Before Surgery

Pre-Admission Testing:
All patients must have testing before surgery. This will assess if you are medically able to tolerate surgery. The testing will be scheduled through General Medical Consultants at (614) 221-3725 and needs to be done at least 2 weeks before your surgery.

Pre-admission testing will include a review of your medical history, a physical exam, urine sample, and blood tests. You may also have a chest X-ray, EKG, and other testing.

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Prepare Your Home:

Home Preparations – For your safety, you or your family should:

• Prepare a room on the first floor with supplies you will need during the day if you have a two-story home.
• Make certain you have secure handrails along stairways and in the bathroom. Consider installing grab bars. Remove anything in your walking path that may cause you to trip or fall such as throw rugs, cords, and furniture.
• Have a telephone within easy reach.
• Use a cushion to raise the seat of a low chair.
• Run errands and grocery shop before surgery.
• Stock up on food that is easy to prepare and store it at waist to shoulder level to avoid bending and reaching. Make sure your pets can be out of your way when you return home.

Durable Medical Equipment (DME)

• Check with your surgeon about special equipment you may need after surgery.
• Check with your insurance plan to find out which items will be covered. Some equipment may need doctor’s authorization.
• If you already have a walker, plan to bring this to the hospital with you.

Joint Replacement Class (Class Schedule and Directions)

The Mount Carmel system of hospitals offers a free class for patients who are having a joint replacement. This class will describe how to prepare for surgery, as well as challenges that will be experienced during recovery. These classes are taught by a nurse, a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, and a case worker/social worker, and  patients will learn about pre-surgery instructions, what to expect during the hospital stay and suggestions for a successful rehabilitation and recovery after discharge.

To register, please call (614) 234-LIFE. Registration is required. The patient's support person is strongly encouraged to attend.

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Prepare for Your Hospital Stay:

• Make arrangements to have a friend or family member stay with you after surgery.
  
• Coordinate a friend or family to drive you to physical therapy sessions or follow-up appointments. You will not be allowed to drive until directed by your physician.
  
• If you decide to continue your therapy in a rehabilitation facility, please choose and tour the facility of your choice. Be prepared to share the name of this facility with your Case Manager.
  

What to Bring:

• Current medications in their original container. Please have a family member take these medications home after the drug names and dosages have been verified by the nurse/pharmacy staff.
• Driver’s license.
• Insurance card.
• Credit card or money for insurance co-payment.
• Glasses, contacts, hearing aids, dentures, and cases.CPAP or BiPAP machine, if applicable.
• Walker
• One set of clothes — shirt and pants or shorts. If you wish to wear a robe, bring one that opens along the entire front and is calf length
  

What Not to Bring:

• Please leave all valuables, such as jewelry and keys, at home.

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The Night Before:

Do not smoke, eat, drink, chew gum, or eat mints or candy starting at midnight the night before surgery until you are allowed to have fluids after surgery.

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