Total Hip: Things To Do Before Total Hip Replacements Surgery

1. Stop all Aspirin and/or Anti-inflammatory medications like Motrin, Advil, Alleve, Indocin, Feldene, Naprosyn, Clinoril, Celebrex, Vioxx or Relafen two weeks before surgery. Also stop any Herbal supplements you are taking. Any of the above medications can cause increased bleeding during and after surgery. Use Tylenol as your only pain medication prior to surgery.
2. If you are taking any blood thinners like Coumadin, Trental or Persantine speak to your medical doctor about their use before surgery and the timing of stopping this medication.
3. Discuss with your medical doctor whether to continue to take all of your other regular medications like pills for your high blood pressure, heart, and diabetes.
4. Take 1000 mg of Vitamin C and a Multivitamin like “Centrum” daily for as long as possible before surgery. If Dr. Bertram thinks, based on your Nutritional Screen he performs before surgery, that you need a Protein supplement, take one can of Ensure with each meal daily prior to surgery. Do this for as long before surgery as possible.
5. Report any infections that may develop before surgery immediately, especially of the urine, skin or teeth.
6. Be sure to arrange for added assistance for your return visit home.
7. Donate Blood at the NCH Hospital if your doctor feels this is best for you. Our office will give you detailed instructions on this if we determine you need this.
8. Go for your Pre-operative teaching classes that will be arranged for you.
9. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery. Your surgeon or medical doctor may instruct you to take some of your regular medications with a sip of water.
10. Remove the following in preparation for surgery the night before: Makeup, nail polish, hairpins, jewelry (wedding rings may be taped to the finger), hairpieces, dentures, eyeglasses, contact lenses and hearing aids.
11. Most patients will be admitted to the hospital the day of surgery. The hospital staff will keep your clothes and toiletries you pack for you. Please leave any valuables with a relative or friend.