How to Get Yourself Ready For Knee Replacement Surgery?

Knee replacement surgery is a large undertaking with complex implications for your life. Pain reduction and improving the function of the leg is the ultimate goal, but there are some extra steps along the way. While physical therapy after surgery is important, there are also pre-surgery activities carried out by knee replacement surgeon in Chandigarh that can ease your recovery and help you acclimate to your new joint. Here is a brief look at some of the things that will happen before a knee replacement surgeon opens you up.

Initial Evaluation

After speaking with your regular physician about knee surgery, there will be a variety of tests conducted to ensure you are a good candidate for knee replacement. Your blood will be tested both for your red blood cell count, to check for anemia, and for coagulation testing. Normal clotting is necessary for surgical procedures. Other exams include urinalysis testing and a check of your electrolyte status. Metabolic analysis of your liver and kidneys is also important; these organs help filter your blood and will be working extra hard during surgery and recovery.

Medication Adjustments

Certain prescriptions can interact poorly with surgical procedures and postoperative pain killers. Your knee replacement surgeon in Chandigarh may decrease dosing or change medications if you are taking something like this. Postoperative bleeding is a concern in medicine, which is why you should follow any prohibitions your doctor gives you regarding aspirins and no steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs both before and after your procedure. Another concern is infection, which means antibiotics may be prescribed if you have a weak immune system. Communication is important, so don't hold anything back when discussing medication with your doctor.

Blood Banking

Blood transfusions are common enough in knee replacement surgery that blood banking is now recommended by many knee replacement surgeons. Have your blood type checked and find out how common it is. For example, if you are type AB, then it is more likely the local blood bank already has a match for you. Rarer blood types should consider this option to ensure a match. These rare types include type O and anyone with Rh negative blood. Finding out your blood rarity also makes sense for your general future and preparedness.

Physical Therapy

There will be many activities you must perform by knee replacement surgeon in Chandigarh after surgery, but there are also some movement and exercises you can do before that day to help your recovery. Exercises that strengthen your leg can help you recover quicker, but should only be done after speaking with your doctor. They can let you know if your body can handle exercises of this kind and may offer recommendations. Some exercises that can benefit you before knee replacement surgery include knee bends, ankle pumps and sitting kicks.

You should enter any surgery feeling informed, so be sure to ask your knee replacement surgeon in Chandigarh any questions you have about preparation and recovery. Every person is unique and may experience this medical procedure a little differently, so be open about your medical history so your surgeon can give you accurate information. A knee replacement surgeon in Chandigarh will likely give you a packet of information, so read it carefully. Hopefully, the four tips above will also help you.