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When you have joint replacement surgery at Providence Medical Center, you’re not just getting a procedure—you’re getting a comprehensive care team dedicated to guiding you through every step of your recovery journey. This approach ensures you have the support and preparation needed for the best possible outcomes.

A key part of this preparation is the Joint Replacement Pre-Op Surgery Class, designed to help patients understand what to expect before, during, and after surgery. In this class, patients learn about everything from pre-surgery tests to rehabilitation, movement techniques, nutrition, and the support systems that will aid in a faster, smoother recovery. Patients also have the convenience of getting all their pre-surgery tests complete at one easy, convenient time.

Nick Aberle, II, MD, Everrett J. Wilkinson, DO, and Andrew Palmisano, MD are orthopedic surgeons on the Medical Staff who perform joint replacement surgery (knee, and hip) at Providence. The team who helps teach the class include Casey Taylor, RN, Douglas Bolejack, RN, Jeanne Gardner, RN, David Sarver, PT (inpatient), Megan Wickey, PT (outpatient), Christine Springer, OT (outpatient), Karen Gire, Dietary, and Melinda Baker, Discharge Planner.

“We’re here to help our patients navigate the system,” said Jeanne Gardner, a nurse with the Outpatient Services department who helps with the classes. “We are here to answer questions and arm our patients with a lot of education and resources prior to their surgery.”

Overall, the class empowers patients to be active participants in their recovery, leading to more successful joint replacement outcomes. A pack of items is available that patients can purchase in the Providence Gift Shop. It includes a grabber, shoe donner, and elasticized shoelaces. In addition, walkers are available (per availability) for $20 cash through the nursing supervisor.

Patients like Marsha Mendenhall, and Theresa Noah, say that the classes really helped them be prepared prior to surgery. Also, they say the team members are so kind and friendly, and that goes a long way in going through the process.

“The joint program at Providence is the best and the only place I would recommend, says Marsha Mendenhall. “The before and after care was great, from the orthopedist to nurses, aides, PT/OT, and lab.”

The joint replacement pre surgery classes are a success in large part to Jeanne, Doug, Casey, and David, according to Marsha and Theresa.  “They are knowledgeable, experienced, kind, willing to listen and respond in a gracious manner, said Marsha. “Getting the labs, EKG, Chest Xray, out of the way with plenty of time to be reviewed prior to the surgery date.

Marsha added, “They were very informative about a lot of items, including teaching us about the pre surgery showering with medicated soap.”

“I really wanted to take it and did because I wanted all the information I could get,” said Theresa. “The staff are willing to share their knowledge and if something isn’t going good for you they re- think of how you can do it another way.”

Advice Marsha offered to future joint replacement patients, “Do your homework way before surgery from meal prep, furniture moving to access a walker, stool riser, and be sure to let family and friends know should you need help.”

Theresa agreed and said, “Stay ahead of your pain so you can move easier.”

Taking a preoperative class before joint replacement surgery offers several benefits, including:

  • Preparation and Expectation Management: The class provides comprehensive information on what to expect before, during, and after surgery. This can help reduce anxiety and let patients feel more in control of the process.
  • Enhanced Recovery: Learning about exercises and how to move may aid in recovery and can lead to better outcomes.
  • Understanding the Hospital Stay: The class outlines the typical hospital visit, helping patients prepare for the timeline, physical therapy, and discharge process.
  • Caregiver Involvement: Providence encourages patients to bring a caregiver, helping them understand their role in assisting with post-surgery care, which can ease the burden on the patient.
  • Understanding Pain Management: The class covers pain management methods, including physical therapy, medications, and other approaches that can help reduce discomfort after surgery.
  • Complication Prevention: Patients learn how to care for their surgical site, which reduces the risk of infection. The class also informs patients about signs of potential complications so they can address them quickly.