MAKING PREPARATIONS FOR SURGERY.

MEDICAL EVALUATIONS.

Before surgery, your doctors need to understand your overall health status. You will be evaluated in several ways.

Complete medical evaluation. Your doctor will take your health history, an inventory of medications you now take, and will administer a total physical. X-ray images will be taken of your knee that help the surgeon plan your surgery. Some patients will also need chest X-rays, ECGs and other tests to ensure they are strong enough for surgery and recovery.

Preliminary lab work. As part of your preadmission process, you will need to undergo routine lab work. Your physician's nurse can explain what each test is and why you need it.

Donate your own blood. You may be asked to donate some blood to have on hand in case you need it during surgery. Some patients cannot donate their own blood. In these cases, using pre-screened blood bank blood is recommended.

GETTING YOUR HOME READY.

To make your life easier post-operatively, it pays to think ahead about how to adapt your home environment for safety and greater efficiency. Here are some tips that can help:

Arrange for help now. You won't be able to drive immediately after surgery. This means you will need the assistance of someone who can drive you to your follow-up doctor's appointments, as well as help you with shopping and errands. Try to line up this person's assistance now.

Reorganize your home: ' Bending, kneeling and squatting will be impossible immediately following your surgery. Also remember, you will be on crutches or a walker for a while. Place everyday essentials in top drawers or easy-access places. Remove electrical cords and clutter that pose a hazard. Don't wax floors.

Obtain assistance items. It makes sense to have certain assistance items ready when you return home. Some suggested items might be a cordless phone, large apron with pockets,

reaching aids and bathing aids. Check with your surgeon and hospital to identify which items will be provided to you at discharge.