduled for hip replacement surgery soon.