Having hip replacement surgery is always a big event in someone’s life. Such an operation can improve your quality of life by a large margin. It will affect your stability, your movement and every other bit of your life. Don’t worry, the procedure is more refined than ever, and risks are near non-existent. However, there are things that you have to do before undergoing the procedure. Why is this? It’s a popular false belief about surgeries that everything depends on the surgeon. The truth is that you can impact the surgery in both good and bad ways. The way this can happen is by watching your diet and lifestyle. Complications that can arise if you are getting your hip replaced. If you don’t take it seriously, such a problem may become a reality. By taking all the necessary precautions, you save yourself the trouble and the stress.
Lose weight
Post-surgical complications are always a real possibility. However, just because something is possible, it doesn’t mean it should happen. Overweight people risk their life by not taking care of themselves. This becomes an even worse problem during surgery. This problem is easily solvable. Everyone can pack on a few extra pounds very quickly, and lose them as fast. If you have concerns about your weight, consult your doctor. They have lots of experience to advise you. Ask for specific goals and tell them which exercises do you like.
Quit smoking
Smoking is bad under any circumstance or in any situation. This is because cigarettes contain a plethora of harmful substances. These can damage your health and cause complications in every situation. One of these situations is total hip replacement surgery. Nicotine, in particular, can be a detrimental factor. It may prolong your recovery, damage tissue and much more. Complications are a real possibility. We know that quitting smoking isn’t a small step. That’s why you should feel free to seek advice and help. Such a move may increase your chances of a healthy a fast recovery.
Stretch
The biggest risk when it comes to total hip replacement surgery are the muscles. The connection to the hip is firm. Because of this, you may need strong ones to connect to the new one. Doctors won’t perform the surgery if your muscles are too weak. That’s why you should pick up some exercise. By stretching on a daily basis, your core will be much stronger. A stronger core means better balance, and there is nothing more valuable than balance. Such a decision will speed up your recovery and lead you to a normal life again. Consider it.
Find a driver
After total hip replacement surgery, you won’t be the same for some time. The entire torso will be sensitive, and you will have to take medicines. Not only will you not be able to sit properly, but pain medicines can be an issue too. Driving requires absolute sobriety, and pain medicines hinder it. This is why you will need a friend or a family member to drive you around. If you choose to drive alone, you will endanger both yourself and others. The good news is that you’re due for a temporarily disabled parking tag.
Avoid blood-thinner medicines
Some medications have adverse effects that cause your blood to become thinner. You should avoid taking such medications before any surgery. They can lead to hemorrhage and many other complications. That’s why preparation for total hip replacement surgery lasts so long. Before any move is made, you should consult with your doctor about the medicines you’re taking. If some of them are necessary, you can find an alternative that doesn’t thin the blood. If you fail to report blood-thinner mends to your doctor, you are risking your life. Be wise and don’t risk anything.
Start newly prescribed medicines and supplements
When the doctor assesses your entire health before the surgery, he may give you new medicines. In most cases, patients get iron supplements in case of post-surgery anemia. There can also be blood pressure medicines and blood thickening medicines. Sometimes, you don’t have any of those, but they’re always a necessary precaution.It’s important to start them right away to prepare your body for any possible outcome. Taking these medications and supplements don’t take much time or effort, but it’s a great safety measure. They are only effective if you take them when you have to.
Change your sleep
Because movement will be difficult after the surgery, take the necessary steps. This involves raising the level of the bed. Doing this may allow you sleep more comfortably and don’t move too much. Every single bit of getting up will be difficult, so you may want to ease it a bit. Your body will be thankful. There is one more important thing. You should move your bed to the ground floor. Going up a flight of stairs will only aggravate your hip and cause complications. Think about sleeping on the couch until the recovery is over.
Bank your blood
Before the procedure, such a move is a great one. Sometimes, there are complications, and you want to take steps to prevent them. One of these complications is a hemorrhage. In case this happens, you want to be secured. Giving blood allows you to get a transfusion in case you bleed out too much. It doesn’t cost you anything, and it barely lasts a few minutes. But, it can be the difference maker is something goes wrong. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Besides, that blood may help out other people in need too.
Install railings
If you have to move around, you would want to do so in a safe manner. Railings are available everywhere. The places you want them are in the stairs and the bathroom. Going down a flight of stairs may prove to be a challenge, so you want protection. Also, the bathroom is slippery, and a fall may hurt you and damage your new hip. That’s why you want supports near the toilet and the tub. Such a precaution is necessary to ensure your health and safety.
Buy a reaching aid
It’s important to know that getting up will be a painful and difficult experience. You would want to get up as rarely as you can after the procedure. It orders to eliminate as much of these excursions as you can, you will need a reaching aid. A pole with a claw at the end can really help you in so many small ways. From reaching food to getting the remote, your life will be much simpler. These are available at every corner, so getting them won’t be a hassle.