Live Life Team
Preparation for the surgery
Review with surgeon:
This begins two weeks in advance of the surgery. The surgeon and his team would review the medical records, do certain health examinations and organize required laboratory tests to ensure the medical health of the patient in relation to the surgery and anaesthesia. The team will also update you on the surgery procedure and help and care that you would need on discharge, so you can make necessary arrangements.
You need to also discuss all the current medications that you are taking to ensure their suitability to the surgery. For example, rheumatoid arthritis medication represses the immune system and would need to be discontinued before surgery, so that it does not interfere with the healing process after surgery. You will be advised substitutes for such medications.
Exercise and activity prior to surgery:
You might need muscle strengthening in the hip area through exercises advised by a physiotherapist, this will speed up your post-surgery recovery. In addition, one must continue with regular walking or swimming before the surgery.
The exercises that one can do before surgery to build up their muscle strength and mobility include:
With one foot on the second stair or a stool and the other leg standing, lean forward to bend the leg on the stool and stretch the front of the other leg. Stay in this position for 30 seconds and then repeat with the other leg.
For short periods of time stand on the leg which is affected and lift the leg which is good and focus on holding the pelvis level. You can take support for balancing.
Lie on the back. Pull one leg on to the chest, with other leg straight on the bed. Repeat with the other leg. This exercise should not be done if you have already had a hip replacement on one side.
Lie on the back and bend your knee so the foot rests flat on the bed. Let the bent knee fall sideways very gently to the point that it comfortable. Repeat with the other leg
Lie on the stomach first and then lie flat on the back for about 20minutes each, for stretching the hip, both in front and back. Repeat this 2 times a day.
Hospital admission:
This is normally done a day before the surgery when the surgeon and anaesthetist will visit and brief you about the surgery day. You can ask any questions and clarify any doubts that you might have. In certain cases with heart problems, patients might be admitted earlier to carry out any required tests before the surgery.
It is advisable to get well informed about the upcoming operation through write ups and videos and also by asking questions. Arrange for help at home after you are discharged from the hospital.
Day of the surgery one has to be empty stomach, no food or fluid, six hours prior to the surgery. One needs to shower or bathe and wear a hospital gown. Remove all jewellery articles, any make up or nail polish. Get rid of false teeth or glasses. You will be given a general anaesthetic or an epidural to make the procedure painless for you.
