Preparing you and your family for joint replacement surgery, recovery and rehabilitation.

If your doctor has recommended that you have a hip or knee replaced, you probably have a lot of questions. What will happen? Will it be painful? How long will it take to recover?

At Blount Memorial Hospital, we answer your questions well before surgery so that you and your family can make informed decisions about your treatment.

Once your orthopedic surgeon determines that you are a candidate for joint replacement surgery, you will be invited to attend Blount Memorial's innovative Joint School. This comprehensive, two-hour program covers everything you need to know about joint replacement from preparing for your surgery to postoperative pain relief and exercise, and from hospital admitting procedures to the vital role our occupational and physical therapists play in your rehabilitation.

Joint School was designed to educate, alleviate fears and address concerns. There is ample time for you and your loved ones to ask questions. After you watch a brief film about your surgery, which includes several testimonials from people who have had joint replacements, Blount Memorial's respiratory therapists, physical therapists and the Joint School coordinator will make presentations.

Here's an overview of some of the other topics at Blount Memorial's Joint School:

• The importance of exercise and a nutritionally balanced diet
• How to rearrange furniture, rugs and other items in your home for optimum safety
• Procedures and precautions to follow after surgery
• Questions and concerns related to pain relief
• Deep breathing techniques to help prevent pneumonia
• Hospital admitting paperwork and discharge planning
• The role of the Transitional Care Center
• Home Services options
• How to go about daily living without harming your new joint

In addition to the in-class video and presentations, you will receive a folder with several handouts to review at home. These include a specific joint replacement "Patient Plan," which covers nutrition, activity, treatments, medication and discharge planning for the day of surgery and the next five days, plus an informative booklet titled, "Before and After Your Operation."