Total Joint Surgery Pre-Op Shopping List – ATX Orthopedics Austin, TX

Before your total joint replacement surgery in Austin, TX, being prepared at home can make your recovery significantly smoother and more comfortable. This pre-op shopping list from Dr. Sean Gallagher at ATX Orthopedics covers everything patients need to have at home before total hip or total knee replacement surgery in Austin, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Westlake, or South Austin.

RE-HYDRATION ELECTROLYTE DRINKS:

PEDIOLYTE VS HEB ELECTROLYTE VS GATORADE ETC.  Helpful for dehydration that occurs with surgery and with fasting prior to surgery.

 

 

 

A “FANCY BANDAID” (4″x10″ Island Border Dressing) covers the incision for 7 days.  Patients should purchase 1 or 2 of these dressings to use at home if the first one becomes 50% saturated, or use gauze and medical paper tape.

 

 

Press ‘n’ Seal Seran Wrap is used to cover this “waterproof” FANCY BANDAID bandage during showers to prevent any moisture from getting on the incision.

 

 

 

Hibiclens soap (chlorhexidine gluconate) is used in your shower on the incision (NOT WHOLE BODY) when the dressing comes off on Day 7.  Stop using when scab gone.  START USING 5 DAYS PRIOR TO SURGERY IN your SHOWERs (avoid genitals).

 

 

 

Flexible ice packs or Ice machines with a bladder are commonly used by patients.  They are not covered by insurance and need to be purchased online.  Use for the first 2 weeks as much as possible, and at least daily after 2 weeks.  There are many icing “protocols” ie 20 minutes on 20 minutes off, etc.  These protocols exist to avoid freezer burn to the skin.  As long as there is a wash cloth/dressing barrier, freezer burn should not be a concern.

 

 

 

 

SCAR MANAGEMENT: (after scab gone)

 

 

KNEES ONLY:

 

FUZZY WALE COMPRESSION STOCKINGS are used for 14 days (OR LONGER IF SWELLING) to decrease

swelling of the foot and ankle when patients are awake – they can be removed at nighttime. They are not covered by insurance and need to be purchased online.  www.compressiondynamics.com

 

 

 

 

EDEMA/SWELLING MEDICATION/SUPPLEMENT:  DIOSMIN daily for 6-8 weeks postop. (RECOMMENDED IF YOU HAVE VARICOSE VEINS/SPYDER VEINS/ANKLE OR FOOT SWELLING/VASCULAR DISEASE) – BUY ONLINE HERE)

 

 

 

 

 

 

KNEE ADHESION/SCAR MEDICATION/SUPPLEMENT:  L-Alanyl L-Glutamine daily for 6-8 weeks postop. (RECOMMENDED IF YOU ARE A SCAR FORMER) – BUY ONLINE HERE)

 

 

 

 

 

ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID Supplementation IF DESIRED:

 

 

 

FOR ANY PRESCRIPTION DRUGS, WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND:

https://www.costplusdrugs.com/

Written by Sean Gallagher, MD, Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon, Fellowship trained in Hip and Knee Total Joint Replacement

Ready to schedule your joint replacement? Learn more about total hip replacement or total knee replacement at ATX Orthopedics, or call 512-960-4590 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sean Gallagher in Austin, TX.

Why Pre-Op Preparation Matters for Joint Replacement Recovery

The days immediately following total knee or total hip replacement surgery are when preparation pays off most clearly. Patients who have their home supplies organized in advance can focus their energy on rest, pain management, and completing their exercise program — rather than sending family members to the pharmacy or struggling to locate supplies at an inconvenient time. Having everything on this list ready and easily accessible before your surgery date reduces stress, minimizes unnecessary trips out of the house during early recovery, and helps ensure that your post-operative instructions can be followed without interruption.

Setting Up Your Recovery Space

Before your surgery, take time to set up a comfortable, safe recovery area in your home. Ideally, your recovery space should be on the ground floor to minimize stair use in the early days after surgery. Position a recliner or adjustable bed so that you can elevate your operated leg comfortably. Clear walking paths of rugs, cords, and other trip hazards — falls during early recovery can be serious. Place frequently used items (medications, water, phone charger, remote controls) within easy reach so you do not need to get up unnecessarily. If you have pets, arrange for them to be managed so they do not jump on or trip you during ambulation.

Nutrition and Hydration After Joint Replacement

Adequate nutrition and hydration are important for healing after surgery. The electrolyte drinks included in this shopping list help replace fluids and electrolytes lost during surgery and through fasting. Protein intake is particularly important for tissue healing — aim for protein-rich foods such as eggs, chicken, Greek yogurt, and legumes in the weeks following your procedure. A high-fiber diet helps counteract the constipating effects of opioid pain medications, so stock up on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains as well. Stool softeners such as docusate sodium (Colace) should be started at the time you begin taking opioid medications and continued until you are no longer using them.

Questions About Your Pre-Op Preparation

If you have questions about any item on this list, or if your surgeon or anesthesiologist has provided specific instructions that differ from those listed here, always follow the instructions from your care team. Contact ATX Orthopedics at 512-960-4590 if you have questions about your pre-operative preparation for total knee or total hip replacement surgery in Austin, TX. Our team is happy to help you feel confident and prepared for your surgery and recovery.

Related Articles & Resources

• total joint pain control protocol
• patient’s guide to total hip replacement
• patient’s guide to total knee replacement
• joint replacement services at ATX Orthopedics