Joint replacement can relieve pain and enable individuals to live fuller, more active lives. If you and your orthopaedic surgeon have decided that you are a good candidate for joint replacement surgery, you'll need several weeks to prepare, both physically and psychologically. By planning ahead and following these recommendations, you can help ensure a smooth surgery and a speedy recovery.

Talk to your doctor. Learn what to expect before, during and after surgery. Ask about the process of being admitted to the hospital, the type of anesthesia you might need, the type of implant that will be used, the length of stay in the hospital, rehabilitation and pain management. The more you know, the better you will be able to face the challenges and changes that joint replacement surgery will make in your life. Don't ever hesitate to ask questions, voice concerns or speak up when you do not understand.

During the weeks before your surgery, many people will be asking about your insurance coverage and medical history... If you have everything written down, you can reduce your frustration and speed the process. Be sure to include the following information:

• A designated family member or friend as your primary contact to receive information from the doctor and disseminate it to other family members and friends.
• A list of all the doctors you currently see and your reasons for seeing them.
• A list of medical conditions and all previous operations, including those that are not bone-and-joint operations.
• A list of all the medications you currently take on a regular basis. Copy the name of the medication, the dosage and the frequency (daily, twice a day, etc.) from the prescription bottle. Don't forget to include vitamin and mineral supplements or other over-the-counter medications you take regularly. Your doctor may advise you to stop taking certain medications or supplements a week or two before your surgery. These can include blood thinners and anti- inflammatories
• A list of any allergies or adverse reactions you've had to drugs or anesthesia in the past. Provide the name of the drug, why you were taking it, a description of your reaction and when this happened.
• Any dietary restrictions or other health problems you have, such as diabetes, asthma, HIV or hepatitis.

The physical preparations you make can affect both the outcome of the surgery and your recovery time. Most of these suggestions are common sense, although some may surprise you.

• If you smoke, cut down or quit. Smoking changes blood flow patterns, delays healing and slows recovery.
• If you drink, don't have any alcohol for at least 48 hours before surgery.
• Eat well. If you are overweight, your doctor may recommend a weight loss program.
• Ask your doctor for pre-surgical exercises. If you are having hip or knee replacement surgery, doing exercises to strengthen your upper body will help you cope with crutches or a walker after surgery. Isometric exercises can help maintain the strength of your leg muscles. Also ask about the exercises that will be prescribed after surgery. If you familiarize yourself with these postoperative exercises and practice them now, they will be easier to perform after the surgery.

Recovering from joint replacement surgery takes time. But you can take steps now that will help make your recovery easier and faster. Planning ahead is key to minimizing stress and optimizing your outcome.

• Arrange for someone to take you home and to stay with you for several days after your surgery.
• If you do the cooking, make double batches of everything for a week or two before your surgery. Freeze half, and you'll have two weeks of ready-made meals when you get home. Or stock up on ready-made foods that you enjoy.
• While you're in the kitchen (and in other rooms as well), place items you use regularly at arm level so you don't have to reach up or bend down.
• Borrow a walker or a pair of crutches and see how well you can maneuver through your home. You may need to rearrange furniture or temporarily change rooms (make the living room your bedroom, for example).
• Remove any throw or area rugs that could cause you to slip. Securely fasten electrical cords around the perimeter of the room.
• Consider modifying your bathroom to include a shower chair, gripping bar, or raised toilet.
• Shop for things that will make your life easier after surgery. Your list might include a long-handled shoehorn, a long-handled sponge, a grabbing tool or reacher, a footstool, a big-pocket shirt or soft shoulder bag for carrying things around.
• Set up a "recovery center" where you will spend most of your time. Things like the phone, television remote control, radio, facial tissues, wastebasket, pitcher and glass, reading materials and medications should all be within reach. 

Several health care professionals will be involved in your surgery. As an active participant in health care decisions, you should ensure that each professional has the information necessary for proper decision-making.

• Your primary care physician or an internist will conduct a general medical evaluation several weeks before surgery. This examination will assess your health and your risk for anesthesia. The results of this examination should be forwarded to your orthopaedic surgeon, along with a surgical clearance.
• If you will be donating your own blood for the surgery, donation times should be scheduled at least one week apart, beginning about six weeks and ending approximately five days before your surgery. During this time, you should be especially careful to eat properly and take a daily iron supplement.
• Shortly before your scheduled surgery, you will probably have an orthopaedic examination to review the procedure and answer any last-minute questions.
• The anesthesiologist will meet with you to discuss the type of anesthesia that will be used.
• You may need to take several types of tests, including blood tests, a cardiogram, a urine sample and a chest X-ray.
• Advise your doctor of any medical conditions you have and of all the medications you are taking. You may need to stop taking certain medications or your surgeon may recommend substitute medications until your surgery.
• If you are also planning dental work such as extractions or periodontal treatments, schedule them well in advance of your surgery. Do not schedule any dental work, including routine cleanings, for several weeks after your surgery.
• Notify your doctor if you come down with a fever, a cold or any other illness in the week before the surgery.

The 24 hours before your surgery will be busy. Use this checklist to make sure you don't forget anything.

• Take a shower or bath the night before your surgery. This will help reduce the risk of infection.
• Do not shave the area of the surgery. If this is necessary, the doctor will take care of it.
• Do not wear any make-up, lipstick or nail polish.
• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery. This will help prevent any nausea from the anesthesia.
• Do bring a hospital bag. Some of the items you should include are:
  • A pair of comfortable, sturdy bedroom slippers with non-skid soles
  • A knee-length robe or gown
  • Something to read
  • Copies of your insurance card, advance medical directives and medical history
  • All medical reports including X rays and MRI
  • Any medications you regularly take
  • Personal care items such as a hair brush, denture case, eyeglass case, contact lens case; leave your cash, credit cards and jewelry at home
  • A loose-fitting sweat suit or jogging suit and comfortable shoes to wear home
• A car with a high seat to take you home