Some patients do not get the chance to plan ahead for a hip replacement. They break their hip, and their doctor schedules the replacement within days. However, if you are in need of a hip replacement due to arthritis or another ongoing condition, you will typically be given more time to plan. Your hip replacement may be scheduled a month or two out, for example. So how should you use this time? To prepare for the procedure, of course! Here are a few preparatory tips.

Stay active.

Being active is probably a bit painful, which is why you are having a hip replacement. However, you should not just sit around and do nothing in the weeks leading up to your surgery. Staying as active as you can will help keep your body healthy so that you're better able to recover from your hip replacement. If you can't do any weight-bearing exercise, consider swimming or doing water aerobics for 20 - 30 minutes per day. The water will take the pressure off your hip and allow you to get a full-body workout.

Get ahead on work.

You will probably need to take at least a couple of weeks off from work after your hip replacement. If you have a physically demanding job, you may need to take off even more time than that. Spend the weeks before surgery getting ahead on work so that you can more easily relax during your recovery. Mindset is important; if you are really stressed about being unable to work, your recovery may be slower.

Stock up on necessities at home.

Make sure your cabinets are well-stocked with healthy, easy-to-prepare foods. Also make sure you have over-the-counter pain relievers, lots of ice packs, comfortable clothing, and lots of pillows. You might want to invest a little money in some books, video games, or something else you can use to stay entertained during the first few weeks when you won't be able to walk.

Interview physical therapists.

After your surgery, you will need a couple of months of physical therapy. The surgeon who does your hip replacement can recommend a good physical therapist. However, if you want to meet and interview these therapists yourself, now is the time to do it. You will be better able to focus and ask them questions now than after surgery.

A hip replacement can be life-changing. Just make sure you take the time to prepare and follow the steps above. 

For more information on joint replacement services, reach out to an orthopedist.