BOPDHB Patient Resources Hip and Knee joint replacement book - June 2016 | Page 31

Reduce sources of infection
Surgery may be cancelled if you have any source of infection such
as ulcers, tooth problems, sores or open wounds. We advise you to
see your dentist to have your teeth checked prior to having a joint
replacement operation. Please visit your GP to have ulcers and
other sores checked.

Managing your weight
If you are overweight, recovery can be more difficult as you
have more strain on your muscles and joints. It can be hard to
lose weight, especially with reduced mobility but exercise and
changes in diet even without weight loss can reduce your chance
of complications after surgery. Talk to your GP or other health
professional about managing your weight. It is also important to tell
them if you have had a recent weight loss.

Before coming to hospital

add to your risk of developing confusion after your operation. It can
affect your anaesthetic and pain relief requirements.

Exercise
It is advisable to remain as active as possible leading up to your
surgery, to strengthen your muscles and speed up recovery.

What to do if you become unwell
It is important we know if you have any of the following:
• A cold or cough.
• Skin infections – such as a sore, graze, pimple or eczema,
especially around your operation site.
• Burning pain or passing urine more often than usual.
• You are generally unwell - such as diarrhoea, vomiting or
high temperature.
Any of these conditions could cause your operation to be
postponed. For your safety it is important that we know about
them prior to your operation. You will receive a phone call from
the Surgical Admission Unit two days before your operation day to
check whether you are unwell.

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