How to Prepare for the Day of your Hip Surgery?

Preparing certain things in advance may be helpful to lighten the stress of surgery. Before you go into the hospital, think through transportation, everyday life necessities and special needs.

Getting your Home ready

• Place cooking utensils in an easy-to-reach place and have some easy meals ready for when you return home.
• You may have a walker during recovery. Rearrange your furniture so you have wide and clear paths toward your bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen. Remove small rugs to prevent tripping hazards.
• During recovery, you should not sit in a chair that rocks, rolls, or swivels. You need a firm and stationary chair with armrests. If your bed is lower than your knees height, you may need to raise it for easier and safer access.
• Place a non-skid mat in your bathtub or on your shower floor.
• Let your physical therapist know how many stairs are in your home and if there is a railing.

Getting yourself ready

• The night before your surgery, DO NOT eat or drink anything after midnight—not even coffee or water. You may brush your teeth, but be careful not to swallow any water.
• Up until midnight before your surgery, you may eat and drink normally.
• Make arrangements for someone to drive you back home from the hospital and stay with you that day and possibly longer, if necessary.

Your hospital stay

If you are having a joint replacement, you will probably remain in hospital for a few days or up to a week. Having certain things with you at the hospital will make your stay much more comfortable:

• Comfortable, easy-to-wear clothing
• Personal care items / toiletries
• Any medications you are taking
• Personal items like books, music, knitting, computer, mobile telephone, etc.

If you have any existing conditions and take any medications and/or supplements, please let your doctor and nurses know ahead of time to ensure that they are compatible with your surgical medications.

Find a Doctor »