Pre Op - Frequently Asked Questions

Please see below for common questions

What to consider in the weeks before your operation: For Yourself

Discuss any medications you are taking with your GP or Dr Rajaratnam to see which ones you should stop taking before surgery.
If you are overweight, losing weight before surgery will help decrease the stress you place on your new joint.
If you are taking aspirin, 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 minimise 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.
Report any infections to Dr Rajaratnam . Surgery cannot be performed until all infections have cleared up.

What to consider in the weeks before your operation: At Home

Arrange for someone to help out with everyday tasks like cooking, shopping and laundry.
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.

If you are having Day Surgery, remember the following

Have someone available to take you home, you will not be able to drive for at least 24 hours.
Do not drink or eat anything in the car on the trip home.
The combination of anaesthesia, food, and car motion can quite often cause nausea or vomiting. After arriving home, wait until you are hungry before trying to eat. Begin with a light meal and try to avoid greasy food for the first 24 hours.
Keep your operative limb elevated and use ice as directed. This will help decrease swelling and pain.
Take your pain medicine as directed. Begin the pain medicine as you start getting uncomfortable, but before you are in severe pain. If you wait to take your pain medication until the pain is severe, you will have more difficulty controlling the pain.

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