PATIENT RESOURCES
Preparation for your orthopaedic surgery
It is important to be prepared for the surgery.
MEDICAL AID AUTHORISATION:
Please ensure that you have organised full authorisation for the procedure and are aware of any shortfalls. Make sure that you have contacted your medical aid and determined what is fully covered by the medical aid and what you will need to pay for.
PRIOR TO ADMISSION:
ENSURE POST-OP CARE:
Ensure that you have made arrangements at home and with your work and family to allow you to have the support and care after surgery.
Make sure that you will have someone to care for you for the first 5-8 days after discharge.
If you live alone - you will need to have someone come and stay with you or alternatively you will need to make a plan to stay with family or friends.
There are step down facilities you can be admitted to, for a week post surgery. These are not always covered by medical aid and if you do consider this option - please get the details of the facility that you would like to stay in, contact them and your medical aid and be sure to make the arrangements prior to admission.
Prepare the home for your post-op recovery by:
- Packing away loose rugs and carpets
- Finding a comfortable, firm, relatively high chair with arm rests to sit in post operatively
- Ensuring that the bathroom is easily accessible and that you have easy access to a shower
- Ensuring good lighting when getting up at night to avoid tripping or falling over objects
