Planning a Knee Replacement Surgery

"You need a knee replacement surgery, but there is nothing to worry about". Hearing these words can send shivers down anyone’s spine. The word surgery is the one dreaded work no one wants to hear in his or her lifetime, and knee replacement surgery sounds so formidable doesn’t it? Whether it is knee replacement or total knee replacement, the knee replacement surgery is a big deal for anybody

Here are some tips on planning a knee replacement surgery:

• Arbitration Agreement: make sure that you sign the Arbitration Agreement; this should be done at the time of consultation or before the surgery. Try and get this done before the day of the surgery to avoid any and all complications. Remember that if this agreement is not signed the doctors will not perform surgery on you.
• Informed Consent: make sure that you have understood any and all risks involved where the surgery is concerned. Make sure you are aware of all complication and alternative treatments in connection with knee replacement surgery. The physician will discuss all these details with you before you agree to the surgery. You will be required to sign a consent form without which the surgery will not be performed.
• Health Insurance Coverage and Prior Authorization for Surgery: make sure that all your health insurance forms are duly filled and submitted to the hospital to avoid any complications that will be an unnecessary pain after the completion of the surgery. Get a pre-certification for the surgery and the Treatment Authorization Request and submit it to the hospital. This process of getting certificates will take weeks so do not leave these for the last minute, because the hospital will not perform surgery without these certificates and requests. If your insurance company requires any other forms or certificates, make sure that these are also dealt with in good time.
• Blood: the hospital will ask you to donate two units of your own blood prior to the hospital. This will and can be used during the surgery. This is because there are chances of bleeding during the knee replacement surgery and most patients require a blood transfusion. There are several options available in case you lose blood during the surgery, these are: Autologous blood, Directed Blood Donor, Banked Blood, Cell Saver Blood.
• Medication: make sure that you consult with your doctor where medication is concerned. If you are taking birth control pills, anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, Indocin, Motrin, Feldene, Naprosyn, Voltaren, Lodine you will need to discontinue these at least 10 days prior to surgery. If you are in severe pain prior to the surgery, ask your doctor for help.
• Weight Reduction and Exercising: you need to keep your weight not only for the benefit of your knees but also for your overall health. Take efforts to lose weight before the surgery. This can be done by doing some form of exercise; this should be monitored forms of exercised. Isometrics will help you a great deal pre and post surgery. You can also do exercises at home, which can be done on the bed.
• Prep your home: you will need to prepare your home because after your surgery you are going to need bed rest and the use of a walker or crutches. Ensure that you do not have to climb staircases. Move all your belongings to a room on the ground level if necessary. Access to bathrooms, kitchen and bedroom should be easy. Rearrange furniture so as to avoid accidents. Remove all rugs and carpets, as these are another hazard.
• Medical Evaluation: make sure that you get a medical evaluation done before the surgery. This is because knee replacement surgery is a lengthy and complicated procedure that requires you to be in the best of health.
• Pre-Operative Orthopedic Examination: you will be required to undergo a pre-operative orthopedic examination; this can be scheduled for a day before the surgery. This is the time when you can bring up all concerns and questions.