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What happens in Joint School?

Posted , 10 users are following.

kevin13928
kevin13928

I've been invited to go to Joint School prior to my knee and hip replacement later this month. Please would someone tell me what happens there! Many thanks in advance. Kevin

0 likes, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • Mary8610
    Mary8610 kevin13928

    Posted

    Hi Kevin , well worth going , a member of staff explains everything to you and all the do s and don't s . You can ask questions and meet other hippies .

    then you all have to get up and do a dance habha .

    inam in South Wales  and 7 weeks post op . Good luck 

  • eric33169
    eric33169 kevin13928

    Posted

    I live in the US, so the joint school I went to may be a bit different.  It's basically a 1 hour presentation where they explain what you can and cannot do with regards to bending more than 90 degrees, how to get in and out of a chair...  The hospital I was at has a device they strap you into after during physical therapy, so you can walk down the hallway without the risk of falling, so they demonstrated that as well. 

    At the end of the presentation, they took a large chunk of money from me (I'm sure that's a USA thing with private health insurance copays and deductibles), then took my blood to check for anemia as well as blood type and antibodies in case a blood transfusion is needed.  I did not need a transfusion during the surgery or hospital stay.

    • kathee58019
      kathee58019 eric33169

      Posted

      Hi Eric,

       I live in the U.S. and never heard of joint school. I am 5 mo post op and live in NC. Is that something your insurance offered?

      Kathee

    • eric33169
      eric33169 kathee58019

      Posted

      Hi Kathee,

      The hospital offered the class actually.  They brought us up to the floor we would be staying on after the surgery, so we knew what to expect.  The orthopedic surgeon I went to is part of a very large organization which created this class in conjunction with the hospital.  I was also presented with a booklet (70 pages or so) that explains everything, pre-op, post-op, what limitations to expect, and when to stop taking particular medications prior to surgery, such as ibuprofen.  I knew exactly what was going to happen during each phase of the process.  Overall, I'm very impressed with the process and am planning on getting my left hip replaced later in the year.

      Emis Moderator comment: I have removed the link as it was to a site unsuitable for inclusion in the forums. If users want this information please use the Private Message service to request the details.

      http://patient.uservoice.com/knowledgebase/articles/398331-private-messages

  • shelby99
    shelby99 kevin13928

    Posted

    worth taking in, lots of information,it will make you more comfortable with having the surgery,before going to the class, if you have questions or concerns write it down so you can get answers.  they go over stuff to do pre-op, and post op, how to control pain, going to bathroom, getting dressed, exercises, up and down stairs, getting in and out of car.
  • valerie48782
    valerie48782 kevin13928

    Posted

    I went to joint school and found it useful, information about OT and physio ,also a chance to ask questions (not a spliff in sight though!!)
  • lindabowles
    lindabowles kevin13928

    Posted

    Hi Kevin. It is well worth going to.  Mine was run by physiotherapist who explained everything from what to bring in, what to expect and what you need to do post op. you can ask any questions too.  It really was so helpful. Good luck with your ops 
  • DawnDedee
    DawnDedee kevin13928

    Posted

    Hi Kevin,

    I too am in the USA in Tennessee and for me, joint class was not an option, it was an absolute requirement. If I did not attend the two hour class, then my surgery would be cancelled.

    Mine was educational all about details of the surgery, what preparations we need to do, details of what to do before and after surgery, showed us the prostheses that would be used, and let us hold them. Taught us about the physical therapy afterwards. Gave us gifts of aids we would need after the surgery. They answered all of our questions and put us at ease.

    I found it to be very nice.

    Hope you have a good class!

    💛 Dawn, USA

  • emma54673
    emma54673 kevin13928

    Posted

    Hi Kevin,

     My surgeon has a no joint school no operation policy so I had to go and I'm glad I did. A nurse, physio and occupational therapist were there on mine. Great chance to ask questions about how your specific hospital do things. Different postcodes means different post op policies.

    enjoy. 

    Emma

  • ferretswife
    ferretswife kevin13928

    Posted

    Hi Kevin,

    I would definately recommend hip school. They give you loads of information. Mine was held in a room on the ward I would be in and it really helped to see where I would be after surgery. The place was buzzing as all the patients are so happy to get the job done! It's not like your usual hospital ward were there are often very sick people.

    Also if you have someone who is going to help when you are at home take them along too. My husband came with me and we were both impressed with the whole set up. My hospital run a rapid release system, sorry can't remember the correct term, which meant that I was only in hospital for 48 hrs! The hip school was a part of this as I felt I had enough info. to manage once home.

    Good luck, let us know how you go.

    Jane

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