How to prepare for surgery

The decision to undergo orthopedic surgery is not an easy one, and there are many things to consider, from preparing for the operation to post-operative recovery. At  Arizona Specialty Hospital, we understand that staying in a hospital is not everyone’s first choice, we strive to make our patients stay as comfortable and “Un-hospital-like” as possible.

From the time you enter our facility until discharge our staff and physicians will treat you like family. That’s why our mission statement is “Caring for patients like family.”

One of the first steps to a successful orthopedic operation is preparation. Research has demonstrated that patients have a significantly better recovery when they prepare properly. This includes educating the patient on the operation, how their body may react, and the best recovery practices for in-patient care and at-home care.

To ensure our patients have the best possible experience, we offer a unique preoperative program, created to get our patients back to living their life. Once you become a patient at Arizona Specialty Hospital, your physician will give you the info needed to attend the pre-operative education course at  Arizona Specialty Hospital.

Whether you have not yet decided to have orthopedic surgery, or your operation is coming up, there are several steps you can take now to set yourself up for a successful surgery and recovery.

Your To-Do List at Home

Before you leave for your operation, it’s important to keep in mind that upon returning from an orthopedic surgery, you’ll need plenty of quality rest. Ensure that you have the following prepared at home to avoid any stress when you return.

• Have your prescriptions ready: Inform your doctor ahead of time of any medications you are currently taking, and ask for recommendations for post-operative medications.
• Keep a thermometer handy for checking your temperature.
• Have anti-inflammatories on hand. Refer to your physician for what medications they recommend if you run a minor fever or mild pain post-surgery.
• Have a meal plan: Prepare and freeze some meals ahead of time, so you won’t have to worry about meals during recovery.
• Inform your close family and friends of your operation, and have a plan for them to check in on you during recovery—especially if you live alone.

General To-Do List

• Inform your health insurance provider of your procedure and do the necessary paperwork before the operation.
• Obtain medical and anesthesia clearance for surgery, if needed.
• Make an appointment for pre-operative tests, physical therapy appointments, and anything else in your recovery plan.
• Start your pre-operative exercises, if applicable (per your doctor’s guidelines).

As with all medical procedures, it is best to refer to your healthcare provider with any questions, recommendations, and decisions regarding your health. If you’d like to find out more about your orthopedic surgery options, book an appointment, or chat with one of our physicians, please contact our team at Arizona Specialty Hospital.