Beacon Total Joint Replacement Class

At Beacon, every care team includes you, your family and a group of highly skilled and trained providers. This team will help you make decisions throughout the process and manage your recovery. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

A strong recovery needs your best efforts - as well as the full involvement of those around you. Watch the 25 minute Total Joint Replacement video to prepare for your total joint surgery. This is required to be completed prior to your pre-operative appointment.

What to bring to your next appointment

After taking the Total Joint Replacement class, please print, fill out and bring the attachment to your pre-operative appointment.

For questions regarding the class or required paperwork, please contact Brittney Lammott (Elkhart General) or Ann Sylvester (Memorial Hospital).

• Quiz (PDF download)
• Pre-operative Home Assessment (PDF download)

What to expect at home during your first few days after knee or hip surgery

• Take your blood thinner (anticoagulant) as directed to prevent blood clots.
• Walk a few minutes indoors every hour while you are awake to prevent blood clots. Try to avoid too much time sitting. It will be easier to rise from chairs with arms.
• Expect swelling. Keeping your ankles elevated above your heart can help decrease the swelling.
• Ice your knee or hip as much as possible rotating ice on and off every twenty minutes.
• Deep breathing exercises. Use your incentive spirometer every hour while awake to keep your lungs clear.
• Water. Drink 6 to 8 eight-ounce glasses of water daily.
• Pain medication should be taken as soon as you begin to feel pain for the first few days. It is helpful to take pain medication before exercise and sleep. Take the pain medicine with food.
• Be aware of the side effects of pain medication such as dizziness, nausea, sleepiness and constipation.
• Eat plenty of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, such as berries, carrots, beans, and peas. Over the counter stool softeners should be taken to help prevent constipation.
• Prescription Opioids: what you need to know (PDF download)

For more information on what to expect, discharge instructions, education and exercises, download the Knee & Hip Replacement Guide. (View Spanish version)