healthcare – WannaBeNormal

Your Guide to the Journey

If you’re preparing for hip replacement surgery, the pre-op appointment is an essential step to ensure everything goes smoothly. This appointment helps you, your surgeon, and your healthcare team get ready for the surgery day, addressing any concerns and confirming you’re in the best shape possible for the procedure. I feel like there are two types of people, there are people who need to know every single thing about hips and the surgery to feel better prepared and less scared, or theres the ones that want to know nothing and wake up with a new hip and less pain. I do like to know every little bit, but also I just want to lay down, sleep and wake up renewed with that new hip. Whether you’re nervous or just want to know what to expect, understanding the purpose of the pre-op appointment can ease some of your worries. I just had mine and it mostly helped.

1. Understanding the Purpose of the Pre-Op Appointment

The pre-op appointment is essentially a way for your healthcare team to ensure that you’re ready for surgery. It’s a chance to:

Review your medical history: Your doctor will go over any conditions you have, medications you take, and any allergies to ensure there are no surprises. (I have 12 plus over the counter!)
Conduct physical exams: The doctor will assess your overall health and do a brief physical exam to make sure your body is in good shape for surgery.
Order necessary tests: Blood work, X-rays, and sometimes an EKG or other imaging may be ordered, depending on your age and medical history. I had both and for the first time in a long time it HURT, I had fasted as told and was dehydrated, drink water people it will be less painful
Discuss the surgery process: The surgeon will explain how the hip replacement will be performed, the type of implant that will be used, and what the recovery process will look like.

This was when I first understood the extent of the surgery I was about to undergo. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed by the amount of information shared, but it was also reassuring to know that everyone was thoroughly planning for my care.

2. What to Expect During the Appointment

When you arrive for your pre-op appointment, here are the steps you’ll likely go through:

Medical History Review: Expect to answer a series of questions about your past surgeries, current health conditions (such as diabetes, heart disease, or respiratory issues), and any medications or supplements you’re currently taking.
Physical Exam: The doctor will check your vital signs (such as blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels) and may perform a physical exam of your hips, legs, and overall strength.
Tests and Screenings: Depending on your specific situation, you might need tests like blood work, an EKG (electrocardiogram), and imaging to assess the condition of your hip and overall health. Some doctors may also screen you for any signs of infection or other concerns that could affect surgery.
Discussion of Medications: Certain medications, such as blood thinners, might need to be adjusted or stopped before surgery. Make sure to ask questions about what you can and cannot take leading up to the operation.
I had to adjust my medications, especially some that thinned my blood, so this conversation was very important for me. It helped me feel more prepared to follow the specific instructions and avoid any complications. I try and be exact about my meds as its always a consideration with so many meds (12 not counting otcs!)

3. Pre-Surgery Instructions and Recommendations

At the end of your appointment, your surgeon or nurse will give you instructions on how to prepare for the surgery. This could include:

Fasting Instructions: You’ll likely be instructed not to eat or drink after midnight the night before surgery to reduce the risk of complications.
Arrangements for Transportation: Since you won’t be able to drive after surgery, make sure you’ve arranged for someone to take you to and from the hospital. Also, I wont say everywhere but here they say you have to have someone IN THE WAITING ROOM during the entire surgery so check on that. Most states also have people that volunteer if you need someone to wait for you, or its covered under insurance so check before the big day.
Preparing for Recovery: Your surgeon will likely discuss what your recovery process will look like, including physical therapy, pain management, and what you’ll need at home to assist with your recovery. You may also be given recommendations for exercises to do before surgery to strengthen muscles around your hip and prepare for recovery.

My doctor was great at helping me understand what I needed to do to prepare. I received a detailed list of things to bring to the hospital and suggestions for making my home more recovery-friendly. It was a relief to know exactly what to expect. Until I started obsessing about it lol.

4. Questions to Ask Your Surgeon

It’s normal to have a lot of questions before a big surgery like a hip replacement. If you get overwhelmed easy as I do, write them down, that way you have them ready. In the moment when they ask if I have questions, I always know I do but I have no idea what they were so I say no and freak out until its explained causing myself needless pain. Some good questions to ask your surgeon during the pre-op appointment include:

What type of implant will be used, and why?
How long will the surgery take?
What should I expect during the recovery process?
Are there any risks or complications I should be aware of?
Will I need physical therapy? If so, for how long?
What should I bring to the hospital with me?
When can I expect to return to normal activities (work, exercise, etc.)?
What will I need that first week/month etc?

I took hubby and a notepad to my pre-op appointment to jot down questions that popped into my head. One of the best things I did was ask about the recovery timeline. It gave me realistic expectations and helped me mentally prepare for the long road ahead.

5. The Emotional Side of Pre-Op Appointments

While the practical aspects of the pre-op appointment are important, it’s also normal to feel a mix of emotions—nervousness, excitement, or even uncertainty. Many people find that the more they learn about the process, the more confident they feel. Don’t be afraid to voice any concerns or ask for additional support, whether that’s a follow-up appointment or simply a clearer explanation.

That was the moment when I realized it was okay to be nervous, but also to trust the process. Talking with my surgeon and the team helped me feel supported, and I found that expressing my concerns out loud made me feel more at ease going into surgery.

Conclusion

The pre-op appointment is a vital step in preparing for your hip replacement surgery. It’s an opportunity to learn everything you need to know, ask important questions, and ensure your body is as ready as possible for the procedure. While it’s completely normal to feel a bit anxious, rest assured that your healthcare team is there to guide you every step of the way.

By being proactive, asking questions, and following instructions, you’ll be one step closer to a successful surgery and a smooth recovery. Til next time guys, take care of yourselves, and each other!

A Patient’s Perspective on Medication Refills and Advocacy

As someone living with chronic conditions, I’ve learned that managing medications can be as challenging as managing the illnesses themselves. We trust healthcare providers and pharmacies to support us in maintaining our health and well-being, but when systems break down, the consequences can be painful, frustrating, and even dangerous. Recently, I experienced a frustrating series of events that highlight the need for better patient advocacy and streamlined processes in our healthcare system.

It started with a simple refill request for a medication I’ve been taking for years. What should have been routine turned into a week-long ordeal of pharmacy stock issues, doctor unavailability, and communication breakdowns. I found myself caught between pharmacies and medical offices, desperately trying to avoid withdrawal symptoms while also dealing with an unrelated infection.

I ordered a necessary medication refill on a Tuesday, as part of my routine care plan. I do it regularly every month. By Friday, (note they’d had it 3-4 days at this point, I didnt run out of meds UNTIL Friday) I went to pick it up, only to find that the pharmacy was out of stock. I was told to speak to the pharmacist if the medication was urgent, so I did. However, I was then told that in order to fill the prescription at another pharmacy, I would need a new script from my doctor. But my doctor historically wasn’t available on Fridays.

That weekend, I became unwell. I went to urgent care, where I was diagnosed with an unrelated infection. But alongside my infection, I experienced symptoms of withdrawal—symptoms caused by the missing medication. I immediately sent my doctor a message explaining what had happened and the withdrawal symptoms I was experiencing. I have been under her care since 2017, and she had approved my prescription months ago. There was nothing new or unusual about this situation—this was the same medication I had been prescribed and that I had ordered on Tuesday.

Despite this, my doctor’s office was silent. I continued to feel the effects of withdrawal, unable to eat properly or function without pain. It wasn’t until Tuesday that I finally reached out to the office, explained the situation, and asked for guidance. After some persistence, the office confirmed that they would cancel the Walgreens order and send the prescription to Walmart instead.

But still, nothing happened. By Wednesday afternoon, I received a vague message that gave me the sense that my situation was not urgent or important. (A professional way of saying, your situation is not a priority, she’ll get to it when she gets to it, and believe me, I’m not saying I’m a priority or better than anyone, I am saying MY SITUATION merited a closer than fleeting glance) I had been without my medication for almost a week, and I was truly suffering. Yet, when Walgreens finally called to let me know they had restocked the medication, I immediately called and told the doctor’s office and asked what do I do? She told me not to pick it up from them. They implied that doing so might make me look like I was trying to “beat the system.”

I was simply trying to manage my chronic illness with the medication that had been prescribed to me, a treatment I’ve been using for years. The lack of communication from my doctor’s office made the situation even more exasperating. My health was deteriorating, and yet, I was met with suspicion and delay.

Then, as it was a Friday and I thought the doctors office wasn’t going to respond because it was a Friday I made the decision to pick up the medication from Walgreens anyway, I received an unexpected message from the doctor’s office: they had approved my prescription and were sending it to Walmart. By then, I had already gotten the medication from Walgreens, I of course immediately called the office felt compelled to make it clear that I picked it up. That morning in fact. Then I said I wanted everything handled through Walmart from that point on. This wasn’t an issue of seeking special treatment; it was a matter of ensuring I had access to the medication I needed, which I had been prescribed and ordered in advance.

This experience has shed light on the urgent need for better patient advocacy, both from healthcare providers and pharmacies. Policies and protocols need to be in place to handle situations like this—where patients are at risk of going without crucial medications and the healthcare system fails to support them. When withdrawal symptoms are involved, or when a patient’s medical condition is chronic and requires ongoing treatment, a system should exist that ensures no patient is left in limbo or subjected to unnecessary delays. Communication should be clear, swift, and consistent. When a patient is suffering, there should be a concrete backup plan for emergencies, so that healthcare providers and pharmacies can act quickly to prevent harm.

Unfortunately, my experience with the healthcare system didn’t end there. After seeing how badly I was struggling, my husband urged me to see his doctor, hoping they could offer more support. His doctor is part of the same hospital network, so we made an appointment and explained the situation, he did not think changing to his doctor would make anything worse, he just felt that I deserved better treatment. To his surprise (but sadly not mine), the doctor, without even fully understanding my medical history, immediately dismissed my need for pain medications. She suggested I visit a pain clinic, something I had done years ago, only to be treated like a criminal.

The doctor seemed unconcerned with the fact that I’ve been managing chronic pain from fibromyalgia, a condition with no cure, for years. I explained that I avoid narcotics—especially opioids—due to my previous history. I have not taken opioids since my heart stopped in 2017. Yet, this doctor treated my use of a non-narcotic medication like (L) as if it were just another attempt to get high.

So, how do we move forward? What needs to change to ensure that no patient is left without the care they need?

First, healthcare systems must implement clear protocols for handling medication issues and withdrawal symptoms. Providers and pharmacies alike should be trained to recognize the urgency of these situations and act swiftly.
Second, patients need better access to advocacy resources and should never feel like they’re fighting an uphill battle to receive their prescribed treatments.
And lastly, healthcare providers should understand the real, lived experiences of their patients, especially those dealing with chronic illness.

I’m ready to get started on making these changes happen. There are many moving parts, but with enough support and awareness, we can begin to create a more compassionate, responsive healthcare system for everyone. This is about more than just medication—it’s about treating patients with dignity and respect. This fight isnt only chronic pain, its anyone who takes a prescription they will have withdrawal from. I’m hoping to start/join a community and make a difference. Until next time gang. take care of yourselves, and each other.

Tag: healthcare

What to Expect During a Pre-Op Appointment for a Hip Replacement