Total Knee Replacement Pre Surgery Online Class

FREE Online Knee Replacement Pre-Surgical Class

In this video I share the first part of a three part class on preparing for your knee replacement surgery.

This portion of the class discusses pre-surgical considerations.

Watch time is 17:12 minutes.

What can I expect during the first 12 weeks after surgery?

Immediately after surgery a physical therapist will help you stand and walk around your recovery room.

If surgery was performed in an outpatient surgery center you will return home the same day. Some patients will stay in the hospital for a short stay or transitioned to a skilled nursing facility if it is not safe to return home.

Therapy will begin the day of surgery and continue for an average of 6 to 12 weeks.

Most patients in the US will us a walker for the first few days then transition to a cane before walking independently without an assistive device.

Physical therapy may start in the home or skilled nursing facility before transitioning to an outpatient clinic or having a mobile therapist perform outpatient therapy in the patient's home.

Checklists

What to Bring to the Hospital on the Day of Your Knee Replacement:

 Current list of medications and supplements, noting which ones have been stopped

 Loose pajamas or short nightgown and short robe if desired

 Under garments

 Loose shorts, jogging suit, sweats, tops

 Slippers with backs and rubberized sole or walking sneakers/shoes with Velcro® closures or elastic shoe laces

 Socks

 Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, denture cleanser/cup, deodorant, electric or other razor, shaving cream, comb, NO powders)

 Eyeglasses

 Hearing aid and batteries

 CPAP machine settings, tubing, and machine

 Cell phone or calling card

 Driver’s license or photo ID, insurance card, Medicare or Medicaid card

 Copy of your Advanced Directives

 Important telephone numbers (include person bringing you home)

 Any hand-carry equipment you may have such as a reacher, sock aid, long-handled shoe horn

 This guide booklet so you can review items with your health care team

 Do not bring a walker. The person driving you home should bring it at the time of your discharge.

 Do not bring valuables - no jewelry, credit cards, checkbooks, or cash.

 Do not bring your own medications.

To improve my health before surgery:

 I quit smoking to improve healing and reduce the risk of infection after surgery.

 I had a dental check-up to make sure all my dental needs are taken care of before surgery.

 I received a flu vaccination (if during flu season -- October through March).

 I am eating lightly the week before my surgery to help reduce the risk of constipation.

 I have increased fluids and fiber in my diet as well.

 I had my diabetes checked, and it is under control (if applicable).

Things to do before surgery:

 I have verified with my insurance company that I have coverage for my surgery.

 I have attended the total joint replacement education class.

 I have received my pre-admission testing schedule. If I have not received my schedule with in two weeks before my surgery, I will contact the surgery scheduling office.

 I have completed all lab work requested from my surgeon’s office.

 I will call my Specialty Care Coordinator if I have questions or concerns about my surgery.

 I have talked to my Specialty Care Coordinator or surgeon about discharge options.

 I have completed a Living Will or Health Care Power-of-Attorney to have on file in my chart.

 I have not shaved my legs 3 days before my surgery.

 I have arranged for someone to drive me home when I’m discharged from the hospital.

 I have arranged for someone to drive me to my follow-up appointments.

More Blog Posts ...