Proceeding to Knee Replacement
Once you have decided to have a knee replacement, a number of things must be done. You may be asked to see an internal medicine specialist for a more thorough medical evaluation prior to your surgery. While you are in the hospital, you will be routinely followed by your medical doctor, or by a designated medical doctor who practices at the hospital where your surgery is scheduled. In many cases, we will not consult the internist until you are already in the hospital. In either case you may return to your regular doctor after you leave the hospital. In some cases we will ask you to see the rheumatologist before your surgery. A rheumatologist is a specialist in the medical treatment of arthritis.
If you smoke it is important for you to quit two weeks prior to surgery.
If you are taking any anti-inflammatory medications, discontinue them at least 10 days prior to surgery. Anti-inflammatory medications that should be discontinued include:
- Ascriptin
- Voltaren
- Aspirin products
- Anaprox
- Clinoril
- Ansaid
- Indocin
- Advil/Nuprin/Mediprin
- Meclomen
- Feldene
- Motrin/Ibuprophen
- Tolectin
- Nalfon
- Lodine
- Naprosyn/Alleve
- Daypro
- Diet Pills
- Orudis/Oruval
- Any Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory
Estrogen (Premarin) or methotrexate should be discontinued one month prior to surgery.
If you are taking steroids (i.e. Prednisone), they should be continued. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about any medications you are currently taking.
| Back to Main Page |
