Your Surgical Journey

Your Surgical Journey

From First Visit to Full Recovery

Surgery is a big decision. Knowing what to expect at every step helps you feel calm and prepared. This page walks you through your entire journey with Dr. Nabeel Moosa.

Phase 1: Before Your Surgery

Your First Consultation

Your first visit is thorough and unhurried.

Dr. Moosa asks about:

  • When your symptoms started
  • What you have tried so far
  • Which activities your condition limits
  • Your medical conditions and medication
  • Your goals

Dr. Moosa examines you:

  • He tests your movement
  • He checks your pain with specific movements
  • He assesses your overall health

Dr. Moosa reviews your imaging and explains what your X-rays or scans show, confirming your diagnosis.

Dr. Moosa discusses your options: Is surgery right for you? What does the surgery involve? What results can you realistically expect? Are there non-surgical alternatives?

Ask every question you have. This is your decision.

Getting Ready for Surgery

Once you book your surgery date, you prepare your body and your home.

  • Improve your fitness. Walk and exercise gently. A fitter body handles surgery better and recovers faster.
  • Manage your weight. Losing even a few kilograms helps your healing joint.
  • Review your medication. Some medicines (like blood thinners) must stop before surgery. Others must continue. Dr. Moosa gives you clear instructions.
  • Stop smoking. Smoking slows healing significantly. Stop at least 4 weeks before surgery if possible.
  • Get medical clearance. If you have heart disease, diabetes, or other conditions, your doctor may need to confirm you are fit for surgery.

Tests Before Surgery

About 1 to 2 weeks before surgery, you complete:

  • Blood tests. These check for anaemia, infection, and organ function.
  • ECG. A heart tracing, usually for patients over 50.
  • Chest X-ray. If needed for your age or health history.
  • Anaesthetic consultation. The anaesthetist reviews your health and explains your anaesthetic.

The Day Before Surgery

  • Fast as instructed. Usually nothing to eat or drink after midnight.
  • Shower with antibacterial soap. This reduces bacteria on your skin.
  • Take approved medication with small sips of water only.
  • Remove jewellery and contact lenses.
  • Arrange transport home. You cannot drive after anaesthesia.

Phase 2: Surgery Day

At the Hospital

  • Arrive 2 to 3 hours before your surgery time
  • Bring your ID, medical aid card, and medication list
  • Sign your consent forms
  • Change into a hospital gown
  • A nurse places a drip in your arm
  • Your anaesthetist visits you for final checks
  • You say goodbye to your family and go to theatre

In Theatre

  • You lie on the operating table
  • Monitors track your heart, blood pressure, and oxygen
  • Anaesthetic medicine flows through your drip
  • You fall asleep within seconds
  • You feel and remember nothing from this point

Operation times: Hip or knee replacement: 1 to 2 hours. Revision surgery: 2 to 4 hours. Fracture surgery: 1 to 3 hours.

The Recovery Room

  • You wake as the anaesthetic wears off
  • You feel groggy. This is normal.
  • Nurses monitor you continuously
  • You receive pain medication as needed
  • Compression sleeves on your legs prevent blood clots
  • You move to your hospital room after 1 to 2 hours

Phase 3: Your Hospital Stay

The Evening of Surgery

  • Nurses check your vital signs regularly
  • Tell staff immediately if your pain is not controlled
  • A physiotherapist may start gentle movements
  • Rest as much as you can

The Day After Surgery

  • You sit in a chair with help
  • You take your first steps with a walker and physiotherapy support
  • We switch you from drip medication to tablets
  • We check your wound
  • You start your exercise programme

Going Home (Usually Day 2 to 3)

You go home when your pain is controlled with tablets, you walk safely with your walker or crutches, no complications are present, and you have support at home.

Before you leave, you receive:

  • Written instructions
  • Your medication and prescriptions
  • Your exercise programme
  • Your follow-up appointment dates
  • The phone number to call with questions

Phase 4: Recovery at Home

Weeks 1 to 2: Early Recovery

Manage your pain

  • Take your medication as prescribed. Do not wait for severe pain.
  • Ice the area 20 minutes at a time, 3 to 4 times daily.
  • Keep your leg raised when resting.

Move safely

  • Use your walker or crutches as instructed
  • Walk short distances indoors, several times daily
  • Avoid stairs at first where possible

Care for your wound

  • Keep it clean and dry
  • Shower with a waterproof dressing after 7 to 10 days
  • Stitches come out around day 10 to 14

Do your exercises

  • Complete your home exercises 2 to 3 times daily
  • These exercises decide your final result. Do not skip them.

Call Dr. Moosa's Rooms Immediately If You Notice

  • Fever above 38.5°C
  • Increasing pain despite medication
  • Increasing redness, warmth, or discharge at the wound
  • Calf pain or swelling (a possible blood clot)
  • Chest pain or difficulty breathing (call an ambulance)

Weeks 2 to 6: Building Strength

  • Progress from walker to crutches to a walking stick
  • Most patients walk without aids by 6 weeks
  • Attend physiotherapy 2 to 3 times per week
  • Start driving at 4 to 6 weeks, once you are safe and off strong painkillers
  • Return to desk work around 6 to 8 weeks

Months 2 to 3: Returning to Life

  • Walk unlimited distances
  • Climb stairs normally
  • Return to work, including many physical jobs
  • Start swimming, cycling, and gym work with approval
  • Pain becomes minimal or absent

Months 3 to 6: Full Function

  • Most restrictions lift
  • Return to golf, bowls, dancing, and travel
  • Strength keeps improving through the first year

Phase 5: Long-Term Follow-Up

Your Check-Ups with Dr. Moosa

  • 2 weeks: Wound check and progress review
  • 6 weeks: Full assessment and exercise progression
  • 3 months: Function review, X-rays if needed
  • Yearly: Long-term monitoring of your joint or repair

Protecting Your Result

  • Stay active with low-impact exercise
  • Keep a healthy weight
  • Avoid running, jumping, and contact sports after joint replacement
  • Attend your follow-up visits
  • Report new pain or problems early

Common Questions Along the Way

When can I shower?
Usually after 7 to 10 days, with a waterproof dressing.
When can I drive?
Usually 4 to 6 weeks. You must be off strong painkillers and able to control the car safely.
When can I return to work?
Desk jobs: 6 to 8 weeks. Physical jobs: 3 to 6 months.
When can I fly?
Usually from about 4 to 6 weeks. Check with Dr. Moosa, especially for long flights.
When can I resume intimacy?
Usually around 6 to 8 weeks. Ask Dr. Moosa for guidance specific to your surgery.
Will I set off airport metal detectors?
Possibly. Tell security staff about your implant. They deal with this every day.

We Walk This Road with You

Dr. Moosa and his team support you at every step. You receive clear information, honest answers, and care that puts you first. Questions at any point? Call our rooms. We are here to help.
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