Day 198 -- Pre-op day at S&W--oh joy!

I have been through a number of pre-op days with Bill, but this one was by far the best and most productive!  Because he is having a hip joint replacement surgery, the bone and joint clinic requires that the patient and caregiver if possible attend a one-and-a-half hour class half of which was taught by an orthopedic RN and the other half by a physical therapist.  We both thought it was kind of irksome to have to attend--but it was very helpful and informative.  All pre-planned surgeries should require patients to attend a similar class for the type surgery that patient is facing.  Not only did they tell the step-by-step with photos and actual protheses of knee and hip replacement surgeries, but they also gave in-depth lessons on how to scrub up before surgery, what to especially eat before and after surgery (tank up on protein for weeks), what post-surgery helps you might want to have on hand such as raised toilet seat, shower seat, etc. and care of the wound site after going home.  They sent home a packet with 3 special anti-bacterial sponges to be used for the two nights before surgery and the morning of surgery to help eliminate bacteria around the area.  Bill was told not to shave for at least 3 days so that there would be no open wounds on his face.  He has to use an anti-bacterial, antibiotic cream in both nostrils 3 times a day for 5 days before surgery to prevent the inhaling of bad germs.  They showed us a kit they will give us to use to remove the special bandage that will be on the surgical area.  The bandage itself is water proof so that a shower can be taken every day--just no soaking.  Then no bandage needed on it after that because there will be a clear film left on the surgical site after the removal of the first bandage.  They talked about the PT while in the hospital and gave exercises for afterwards, and just really didn't seem to leave anything to chance or question.  This is not the Scott and White we have known for years--I was very impressed at the thoroughness of the Bone and Joint Clinic pre-op.  Hope everything goes as smoothly as they talked like it would.