What You Should Know Before Joint Surgery
If your appendix ruptures or your coronary artery is blocked, getting to surgery – quickly – could save your life. But if you need joint surgery, you can take your time. And that’s a good thing.
Although the pain of arthritis is a major factor in having joint replacement, the majority of joint surgeries are elective procedures, says Art Schoenstadt, MD, founder of the health information Web site eMedTV.com, which features more than 30 articles on joint-replacement surgeries. That means you – and only you – make the ultimate decision as to whether you will have one, he says. It also means you have the luxury of time to make the decision and to plan, once you do.
People reach the decision at different times and for different reasons. For some, joint pain becomes unbearable and is no longer relieved by exercise, medication or other conservative methods. For others, stiffness or immobility affects their ability to do their job, care for their home and family or enjoy their favorite activities.
Waiting a month – or even a year or two – to pursue surgery probably won’t have lifelong effects (although many people who have waited much longer say they wish they had had it sooner). And waiting for even a short time can enable you to learn all you can about the procedure and then prepare for it – mentally, physically and financially.
Preparing for |
In this three-part series, Arthritis Today will guide you through all the steps – from decision making to recovery. (Click here for the second part: Getting in Shape Before Surgery.)
Although joint surgeries are rarely life-saving, many people who have had them can attest they can be life-changing. Proper preparation can help ensure the change is a positive one.
Know Thyself
Just as there are many forms of arthritis, there are many types of arthritis surgeries.
Understanding your precise problem – torn cartilage, worn cartilage, a limb-length discrepancy or osteonecrosis (death) of the bone adjacent to the joint, for example – as well as the treatment options, is important as you consider surgery.
In many cases, it’s best to first explore all nonsurgical options. By doing so, you may be able to postpone – or even eliminate – the need for surgery altogether. At the very least, it can give you the reassurance that once you do sign on for surgery, you will have checked out the options thoroughly and made an informed choice.
Knowing the basics about the surgeries for your particular joint problem can help you discuss your options with your surgeon, understand the pros and cons of each surgery, and then decide whether it’s right for you.
Throughout this series, knowing exactly what surgery you’re having is key – for ensuring that you prepare properly and for guaranteeing proper payment by your insurance company.
