The work that leads to a successful joint replacement starts before you ever enter the operating room.
Preparing your body, your home, and your expectations can make recovery smoother and help you return to the activities you enjoy more quickly. Think of surgery as the beginning of the journey — not the entire journey.
Successful joint replacement begins well before the day of surgery.
Preparation includes:
Patients who prepare ahead of time often experience a smoother recovery because they can focus on healing rather than solving problems after they return home.
The better you prepare, the easier recovery becomes.
Before surgery we review your overall health to reduce the risk of complications.
Depending on your medical history, this may include evaluation by your:
The goal is not to create delays.
The goal is to make surgery as safe as possible.
Optimization is not postponement. It's preparation.
Preoperative exercise — sometimes called "prehabilitation" — helps maintain:
Even simple walking and home exercises can improve recovery.
Your exercise program should match your symptoms.
Pain should guide your activity — not stop it completely.
The stronger you go into surgery, the stronger you'll come out.
Weight loss may:
Not every patient needs to lose weight.
The goal is healthier — not perfect.
Small improvements before surgery often create big improvements afterward.
Common medications that may require adjustment include:
Every patient's medication list is different.
We'll provide specific instructions before surgery.
Never guess which medications to stop. Ask.
Smoking significantly increases the risk of:
Stopping smoking — even several weeks before surgery — can improve healing.
If you smoke, this is one of the best investments you can make in your recovery.
Your body heals better without nicotine.
Helpful preparations include:
Simple changes reduce stress during recovery.
Prepare your home while you're comfortable — not after surgery.
Helpful items include:
Leave valuables at home.
Pack light. You'll be focused on recovering — not unpacking.
Hospital stays have become much shorter over the past decade.
The decision depends on:
Our goal is for you to go home safely — not simply quickly.
Home is often the best place to recover.
Most patients appreciate assistance with:
Many patients become surprisingly independent within a short period of time.
Even so, having help available reduces stress during early recovery.
Accept help. Recovery is a team effort.
Almost every patient feels some anxiety before surgery.
Questions are healthy.
Fear usually comes from uncertainty.
One of my goals is to answer every question before surgery so you understand:
Knowledge often replaces fear with confidence.
The more you understand, the less intimidating surgery becomes.
Preparing for surgery starts with the right conversation. Schedule an appointment to discuss your symptoms and treatment options with Dr. Jadye Kee.