Overseas Joint Surgery – 10 Tips for a Better Experience
Posted: Wednesday, January 05, 2011
by Charles Swanson
Digital C4
I’m a big fan of health tourism provided you find the right destination. If you’ve read any of my previous articles then you know I’m a fan of New Zealand as that destination –for many reasons, not the least of which are clean, state-of-the-art facilities and highly trained doctors and surgeons. So let’s assume that you’re in the market for a knee or hip replacement surgery – or any orthopedic surgery procedure – and you’ve decided on New Zealand. Now you have to prepare for the trip.
Consider the airport. You may not want to utilize wheelchair transfers, but traveling internationally often requires use of large, international airports (makes sense). There can be quite a bit of distance between gates and baggage claim areas, or terminals. Also, you might need help with carrying that luggage.
Consider your accommodations. Many reputable health tourism providers will provide you with a patient coordinator that will handle all reservation needs, and they’ll know exactly what you need. However, if you’re making reservations yourself, then you’ll want to make sure there aren’t a lot of stairs, step in tubs, or low seating that can be difficult to navigate with a new joint.
Consider your shoe selection. After surgery (and likely before as well) it may be a little difficult to tie laces – at least until you regain and improve your flexibility. Bring slip on and comfortable shoes.
Consider your clothes selection. Bring loose fitting clothes or sweatpants. Tight fitting clothes will not treat you well.
Carry along a backpack. Getting along on crutches is no fun, but trying to do it with a purse or carry bag is a bad idea.
Prevent air travel DVT or deep vein thrombosis. Before your surgery and after be sure to drink a lot of water and avoid alcohol. Also, while in flight, be sure to walk around a little and stretch your legs. Your patient coordinator will also provide some additional tips.
Set up a conversation with your surgeon prior to your trip. While surgeons in the States are often hard to track down, in New Zealand surgeonsmake themselves available to their patients. Set up a call before your trip so they can help you set expectations on post-surgery mobility and recovery needs. If you’re planning on experiencing New Zealandbefore or after your procedure they can better help you determine what’s feasible and not.
Consider your recuperative care needs. One of the most important things you can do to recover from joint surgery quickly is exercise. Very reputable health tourism providers will have exercise equipment provided in your hotel room so you can work with your physical therapist in the comfort of your room. If your medical tourism provider does not mention exercise and help you accommodate the appropriate equipment, then you should find another provider!
Find out the type of implant that will be used. There are many implant providers out there and they all vary in price, quality, and reputation. Your surgeon will review your options, but don’t skimp on price here, as the rule “you get what you pay for” certainly applies here.
Don’t be afraid of pain medication. Joint replacement surgery is invasive. You will be in some pain following your procedure, so follow the advice of the surgeon and patient coordinator and take your meds. No need to be a hero here and tough it out!
Got some tips of your own? I’d love to hear them, so please share.
This Article has been viewed 165 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
No comments yet.We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.