Getting Ready For Total Hip Replacement The Day before Surgery  A nurse will call you letting you know when to arrive and the time of your surgery. If your surgery is on Monday, expect a call the Friday before.  Eat a light supper. Do not eat solid foods after midnight. This includes gum and candy.  Do not use tobacco after midnight.  Stop drinking clear liquids 4 hours before your scheduled surgery time.  Wash the hip with an antibacterial soap (Hibiclens ) for 2 – 3 minutes. Wash again the next morning using the Hibiclens or follow the directions of the Orthopedic staff.  Remove nail polish, make-up, and jewelry. Plan to leave any valuables at home.  Do not take any blood thinners. The Morning of Surgery  With a sip of water, take only the medicines that your doctor has told you to take.  Arrive at the hospital by ____________.  If you plan to use your own crutches or walker, leave them in the car and have a family member bring them in later or by the next morning.  Bring this packet with you to the hospital. Your health care team may have given you this information as part of your care. If so, please use it and call if you have any questions. If this information was not given to you as part of your care, please check with your doctor. This is not medical advice. This is not to be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Because each person’s health needs are different, you should talk with your doctor or others on your health care team when using this information. If you have an emergency, please call 911. Copyright ©7/2015. University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#6108.