Preparing for Surgery

Working with Your Doctor: A Checklist

Before surgery, you will have a complete physical examination to make sure you don't have any conditions that could interfere with the procedure or its outcome. Routine tests, such as blood work and X-rays, are usually performed a week before any major surgery.

• Discuss any medications you are taking with Dr. Ferro and your family physician to see which ones you should discontinue before surgery.
• Also, discuss with your doctor options for preparing for potential blood replacement, including donating your own blood, medical interventions, and other treatments prior to surgery.
• If you are overweight, losing weight before surgery will help decrease the stress you place on your new joint. However, you should not diet during the month before your surgery.
• If you are taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications, Warfarin, or any drugs that increase the risk of bleeding, you will need to stop taking them one week before surgery to minimize bleeding.
• If you smoke, you should stop or cut down to reduce your surgery risks and improve your recovery.
• Have any tooth, gum, bladder, or bowel problems treated before surgery to reduce the risk of infection later.
• Eat a well-balanced diet.
• Report any infections to Dr. Ferro. Surgery cannot be performed until all infections have cleared up.
• Arrange for someone to help with everyday tasks like cooking, shopping, and laundry during your recovery period.
• Put items that you use often within easy reach before surgery, so you won't have to reach and bend as often.
• Remove all loose carpets and tape down electrical cords to avoid falls.
• Make sure you have a stable chair with a firm seat cushion, a firm back, and two arms.