What to Know Before Having Orthopedic Surgery: Part 2

In the first part of this series, we talked about finding the right orthopedic surgeon for your condition, the importance of asking questions, and deciding if surgery is the right option. In this follow-up of this two-part series, we’re going to talk more about important things to know before having orthopedic surgery.

You may need to review your lifestyle. When you have an orthopedic consultation, your surgeon may tell you that you need to make some changes to your lifestyle. These changes may include things like joining the 54% of US adults who are currently trying to lose weight, quitting smoking, making changes to your diet or increasing physical activity and strength training. The goal of preparing for orthopedic surgery is to have you in the best, healthiest condition as possible to minimize risks and speed recovery.

You should understand what recovery will entail. Recovery from any surgery can be painful, and the same is true of orthopedic surgery. You should be given all of the information regarding rehabilitation and aftercare before the orthopedic surgery takes place, but you should also thoroughly understand this information. Ask questions to understand what post surgery entails. One of the main topics you’ll discuss with your surgeon will be physical therapy. After surgery, you may need to participate in physical therapy to regain movement and strength in the area of your body that was affected by surgery. Preparing for the possibility of a lengthy recovery is essential.

You should plan your return home. When you leave the hospital after surgery, you should already have your home set up to make things as easy as possible for you while you’re recovering. At home, you may need to install things like handrails and raised seats as well as organizing your house so there will be few obstacles. It’s important to have your home prepared so you can feel as comfortable as possible after surgery and minimize chances of injury.

Deciding to have surgery is a decision that should not be taken lightly. It’s important to listen to your orthopedic surgeon and trust that he or she is giving you the best recommendation for your condition.