Medication safety
Medication and supplement planning around hip or knee replacement.
Medication planning should be clear before surgery week. Patients need to know what to bring, what to ask, and why they should not make medication changes on their own.
Recovery principles
A clear plan beats a crowded packet.
The PBJ Rapid Recovery System gives patients a practical way to prepare before surgery, understand the early recovery window, and know when to call for help.
01
Accuracy: the team knows what the patient actually takes
02
Coordination: prescribing clinicians and surgery instructions are aligned
03
Safety: no unsupervised stopping, starting, or mixing
Chapter guidance
What patients need to understand.
01
Bring the full list
Include prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements, injections, patches, and allergies. Dose and timing matter.
- Include blood thinners and aspirin
- Include diabetes and weight-loss medications
- Include sleep aids, pain medications, and herbal supplements
02
Pain control is multi-layered
Comfort and inflammation control may include medications, ice, compression, elevation, movement, and rest when appropriate.
- Comfort supports walking and sleep
- Non-medication tools matter
- Medication choices depend on medical history
03
What not to do
Do not stop blood thinners, start supplements, increase pain medicine, or combine sedating medications without explicit instructions.
- Call before changing timing
- Ask about alcohol, driving, and sedating medicines
- Keep one current set of instructions from your care team
Patient checklist
Make the next step concrete.
A patient should finish each chapter knowing what to do next, what is normal, and what should prompt a call to the office.
Prepare a complete medication, supplement, and allergy list
Ask which medications to take or hold before surgery
Ask how pain, swelling, constipation, and blood clot prevention will be handled
Confirm who to call with medication questions
Do not change medications without guidance
Common questions
Fast answers, careful claims.
Does this replace my office instructions?+
No. These chapters explain the recovery process in plain language. Follow the written instructions from Dr. Morton and the care team.
Should I call if I am unsure?+
Yes. If symptoms are worsening, confusing, or listed as warning signs, call the office or seek urgent care based on the situation.
Will every patient recover on the same timeline?+
No. Recovery depends on diagnosis, procedure, health, support, travel, and complications. Use the timeline as guidance, not a guarantee.
Continue the guide
Related chapters and next decisions.
Ready for a plan?
Start with a focused orthopedic consultation.
Bring your symptoms, imaging, records, medication list, and goals. The first win is understanding what is causing the pain and what path is realistic.
