Pre-Operative Information
Having surgery can feel overwhelming and intimidating. Below you will find some helpful resources and answers to frequently asked questions to help things feel more manageable.
What are the steps to schedule surgery?
1. In-Office Exam
The first step towards a joint replacement is a clinic visit with Dr. Abblitt. You will have x-rays taken, discuss possible surgical and non-surgical treatment options and work together to determine the best course of action for you.
2. Medical Clearance
Once considering surgery, you will be sent for a pre-operative medical clearance. See below for more information.
3. Call with Scheduler
After we are notified that you have passed the medical clearance, our scheduler Gina will call you to schedule several perioperative appointments. Make sure to have your calendar handy!
4. Pre-Operative Appointment
You will have one final appointment prior to surgery to ask any questions that have come up, review details of medical clearance, risks of surgery, and discuss post-operative expectations.
Medical Clearance
The first step towards joint replacement surgery is a preoperative clearance to ensure you are medically optimized to undergo a major procedure. The Perioperative Surgical Home (PSH) through Ascension Seton is responsible for this medical clearance to minimize risk of complication both during and after surgery. There are several locations across central Texas to allow for patient convenience. During your visit, you will have several tests performed including a physical exam, lab work, and an EKG. Additionally, you may be asked to obtain surgical clearance from any specialty providers (cardiology, nephrology, etc.).
Appointment Expectations
At your pre-operative visit, we will review the details and risks of surgery including ways to mitigate these. We will discuss the post-operative medications and pain control, timeline for recovery, and physical therapy recommendations. Additionally there will be time to answer any questions you may have, so please come prepared with a list of what you would like to discuss.
How to Prepare Your Home
It is imperative you have a safe and clean environment to return to after surgery. You must also have someone at home with you for the first 3-5 nights after surgery. Make sure to assess your home for any possible tripping hazards such as throw rugs or small pets. You will likely be using a walker after surgery so make sure the walk ways are wide enough to accommodate this.
Recommended DME
After a joint replacement, you will use a front wheel walker for 1-4 weeks. Through work with physical therapy, you will then transition to a cane until you can walk unassisted. Many patient's also find toilet seat risers and shower chairs to be quite helpful after surgery. For a knee replacement, an ice machine (or continuous circulating cold therapy) can be beneficial as well.
Exercises Before Surgery
For the first 6 weeks after a joint replacement, your body is essentially unable to build new muscle. However, with proper nutrition and physical therapy, you can maintain the muscle you have. Given this, the more strength and muscle you are able to build prior to surgery, the better opportunity to reduce strength and muscle loss you will have in recovery and beyond. The exercises found on the "Recovery" page can offer some help with getting started.
Nutrition Before Surgery
Proper nutrition is essential to the recovery journey after surgery. In addition to vitamin rich foods such as fruits and vegetables, protein intake is a major key. Aim for about 1g of protein per 1lb of ideal body weight each day (Ex: 150lb person should eat 150g of protein). Check out these data-backed supplements found below to help you reach these nutrition goals.
Day of Surgery Expectations
You will likely be given a finalized surgery time somewhere between 1-5 days prior to surgery. You will be asked to arrive to the hospital or surgery center 2 hours prior to your scheduled time. You will be brought to the pre-operative area where you will review medical history, have vitals taken, change into a hospital gown, and meet with anesthesia. Dr. Abblitt will come to see you in the pre-operative area prior to surgery. A family member or friend will be able to stay with you until you are taken back for surgery.