Hipster Club — Putting the HIP Back in Hip Replacement
Your Hip Journey — Step 3

Preparing for Hip Replacement

The more prepared you are, the better your recovery tends to go. Here's everything you need to know — and do — before surgery day.

Preparing for hip replacement is a job. There's a lot to organize — your home, your body, your support system, your paperwork, and your head. The good news: people who prepare well tend to recover better. And you have time to do this right.

This page walks you through the major areas of preparation. Use it as a starting point, and always follow your own surgeon's specific instructions — they know your situation.

Pre-Op Timeline

Weeks before surgery

Complete pre-operative medical clearance appointments
Complete any required pre-op testing (blood work, EKG, etc.)
Discuss all medications with your surgeon — some need to be stopped before surgery
Arrange time off work
Arrange help at home for at least the first two weeks
Prepare your home (see below)
Pre-fill prescriptions if your surgeon provides them in advance

The week before surgery

Confirm your surgery time and arrival instructions
Pack your hospital bag
Prepare meals and stock your kitchen
Set up your recovery space at home
Confirm transportation to and from the hospital
Confirm your post-op care arrangements

The night before surgery

Follow your surgeon's fasting instructions exactly
Shower with any special soap your surgeon recommends
Lay out your hospital bag and what you'll wear
Get to bed early — rest is important

Preparing Your Home

Setting up your home before surgery is one of the most important things you can do. You'll be coming home with limited mobility and won't be able to do much bending, twisting, or stair climbing at first.

Bedroom

Set up your main sleeping area on the ground floor if possible — avoiding stairs is ideal for the first week or two
Make sure your bed is at a height that allows you to get in and out without excessive bending
Have extra pillows available for positioning
Keep essentials within easy reach — phone charger, water, medications, TV remote

Bathroom

Install a raised toilet seat — this is one of the most important purchases you'll make
Add grab bars near the toilet and shower if possible
Get a shower chair or bench
Use a handheld showerhead
Place a non-slip mat in the shower and on the bathroom floor

General home

Remove throw rugs and other trip hazards
Clear pathways throughout the house
Move frequently used items to counter height — avoid bending and reaching
Make sure your most-used chair is firm and high enough — low, soft sofas are difficult to get out of
Have a reacher/grabber tool available

What to Buy (and What You Probably Don't Need)

Buy These

Raised toilet seat
Shower chair or bench
Reacher/grabber tool
Long-handled shoehorn
Sock aid (if your surgeon recommends hip precautions)
Ice packs or a cold therapy machine
Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that's easy to put on
Slip-on shoes with good support

You Probably Don't Need

—A hospital bed (most people do fine in their own bed with adjustments)
—Expensive equipment before confirming with your surgeon what you'll actually need
—Anything your surgeon specifically advises against

What to Pack

Insurance cards and ID
List of all medications and dosages
Comfortable, loose-fitting clothes to wear home
Slip-on shoes
Phone and charger
Something to read or watch during any waiting time
A small pillow for the car ride home (to cushion the hip)

Download Jodi's Pre-Surgery Checklist

Jodi’s free guides cover everything on this page and more — from questions to ask your surgeon to what to pack for the hospital.