Learn What To Expect After You Have Hip Replacement Surgery
If you are going to be having a hip replacement surgery at a place like Town Center Orthopaedic Associates, then you want to know what to expect directly after the procedure. This article will serve as a helpful guide with regards to preparing you for your recovery.
Directly after surgery
The length of time you stay in the hospital will depend on the type of surgery you have and how quickly you start to heal. Most people stay in the hospital 3 to 5 days after having the surgery.
You will start physical therapy while you are still in the hospital. You will be taught proper ways to do normal activities with your new hip. You will also be shown a variety of exercises geared toward helping you regain complete hip movement.
Once you have been released from the hospital
When you are released from the hospital, you will need to have someone drive you home. You will need help getting situated and should have plans made for someone to help you with your daily chores for at least the first week. It will also be about a month before you will be able to drive a car yourself. This means you want to make arrangements for someone to drive you around for your errands and appointments. You will continue to work with a physical therapist a few times a week.
You will want to be prepared for those times when you need to fend for yourself. This is why it's a good idea to make sure you have some easy to cook frozen foods in the fridge. Keep bottled water near your bed and make sure you stay hydrated. You also want to keep a phone near you at all times and have a plan set up with someone to come check on you if they can't reach you by phone in case you happen to fall.
You want to use a cane or walker to get around until you feel steadier on your feet. You also want to steer clear of stairs and hills until you regain full mobility.
You will go home with staples in the incision site. The staples will need to stay in place for approximately two weeks. You can expect to feel a stinging sensation. When this occurs, putting ice on the area for a few minutes will help.
Once you are healed, you can expect to be able to get back to doing most, if not all, of the activities you did before the surgery.