Getting ready for surgery

Making an appointment with your family physician or nurse practitioner is always a good idea before surgery. They can help you get physically and mentally prepared. They may want to check the following:

• Iron levels.
• Hemoglobin A1C (blood sugar) levels.
• Sleep apnea.
• Review prehab goals.

When you go, take your patient passport with you.

Consider the following things to help you prepare for your surgery:

• Transportation to the hospital and during recovery.
• Length of stay in hospital.
• Who will stay with you for the first 48 hours?
• Meals in the freezer.
• Grab bars and hand held shower in tub/shower.
• Clear clutter.
• Railings on stairs.
• Remove small mats.

If you are having pain when walking, and you are not using a mobility aid, start using a cane. If that doesn't help, move up to one crutch, then two crutches, then a walker, until you can walk more comfortably. You may need a cane or walker now and for after your surgery. 

Other useful equipment:

• Bath stool or bench.
• Sock aid.
• Long handled reacher and shoe horn.
• Raised toilet sea.
• Urinal.
• Grab bars.

Contact the Physiotherapy Navigator if you have any questions. Contact: 250-770-3477.