Knee-Guidebook-V1

Register for Pre-Op Education Class Our educational class, Get Ready for Joint Replacement Surgery, is held weekly for anyone scheduled for joint replacement surgery at Mercy Hospital. The class typically lasts two hours. We strongly recommend that you attend this program before your surgery. You only need to attend one class and family members or friends are encouraged to attend with you. Our class schedule can be found online at www.mercyhospital.org or by calling our Joint Replacement Center at (207) 553-6588 . Patients who attend this class have a better understanding of what they can expect before, during and after their surgery and their recovery is quicker and easier. Clinic for Surgical Services Once your surgery is scheduled and you have pre-registered, a nurse from the Clinic for Surgical Services (PAT) will call you. Some patients may need to come to Mercy for a pre-operative testing appointment. On the phone you will be asked about medications, your health history and prior anesthesia history. The nurse that calls you will discuss which medications you may take the day of surgery. There are some medications that should be discontinued for several days before surgery. Your surgeon will inform you of any medications you take that should be stopped. The nurse will also confirm the date and time of your surgery, including what time to arrive at the hospital. Please have the following information readily available:

• List of all medications including prescriptions and over the counter medications

• List of prior surgeries

• Specialists (cardiologist, pulmonologist, etc.) names and telephone numbers

If you are scheduled for a pre-operative testing appointment, the following may be included in your visit:

• Blood (lab) work

• ECG

• Medical Management Consult

• Chest X-ray

Please let us know if you have had any recent tests. It is very important that you go to this appointment or your surgery date may have to be changed.