Related Links

Questions or concerns about your joint replacement surgery?

Call (515) 643-BONE or e-mail jointcamp@mercydesmoines.org.

Learn more about total joint replacement surgery

• Virtual Knee Replacement Surgery
• Virtual Hip Replacement Surgery

Additional Resources

• Personal Health Record/Personal Medication Record (PDF)*.
• Discharge planning worksheet (PDF)*
• Calcium and Bone Health brochure  (PDF)
• Your Fast Food Guide brochure (PDF)*
• MyPyramind.gov

Preoperative Education Class

Before you can attend Joint Camp, you must know more about what to expect. The more informed you are, the better your stay will be. You will be less anxious and more willing to take an active role in your recovery and rehabilitation after surgery.

You and your coach will be scheduled to attend a preoperative education class. It is strongly encouraged that you attend this class because it will give you a better idea of what to expect before, during and after your surgery. It will also help your coach learn more about his or her role.

Class Schedule

• Mercy's Central Campus downtown
  Mondays (9:45-11:45 a.m.)
  East Tower Conference Room 1
• Mercy West Lakes
  Tuesdays (8:30-10:30 a.m.)
  Cownie Conference Center, Rooms 1 and 2

If you're unable to attend your assigned class, please call

(515) 643-BONE or e-mail jointcamp@mercydesmoines.org.

Joint Camp Handbook

Before coming to class, it is important for you and your coach to carefully read the Joint Camp Handbook.

If you have questions, write them down and bring them to class with you.

You will find excerpts from the Joint Camp Handbook below.

• Preparing For Surgery (PDF)*
  • Visit Your Family Doctor
  • Contact Your Insurance Company
  • Choose a Coach
  • Come Prepared
  • Pre-Surgery Checklist
  • Prepare Your Home
  • What to Bring to Camp
• Joint Replacement Surgery (PDF)*
  • Arriving at the Hospital
  • In the Operating Room
  • In the Recovery Room
• Welcome to Joint Camp (PDF)*
  • Getting Settled
  • Camp Goals
  • Pain Management
  • Preventing Blood Clots and Pneumonia
  • Your Diet
  • Physical Therapy
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physician Responsibilities
  • Before You Go Home
• Camp Exercises (PDF)*
  • Preoperative Exercises
  • Postoperative Exercises
• Going Home (PDF)*
  • Caring for Yourself at Home
  • Pain and Medication
  • Your Incision
  • Special Instructions for Knee Campers
  • Home Exercises
  • Preventing Blood Clots at Home
  • Activities of Daily Living
• The Importance of Lifetime Visits (PDF)*
• Frequently Asked Questions about Joint Replacement Surgery (PDF)*
• Anesthesia and You (PDF)*
• Around the House: Saving Energy and Protecting your Joints (PDF)*