PRE-OPERATIVE PATIENT EDUCATION

TWO WEEKS BEFORE SURGERY

​

• Have your preoperative appointment with the Weir Orthopedic medical staff to go over any medical issues or discuss any additional questions you may have.

• Stop taking anti-inflammatories (Motrin, Aleve, Ibuprofen, Advil) unless directed otherwise by your doctor

• Stop taking vitamin E capsules and herbal medications such as flaxseed, glucosamine and fish oil

ONE WEEK BEFORE SURGERY

​

• Stop taking aspirin, plavix or coumadin if allowed by your cardiologist. Dr. Weir strongly encourages discontinuing these medications 7 days prior to surgery if approved by your cardiologist.

• Start washing your whole leg with Hibiclens (4% CHG) soap once a day when you shower.

• The hospital’s Pre-Admission Testing nurse will call you to review lab results and records the anesthesia department may need prior to your surgery.​

THE DAY BEFORE SURGERY 

​

• Stop taking “bridging” medications like lovenox or heparin by at least 8 am the day before surgery.

• The hospital’s surgical scheduler will call you in the late afternoon to tell you the time you should arrive for your surgery in the morning. ​

OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATIONS

These are the over-the-counter medications you may need during your recovery unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

• Aspirin 81mg - Take one a day for 6 weeks to help prevent blood clots.

• Tylenol 500mg - Take two pills every 6 hours for baseline pain relief. Discontinue tylenol when you no longer require any pain medication

• Prilosec OTC - Take one a day while you are taking prescription Mobic or Meloxicam

• Colace or Laxative - Take as directed while on narcotic pain medication.

​

• Hibiclens (4% CHG) soap

DISCHARGE AFTER SURGERY

Some patients go home the same day of surgery, some stay in the hospital before going home and others go to a rehabilitation center. Discharge after surgery depends on your individual needs and the type of surgery you are having. Discharge planning nurses and physical therapists will work with you on coordinating your home needs or arranging a stay at a rehabilitation center if you are admitted to the hospital after surgery.

HOME NURSING AND THERAPY

Nurses and therapists will come to your house to help following surgery. They perform the following healthcare duties: 

• Communicate with Dr. Weir about your progress and recovery

• Care for your dressing and wound as it heals.

• Assess medication and collect blood work if needed

ACTIVITY

You may put your full weight on the operated leg unless told otherwise by your physician. Use a walker initially. It is good to be up at least every two hours for short walks around the house. Do not stand for long periods of time during the first few weeks.

STAIRS

You can go up and down stairs unless your doctor has told you otherwise. Go up the stairs one at a time starting with the non-operative leg. Go down the stairs leading with the operative leg. Use a handrail whenever possible.

BATHING

You can start showering two days after surgery. You may shower with your Aquacel on. Do not soak the hip in a tub or pool until after your first office visit.

DRIVING

You will need to be off narcotic pain medication and feel safe to operate a motor vehicle before you start to drive. Most patients feel this way after just a few weeks depending on the type of surgery and the leg they had surgery on.

POSTOPERATIVE APPOINTMENT

An x-ray will be taken, your hip will be examined and we will discuss physical therapy at your first post-operative appointment. We can also discuss the timing for returning to work and sporting activities at that appointment. You will receive a card with the date of your first postoperative appointment.