Having total knee replacement surgery means you are looking forward to stronger knees, more mobility, and less pain. Your orthopedic surgeon will explain the whole process long beforehand so that you can set realistic expectations and prepare for the surgery.
Some patients disregard the pre-op directions. However, not following these instructions can not only delay surgery but may have a drastic impact on the surgery outcome.
Let’s talk about some of the mistakes you should avoid when preparing for a total knee replacement surgery, and where you can go in Boynton Beach and Palm Beach County to see a world-class knee surgeon who can get you back to your active lifestyle.
Mistake #1: Eating or Drinking the Morning Before Surgery
You will be advised not to eat or drink anything after midnight the morning before your knee replacement surgery. This is because the general anesthesia will relax your body, including the sphincter between your stomach and your esophagus – and if there is any food or liquid in your stomach, it could come up into your esophagus and ultimately harm your lungs.
Mistake #2: Taking Medication Before Surgery Without Your Surgeon’s Knowledge
Your knee surgeon will ask you about any prescription medications you take on a regular basis. Even though you’re asked not to eat or drink anything the morning before your surgery, your surgeon will explain how and when to take certain necessary medications before the operation – just be sure to discuss this with the surgeon well beforehand.
The orthopedic surgeon may advise you not to take various medications for about seven days before the surgery because these drugs (especially blood thinners) can interfere with blood clotting and increase blood loss during surgery. This can include over-the-counter NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as naproxen (Aleve), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and aspirin(Bufferin, Bayer Aspirin), which you may be taking on a regular basis to fight knee pain.
Moreover, you will also probably be advised to temporarily stop taking supplements such as ginkgo Biloba, ginseng, vitamin E, glucosamine, and fish oil before you have knee surgery.
Mistake #3: Not Bathing or Showering Before Surgery
It is best to get yourself as clean as possible before your total knee replacement surgery. The goal is to decrease infection-causing germs.
Your self-cleaning routine before surgery is not like your regular shower. Johns Hopkins Medicine recommends showering with a special soap called chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG)during the several days before your surgery in order to reduce your chances of acquiring an infection at the hospital.
Mistake #4: Not Discussing Your Anesthesia with Your Surgeon
The anesthesia used for your surgery can cause complications such as sore throat, nausea, vomiting, or even a severe allergic reaction such as anaphylaxis. If you know of any allergies to medication you’ve had in the past, such as penicillin or its variants (like ampicillin), let your surgeon know. There are alternatives that the anesthesiologist can use, so do not think that this factor will interfere with your surgery.
Total Knee Replacement in Boynton Beach, FL
A total knee replacement must be done by a highly qualified and experienced orthopedic surgeon who will guide you through the entire process to make it smooth and successful. Here at Personalized Orthopedics of the Palm Beaches, our board-certified knee surgeons have been performing knee surgeries for years. They will not only explain the entire procedure but also give you clear instructions on how to prepare for the surgery – and what to do to recover from the surgery as quickly as possible.
To schedule a consultation, call us today at (561) 733-5888 or fill out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to helping you enjoy an active lifestyle without knee pain!
