Dr. de Wilde will guide you through the specifics of your surgery during a consultation. This includes:

• A detailed explanation of the procedure.
• Answers to any questions regarding risks, benefits, and expected outcomes.
• Reviewing the recovery timeline and determining rehabilitation programs.

Things to Discuss:

• Medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Certain medications, like blood thinners, may need to be paused.
• Allergies or sensitivities to anaesthesia or medications, so appropriate measures can be taken.

An additional appointment with the nursing staff will provide an opportunity to discuss all aspects of the process.

• Health and Fitness: Maintain a healthy lifestyle in the weeks leading up to surgery to promote better healing. Eat a balanced diet, hydrate well, and get sufficient rest.
• Smoking and Alcohol: Stop smoking at least one month before surgery, as it impairs wound healing and increases the risks of complications. Avoid alcohol consumption a week before your procedure.
• Exercise Routine: Begin light exercises upon Dr. de Wilde’s approval to strengthen muscles surrounding the joint being operated on. Stronger muscles help accelerate recovery.

 A dental evaluation is recommended before surgery if teeth problems exist.

Before surgery, set up your home to make recovery easier:

• Comfortable Resting Area: Ensure you have a space with supportive seating, within easy reach of essentials like water, medications, and entertainment. Reclining chairs with armrests are ideal for maintaining proper posture.
• Accessibility: Organize your living space to avoid bending, twisting, or using stairs frequently. Remove trip hazards like loose rugs or clutter.
• Assistive Devices: Consider aids like crutches, walkers, or raised toilet seats as needed. Dr. de Wilde’s team will discuss which devices are required for your recovery.

• Fasting: Follow all fasting guidelines provided by the medical team. Typically, you will need to refrain from eating or drinking (including water) for 8–12 hours before surgery.
• Personal Hygiene: Take a shower with antibacterial soap the evening before your procedure to minimize infection risks. Avoid applying lotions, perfumes, or nail polish.
• Packing a Bag: Include essentials like identification, insurance information, comfortable clothing, toiletries, and any assistive devices you may need post-surgery.

Bring chronic medication in original dispensed containers, as advised by Dr De Wilde’s team. Remember to bring the booklet with as well as your x-rays. Do not bring items of value or cash. You will be contacted regarding your admission time and when to start fasting. Shower with Bioscrub. 

After surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room where nurses will monitor your vital signs, control pain levels, and ensure you are stable. You may feel groggy due to anesthesia but will gradually regain alertness.

• Length of Stay:
  Orthopaedic procedures may require an overnight stay or, for more complex surgeries, a stay of 2–3 days. Your hospital stay allows Dr. de Wilde’s team to monitor your progress and begin initial rehabilitation.
• Pain Management:
  Pain will be managed using appropriate medications—either orally or via IV. It’s essential to communicate if you feel discomfort so adjustments can be made.
• Mobility Initiation:
  For many orthopaedic surgeries, movement begins within 24 hours to avoid stiffness. A physical therapist may assist you in sitting up, walking a few steps, or using crutches for the first time. Don’t worry—this is carefully guided to ensure safety.

• Keep the surgical site clean and dry. Follow the doctor’s advise for dressing changes – the wound is generally kept dry and closed for only 3 days at home, whereafter the dressing is removed and the wound daily washed with Bioscrub.
• Watch for signs of infection, such as excessive redness, heat, or unusual odors. Report these immediately to Dr. de Wilde.
• Avoid submerging the wound in water. You may shower, using Bioscrub daily until all scabs fall off.

Rehabilitation exercises are a crucial part of the recovery process. They help regain mobility, build strength, and prevent post-surgical stiffness.

• Physical Therapy Sessions:
  Attend all scheduled physical therapy appointments. Your therapist will introduce exercises to improve joint function and gradually increase activity levels.
• At-Home Exercises:
  You will be provided with a personalized exercise routine to follow at home. Consistency is key—perform these movements daily, as they are designed to align with your healing progress.
• Range of Motion and Strengthening:
  Initial therapy will focus on gentle range-of-motion exercises to prevent stiffness. Gradually, strengthening exercises will be added to restore full functionality.

Make your own appointment with a physiotherapist, once a week for at least 4 weeks. Please remember to bring a progress report at your 6-week appointment to doctor.

Proper nutrition aids in tissue repair. Include protein-rich foods, leafy greens, and fruits high in vitamin C to promote healing. Avoid alcohol, as it interferes with wound healing and pain management.

Stay hydrated—adequate fluid intake accelerates recovery and prevents dehydration-related complications.

Ensure regular bowel movements and seek help if a problem persists.

• Assistive Devices:
  Use crutches, a walker, or a cane as directed. Avoid rigorous activities but for replacement surgeries, ensure full weight is placed on the legs and assistive devices are only used for balancing purposes. For arthroscopies procedures, follow instruction from the physiotherapist.
• Light Household Chores:
  Begin with light tasks such as folding laundry or setting the table. Avoid bending, lifting, or twisting excessively during the initial weeks.

With your compliance to exercises and the prescribed schedule, most patients regain substantial mobility within 6–12 weeks. However, return to strenuous activities, sports, or heavy lifting should only be done after clearance from Dr. de Wilde. Avoid all impact exercises, like jogging, unless cleared by Dr De Wilde.