Preparing Yourself for Surgery

Commit to the success of your surgery. Working as a team, you, your surgeon, physiotherapist and your family should adopt a positive attitude towards the success of your surgery. Together, you will gain a clear understanding of the common goals and expectations of the procedure. You should also communicate your post surgery personal goals to your surgeon and your physiotherapist so that everyone can work together to achieve these goals.

Be aware that remaining as active as possible in the time leading up to your surgery may contribute to the success of your surgery. It is however, important to avoid high impact exercise such as running.

Your surgeon may initiate a home exercise program before admission to hospital, this has the potential to aid your recovery in the post-operative period.

Activities may include:

• Walking
• Swimming
• Bicycle (stationary)

These exercises can help you to stay strong and flexible. Seek your doctor’s advice before beginning any exercise program.

Some Important General Health Advice Pre-Surgery

• Have a general check up with your dentist
• You will be advised at the Pre-Admission Clinic which medications to stop taking
• You should stop smoking as long as possible before the operation

You must notify your surgeon without delay if you have any sort of infection, as they may need to reschedule your surgery. Also let your surgeon know if you have any skin cuts or abrasions.

Social Planning

Although you will be able to walk soon after surgery it generally takes 4-6 weeks to become independent. You may need some help for several weeks with tasks such as cooking, showering, shopping and laundry. If you live alone a case manager at the hospital can help you make advance arrangements to have someone assist you at your home if necessary.