There are many things you can do to lower your risk of complications during surgery and to make your recovery easier. Steps include:
- If you have any tooth or gum disease, go to your dentist and get it treated before your surgery. This helps prevent infection from the bacteria in your mouth.
- If it hurts to urinate, tell your doctor. If you have a urinary tract infection, it should be treated before your surgery.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet. This will give you the energy and nutrition you need to heal faster.
- Exercise. People who are fit do better after surgery.
- If you smoke, quit. Stopping smoking reduces the risk of complications from surgery.
- Try to lose extra weight if you are going to get joint replacement surgery. Less weight means less stress on the artificial hip or knee, so it will last longer.
- Prepare your home. You’ll need someone to help you with cooking, cleaning, and shopping while you recover. To make falls less likely, tape down loose carpets or electrical cords.