Many people think that surgery is the only treatment for osteoarthritis. But surgery isn’t right for everyone.
Ask yourself these questions to find out if surgery is something you should consider:
Talk to your doctor, surgeon, rheumatologist, and/or OASIS care team about the risks and benefits of surgery and to find out if surgery is right for you.
Surgery and Stages of the Disease
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition. People at different stages face different challenges and have different needs. While joint surgery may be the right course of action for one person, another may find that a cane is all they need to walk with ease.
The different stages of osteoarthritis are broken down into three categories: early, advanced, and end stage. People in the early stage are often not ready for surgery. For many this is because the cartilage in their joints isn’t damaged enough that surgery is necessary or because they are still able to manage everyday activities.
For people in the advanced and end stages, surgery may be helpful if their joint is damaged; they have trouble moving their joint; and/or they are in extreme pain. Still, for many it is not an option because of other factors like age or health.
Surgery can help you get back to the everyday activities you once enjoyed. Many people say that after surgery they were finally able to sleep without medication, could move without pain, and got back most of the movement in their joint.
Self-management before and after surgery can help you get the most out of your procedure. Self-management before surgery is about preparing for the procedure. After surgery, it’s about learning how to protect your new joint. Physiotherapy, exercise, and a healthy diet are only the beginning. You’ll also need a lot of determination. You have to be committed every step of the way.
Many of the surgeries used to treat osteoarthritis are safe and widely used. But there are always risks. Your surgeon will consider these risks and your health history before deciding if you should have surgery. Talk to your surgeon about your individual risks and the steps that can be taken to reduce them.
There are many different types of surgery for osteoarthritis. The most well known are hip replacement surgery and knee replacement surgery. Other surgeries include hip resurfacing surgery and uni-knee replacement surgery.
Each surgery has its own benefits and risks. The type of surgery that’s right for you will depend on how your joint is damaged and your lifestyle. For example, if your knee is only damaged on one side you may be able to have uni-knee replacement surgery. If the cartilage is fully worn away, you may have to have full knee replacement surgery. Talk to your doctor to find out what is the best option for you.
Self-Management Before Surgery
Self-managing your osteoarthritis can help you make the most of your surgery. There are many things you can do now – like exercising, eating a healthy diet, and losing weight – that can lead to a faster and easier recovery.
OASIS offers Pre-Hab Education Sessions to help you prepare for surgery and rehabilitation. This session covers how you can strengthen your muscles, adapt the way you do daily activities, and lose the extra weight that’s putting unnecessary stress on your sore joint. Pre-Hab is for people who have been identified as a surgical candidate.
There are many things you must do to get ready for your recovery from surgery.
Once you have a surgery date you will be offered a Pre-Op Education Session. Ideally you should attend this class up to 8 weeks before surgery. This session will tell you what to expect before, during, and after surgery; how to get your home ready for your recovery; and what equipment you need.
You must bring these items with you to the hospital:
These items are required if you are having hip surgery and will be helpful if you are having knee surgery:
Also remember:
Once you have a surgery date you will be offered a Pre-Op Education Sessions (Education/Pre-Op Education Sessions). Ideally you should attend this class up to 8 weeks before surgery. This session will tell you what to expect before, during, and after surgery; how to get your home ready for your recovery; and what equipment you need.
Preparing to Travel for Surgery
When you’re planning to travel for hip or knee surgery, it is important to be prepared and be flexible.
General travel tips:
Tips for travelling by air:
Tips for travelling on BC Ferries:
The Resources section of the OASIS website has a list of websites and brochures that can help you plan your trip. To learn more, follow these links:
After surgery it is important that you share any health concerns with your doctor. Talk to your doctor if your pain is unmanageable. Don’t try to suffer through; pain can stop you from moving your joint and delay your recovery.
A common side effect of pain medication is constipation. Drink plenty of fluids, eat a high fibre diet and be sure to talk to your doctor if the discomfort caused by constipation prevents you from doing your physiotherapy.
The key to the best possible recovery is to dedicate yourself to your rehabilitation. Follow the advice of your physiotherapist after you have returned home from the hospital. Do all of your exercises as recommended by your physiotherapist. Talk to your physiotherapist or your doctor about how to adapt your exercises as your recovery progresses and about when you can get back to other activities.
While repeat joint replacement surgeries are done, it is best take care of your prosthetic so you don’t need another surgery. Regular exercise is an important part of your rehabilitation and ongoing care of your new joint. Exercise will strengthen the muscles that support the joint and help you manage your weight.