You will be in hospital for a few days rather than a fortnight, and everything is available if you forget it. Two things are genuinely important to bring, and the rest is comfort.
The two that matter
- A current list of every medication you take, with doses. Include anything from the supermarket or health food shop, particularly fish oil, turmeric and any herbal preparation, because several of these affect bleeding. A photograph of the boxes on your phone is sufficient if writing it out is a nuisance.
- Well fitting, flat, closed-in shoes with a firm sole. You will be up and walking on the day of surgery or the day after, and this is the item most often forgotten. Slip-on styles you can manage without bending down are ideal. Not thongs, not loose slippers, not anything backless.
Documents
- Medicare card, private health fund card, and any concession or DVA card
- Admission paperwork from the hospital
- Any imaging you hold that was not performed at the hospital, including discs
- Your advance care directive if you have one
Clothing
- Loose shorts or track pants. Loose matters after a knee replacement because of dressings and swelling, and shorts make wound checks and physiotherapy simpler.
- Loose tops that pull on easily
- A few days of underwear and socks. Socks that are easy to get on, or ask about a sock aid if bending is the difficulty.
- A dressing gown
- Something to go home in
Toiletries and comfort
- The usual toiletries, plus lip balm, because wards are dry
- Phone and a long charging cable. Hospital power points are rarely near the bed.
- Glasses, hearing aids, and their cases. Tell the nursing staff you have them.
- Something to read or watch. Recovery involves more waiting than people expect.
- Earplugs and an eye mask. Wards are not quiet, and sleep helps you recover.
Leave at home
- Jewellery, valuables and more than a small amount of cash
- Large amounts of your own medication, unless you have been told otherwise. Bring the list, and bring anything unusual that the hospital may not stock.
- Anything you would be upset to lose
Worth doing before you come in
Preparation at home does more for your recovery than anything in your bag. Clear the trip hazards, particularly loose rugs and cords. Put the things you use daily between waist and shoulder height so you are not reaching down. Sort out something for meals in the first week. Arrange your lift home in advance, because you will not be driving.
If you live alone or have stairs at the entrance, raise it before the day of surgery rather than on it, so support can be organised properly. There is more in preparing for your surgery, and what is normal after joint replacement covers the first weeks at home.
Common questions.
What should I pack for a hip or knee replacement?
A current list of all your medications including supplements, well fitting flat closed-in shoes with a firm sole, your Medicare and health fund cards, admission paperwork, loose comfortable clothing, toiletries, your phone and a long charging cable, and glasses or hearing aids. Leave jewellery and valuables at home.
What shoes should I bring to hospital for joint replacement surgery?
Well fitting, flat, closed-in shoes with a firm sole, ideally slip-on styles you can put on without bending down. You will be walking on the day of surgery or the day after. Avoid thongs, loose slippers and anything backless, as these are a trip hazard when you are unsteady.
How long will I be in hospital after a joint replacement?
Most patients stay a few days. Your discharge depends on your individual recovery, including your pain control, your mobility with the physiotherapists and your circumstances at home, rather than on a fixed schedule or your billing arrangement.
Do I need to tell the hospital about supplements I take?
Yes. Include everything from the supermarket or health food shop on your medication list, particularly fish oil, turmeric and herbal preparations, because several of these can affect bleeding.
What should I do at home before joint replacement surgery?
Remove trip hazards such as loose rugs and cords, move everyday items to between waist and shoulder height, organise meals for the first week and arrange a lift home, as you will not be driving. If you live alone or have stairs at the entrance, tell the rooms before the day of surgery so support can be arranged.
This page provides general information about a medical condition and a surgical procedure. It is not individual medical advice and does not replace consultation with a qualified practitioner. Outcomes vary between individuals and all surgery carries risk. A referral is needed for a consultation with Professor Daevyd Rodda; without one, you can start with the practice nurse practitioner, who can provide it.