Pre-Admission Testing -What to expect?

[YoungM]

Hi,

Can you tell me what to expect for Pre-Admission Testing? I'm going tomorrow morning and then taking a class a Joint Replacement Education class at the hospital.

Thanks!
~Melissa

 

[Judles]

WoW M!!!!! I'm sure you're a little nervous! Who wouldn't be?
You will fill out the requisite health forms, lists past illnesses, whether or not you have allergies, a list of your meds,,,,good idea to bring a list, they'll take your temperature, an EKG, and other medical stuff,,,,you may want to donate & bank your own blood,,,wise to ask how your OS works, They'll also weigh you! Take blood pressure etc,
The class is very worthwhile.....you'll be meeting nurses. Doctors, and are free to ask any questions!
Don't get yourself nuts!
You most certainly will be the youngest patient! Best of luck & be sure you post afterwards to let us know how you did! ;)

 

[YoungM]

Thanks so much for the info Judles! Yes, I'm sure I will be the youngest in the class! Even though I've gotten so much info from this board, I think it's a good idea to attend the class -especially since I am a nervous wreck about everything!

 

[Judles]

Oh absolutely attend the class! You will be fine! And the best part is,,,,,you'll be out of pain! Just remember THAT! In a few weeks we'll talk about summer shoes!

 

[Troweltalk]

Basic physical, chest x-ray and a EKG are all standard before surgery. You probably need to see your dentist as well.

Additional tests could be required if they spot something abnormal in the basic run up, but at your age, you'll probably be fine.

They will probably also ask you for a couple units of blood to give back to you if necessary during or after surgery - if you ahven't already given it.

 

[JudyS]

I guess they are all different. My pre-ops at the hospital were blood work, chest x-ray, height and weight, paperwork, talk with a nurse, medical info paperwork on me. That was about it.
My doc had told me a month before to donate a pint and gave me some really heavy duty iron replacement to take so I would be back to normal befoe surgery.

I did not meet any doctors at the class. Someone from occupational therapy, physical therapy and a nurse from the orthopedic floor. That is also when I learned that I would start off with a walker no matter what. I had my husband bring in my crutches and on day 3 the pt let me walk with them , they then told me I waas ok to use crutches and not go home with a walker.

Good Luck
Judy

 

[Josephine]

In days of 'yore' all this stuff was done after admission and we'd even get people in an extra day before to get it done. It was a scramble! And sometimes, when even minor problems showed up, it meant cancelling to sheduled operation in order to get them sorted. So now we have this 'pre-op clinic' where the 'clerking' can be done and results checked without the rush and the risk of overlooking anything.

In other words, it's just routine exam stuff which we need to do to make sure a person is fit for anaesthetic and surgery. It will include the following

~ questionnaire on past medical history including all prescribe and non-prescribed meds
~ questionnaire on ability to perform ADLs (activities of daily living)
~ blood pressure/fat content
~ weight/height/BMI
~ urine test
~ ECG/EKG (but only if needed in the UK)

 

[UTdave]

YoungM,

I'm 32 and my pre-op was a lab draw, a few questions, a handshake and a bag full of enema and hibiclens soap (everybody gets a party favor, I suppose!). We didn't talk about blood, EKG, CXR, next of kin or anything, really. I think age and medical problems may drive how much is done.

Dave

 

[Troweltalk]

Jo,

Do they require a dentist sign off before surgery in the UK?

They do here in the colonies, just to be sure there are no active infections and so the patient is aware that they will ahve to take an antibiotic before any future dental work post-surgery.

 

[Josephine]

Don't think so - one more thing to add to the list of questions when I see his nibs next week!

 

[YoungM]

Back from my pre-admission testing and my Joint Education Class. Here's how it went...

Bloodwork, Chest X-ray, EKG, Urine Sample, and paperwork! I didn't have to wait too long -it was pretty quick and painless. I then attended the Joint Replacement Education class. It was excellent -so glad I went. The nurse walked us through everything we should expect from the day of the surgery, through post op. Very informative!

Thanks everyone for your posts. One question -I don't have orders to see my dentist? Is this a typical request?

 

[Judles]

Yay! So glad your pre admission testing is over! I don't think its a requirement, at least it wasn't for me, but making a dental appt before your surgery would be a good idea!

 

[Jamie]

YoungM....I think the dental clearance is a relatively new thing that is gaining attention. If you can do it before your surgery, I would have a good checkup just to be sure you don't have any oral infection that you are not aware of. A couple of folks on the forum have gone to their dentists and found they needed to get some work taken care of BEFORE knee or hip replacement. I did - needed a crown. Doing it before the replacement just makes things easier all the way around. After the replacement you should be taking antibiotics any time you have dental work or cleanings done.

 

[JudyS]

Young M
No dentist for me either. My doc mentioned after surgery not to see the dentist for at least 3 months. Then you will need to take antibiotics before any cleaning or dental work. I'd say if you don't have any dental problems I would skip it. I do know of people who have had to delay their replacements if they have dental work before surgery.

Sounds like your pre-op went just as mine all have. Except the last time I was there almost all day. Fortunately I rarely travel without a book!!!
Keep a list going for your surgeon's pre-op.

Judy

 

[aussie]

At our local hospital it is a prerequisite, you have to get a clearance letter from a dentist before it will go ahead.

Chris

 

[Peta]

I had absolutely NONE of the above testing done before my op - zilch! Apart from x-rays and MRI's that I had already had taken some two months previously (which I was told to bring with me into hospital) - there was NO pre-op testing done at all. And I had dental work done (composite filling and clean) about 3 weeks prior to my op with no antibiotic cover. I made sure I asked my OS about the antibiotics but he said it wasn't necessary. I am however getting a crown done at the moment and am taking prophylactic antibiotics prior to each visit.
I'm reading all the above posts wondering - WHY????

Peta

 

[Peta]

To clarify that - I meant "Why on earth wasn't I required to have any testing" ????

 

[PRGal]

Dental visit is not required everywhere in U.S. Not a bad idea, though, to get your checkup/cleaning in before surgery so you won't have to worry about it for 6 months or so after. I had one previously scheduled about 2 weeks post-op and my OS made me move it out to a couple of months out, along with a scrip for antibiotics & instructions to take 4 tabs an hour before my dental visit. (The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons & American Dental Assn. recommend prophylactic antiobiotics before dental visits for 2 years post-op.)

 

[Judles]

Four tabs PR? I've only been taking 2!!!! See? Everyone's different!

 

[Karen54]

I wasn't required to have a dental checkup, but I just happened to because I was going to be changing insurance companies. My dentist told me that after the surgery, I would have to take antibiotics before any dental procedure for two years. Then my surgeon's office told me that they recommend antibiotics for life before any dental procedures! You're right, Judles, seems everyone is different!