Preparing for an operation

[Preop]

Im having a knee replacement soon and have been told to change bedding and PJs daily for 5 days in advance of the operation. This is on top for applying nasal gel twice daily and washing body/hair with hospital-supplied antiseptic wash everyday. Is this normal?

Knee replacement last week. Nasal gel and hibiscrub shower for three days previously, then clean clothes. No suggestion of daily fresh bedding, but common sense meant keeping as clean as possible. Spinal and deep sedation. Home the second day, no problem with the stairs to the loo, using a crutch. Moving regularly, taking recommended pain relief, resting and keeping hydrated. Very tired, but I’m hopeful.

I would be seeing if you can borrow bedding for four nights, then you can wash all yours and have it clean for after the op.

I’ve had the op, came home to clean bedding, the wound is very securely sealed. I’ve had a shower, with hospital approval, no baths allowed which is fine.

The worst thing isn’t the pain, it’s the nausea from the pain medication. I am taking an anti sickness drug, thank goodness.

Bloody hell. I hope this isn't common practice! I'm probably going to have a hip replacement operation in the next year, and honestly,if I was told to change my bedding daily for 5 days in a row I would struggle. I live alone so have no one on hand to help me. I change mine once a week and that is a struggle,with the pain I have in my hip. Plus I really can't be doing with all the extra laundry!

Argh!
Was professionally intrigued by the guidance which is more stringent than national guidelines was just about to add this, then noticed the date of the OP.🤦‍♀️

https://gettingitrightfirsttime.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/GIRFT-Guide-to-preoperative-testing-MRSA-May-2025.pdf

Presumably the OP is recovered by this.