Joint Replacement Planning Guide
Office Phone: 630-759-1248
Fax: 630-378-0079
Email: Info@doctorpardi.com
This guide provides a week-by-week overview to help you prepare for your upcoming joint replacement surgery. We are thrilled to welcome you as a patient and believe that this resource will assist you in navigating the process, leading to enhanced pain relief and an improved quality of life following your surgery.
4-5 Weeks Before Your Surgery:
Complete your blood work and EKG at the beginning of 4 weeks prior to surgery and preferably before you see your PCP so that at your PCP visit they can clear you for surgery at that time.
Schedule your preoperative primary care medical clearance visit with your PCP. This should be near the beginning of 4 weeks prior to surgery.
Choose a care partner (spouse, child, friend) who will provide support throughout the surgical process.
Create a list of your current prescribed and over-the-counter medications.
Compile a list detailing your past surgeries, procedures, and medical conditions.
If applicable to your medical needs, schedule visits with specialists for clearance. This may include specialists in Cardiology, Pulmonology, Endocrinology, Hematology, and Rheumatology. Specialty clearances can be faxed to our office at 630-378-0079.
Schedule a dental exam for dental clearance, have them fax clearance to our office
Complete necessary paperwork for time away from work, coordinating with your employer's HR Department.
If you are undergoing knee replacement surgery, it is typically recommended to schedule a CT scan 4-6 weeks before the surgery. In most cases, it is advisable to arrange this appointment during your office visit when deciding to proceed with the surgery.
3-4 Weeks Before Surgery:
Complete necessary lab work.
Attend your preoperative primary care physician (PCP) clearance appointment.
Consult with any specialists as required.
Obtain dental clearance by scheduling a visit to the dentist.
Ensure that your CT scan, if required for a total knee procedure, has already been completed.
2-3 Weeks Before Surgery:
Make sure to attend your Preop Joints Education class
Start light, daily exercises as recommended during your preoperative joints class to build muscle strength.
Increase protein intake (if not medically restricted) to two servings of 12-16g of protein per day.
Acquire Hibiclens Antibacterial Soap or Wipes (also known as Chlorhexidine).
Reduce tripping hazards such as electrical cords, foot stools, throw rugs, and small pets.
Make necessary bathroom modifications.
Arrange sleeping accommodations, especially if additional support is needed.
Ensure you have a chair with armrests and no wheels.
Consider frozen or prepared meals, especially if living alone.
Confirm your discharge plan/support – you will be discharged either on the day of surgery or the following day.
Confirm with your care partner:
Who will be available to pick you up on the day of discharge, and will they need to take time off work?
Will anyone be staying overnight? (required if going home on the day of surgery)
If you have pets, are there special plans for their care?
Do you need to plan or freeze meals for your recovery phase?
You care partner should be there with you in the hospital when you do therapy to learn how to do therapy with you
2 Weeks Before Surgery:
Confirm and attend your 2 week preop appointment with your surgeon.
This will involve a review of your labs, meds, ekg, and medical clearances.
For total hips, you will have x-rays performed in the office to help the surgeon pick the correct type and size of implants for your specific anatomy.
This is also an opportunity for you to answer any questions you may have.
If you are taking Anticoagulants/Antiplatelets [Coumadin (warfarin), Eliquis (apixaban), Xarelto (rivaroxaban), Plavix (clopidogrel), Effient (prasugrel), Pradaxa (dabigatran)], be informed about the plan before and after surgery. Know when to stop and when to re-start.
Cease the intake of vitamins, supplements, and NSAIDs [Aspirin, Celebrex (celecoxib), Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), Meloxicam (Mobic), Naproxen (Aleve), Diclofenac (voltaren), Nabumetone)] as instructed by the doctor or pre-op clinic.
Confirm the date of your postoperative appointment.
Arrange a 'comfort center' in your home—a designated area where you can relax between walks or exercises, with necessary items conveniently nearby.
5 Days Before Surgery:
Initiate nightly Hibiclens Antibacterial Showers with the following instructions:
If washing your hair, use your regular shampoo, rinse thoroughly, and then wash your body to remove any shampoo residue.
Wash your face using your regular soap or water only.
Rinse your body thoroughly with water from the neck down.
Apply Hibiclens directly on your skin or on a wet washcloth, washing gently. Move away from the shower stream when applying Hibiclens to prevent rinsing it off too soon.
Rinse thoroughly with warm water, avoiding contact with eyes, ears, and mouth. If Hibiclens comes into contact with these areas, promptly rinse them out.
Dry your skin with a towel.
Do not use regular soap after applying and rinsing with Hibiclens.
Avoid applying lotions or deodorants to the cleaned body area.
Important Note:
Refrain from shaving legs or areas near any surgical sites."
2 Days Before Surgery:
Create a checklist of essential items to bring on the day of surgery:
Comfortable exercise clothing or loungewear.
Gym shoes or slip-on shoes with back/ankle support.
Identification (I.D.).
Insurance card.
Form of payment for filling postoperative prescriptions upon discharge (if not provided during the preoperative visit with the surgeon).
Personal/Medical Items:
Glasses/contacts, partials/dentures, hearing aids (will be removed before surgery—please bring supplies/storage container).
CPAP machine (if needed).
Important Note:
Do not bring an SCD machine, walker, or cane to the hospital.
1 day before surgery:
Receive call from hospital regarding arrival time (Fridays if Monday surgery)
After final Hibiclens shower:
NO lotions, oils, powders, hair products, or deodorants
Change bed linen
NOTHING TO EAT OR DRINK AFTER MIDNIGHT
The Morning of Surgery:
Take approved morning medications with a sip of water (as instructed at Pre Admission Interview or physician pre-op appointment)
LAST Hibiclens Antibacterial Shower
NO lotions, oils, powders, hair products, or deodorants
On the day of surgery, enter through the front main entrance, there will be an information/registration desk upon entering.