If you have decided to take the ‘step’ towards getting your hip or knees replaced, congratulations! However, surgery is a serious undertaking that can take a toll on you if you don’t do it right. Here are some tips on how to prepare for your surgery to boost recovery and rehabilitation.

1. Get educated. Read up on the procedure to be comfortable with the process. It’s important to know how it can affect you. Don’t be shy to ask your surgeon questions. The staff at Dr Kevin Darr’s clinic is more than happy to help put your mind at ease and help you understand the medical process as best they can.
2. Prepare for a long recovery. Surgery may only take hours, but the recovery and rehabilitation that comes after can last weeks, if not months. Make preparations for the eventuality that you will not be resuming your normal life for a period of time.
3. Get in shape. While not exerting yourself, it’s important to stay fit and active to build your strength. This will help you in your rehabilitation when you may need to rely on mobility aids. Inform your doctor before making any exercise plans!
4. Rearrange your life. Your rehabilitation may mean tiny things will have to change – perhaps you won’t be able to bend down or go up and down stairs as easily. To prepare yourself for your return home from surgery, you’ll need to start now by making sure that your home and work life is adapted to your recovery.
5. Reach out for support. There’s nothing embarrassing or shameful about asking for help, and after something as big as knee or hip surgery, you’ll need a lot of it. Your family and close friends are a good source of help and emotional support. They can help with things like driving you to and from the surgery, laundry, or just being there for your rehabilitation. These little things can really add up to improve your surgical outcomes.
6. Listen to your doctor! Every patient is different, so there may be things that can affect you and your surgery personally. Your doctor may recommend you avoid taking medication or purchasing equipment for your recovery, as well as any rehabilitation regimens. Your doctor is the first point of contact for any professional advice and guidance that will help make the surgery move along as smoothly as possible.

To learn more about how hip or knee replacement surgery can help you, our friendly team of medical professionals at Dr Kevin Darr’s clinic will be more than happy to provide you with the right knowledge to regain your quality of life. Contact us today!