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JOINT
REPLACEMENT SURGERY IS ONE OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL PROCEDURES
USED FOR RELIEF OF PAIN ,GAINING RANGE OF MOTION AND
IMPROVING THE ABILITY TO WALK, FOR A VARIETY OF PAINFUL
JOINT DISORDERS.
Understand the procedure
Talk to your doctor. Learn what to expect before, during and after surgery.
Ask about the process of being admitted to the hospital, the type of
anesthesia you might need, the type of implant that will be used, and
the length of stay in the hospital, rehabilitation and pain management.
The more you know, the better you will be able to face the challenges
and changes that joint replacement surgery will make in your life. Don't
ever hesitate to ask questions, voice concerns or speak up when you do
not understand.
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Assemble
your personal and medical information
During the weeks before your surgery, many people will be asking about
your insurance coverage, medical history and legal arrangements. You may
feel that you are answering the same questions over and over again, but
this redundancy is necessary to meet quality assurance and medical insurance
guidelines. If you have everything written down, you can reduce your frustration
and speed the process. Be sure to include the following information:
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A
designated family member or friend as your primary
contact to receive information from the doctor and
disseminate it to other family members and friends.
- A
list of all the doctors you currently see and your
reasons for seeing them. Provide names, addresses and
phone numbers.
- A
list of medical conditions and all previous operations,
including those that are not bone-and-joint operations.
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A
list of all the medications you currently take on a
regular basis. Copy the name of the medication, the
dosage and the frequency (daily, twice a day, etc.)
from the prescription bottle. Don't forget to include
vitamin and mineral supplements or other over-the-counter
medications you take regularly. Your doctor may advise
you to stop taking certain medications or supplements
a week or two before your surgery.
- A
list of any allergies or adverse reactions you've had
to drugs or anesthesia in the past. Provide the name
of the drug, why you were taking it, a description
of your reaction and when this happened.
- Any
dietary restrictions or other health problems you have,
such as diabetes, asthma, HIV or hepatitis.
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A
list of your insurance coverages, including the name
of the insurance company, the plan or group number
and contact information. Be sure to bring your insurance
cards to the hospital with you.
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Information
about any legal arrangements you've made, such as a
living will or durable power of attorney. Bring a copy
of the documents with you to the hospital.
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