The recuperative period which follows joint replacement surgery is as vital to a successful outcome as the surgical procedure itself.
Difficulty: Hard
Time Required: Variable
Here's How:
- When in bed, keep an abduction wedge or a pillow between your legs to make sure your legs do not cross.
- Keep compression stockings on your legs to maintain good circulation and prevent blood clots.
- Make yourself as comfortable as possible by taking pain medications. Do not over-use or under-use them.
- To avoid dislocating your hip prosthesis, follow these precautions:
- Do not turn or rotate your foot or leg inward.
- Do not twist your body.
- Do not cross your legs.
- Do not bend more than 90 degrees at the hips.
- Walk with crutches or a walker as permitted by your physical therapist or doctor.
- Use a raised toilet seat and any other assistive equipment recommended by your physical therapist or occupational therapist.
- Do your exercises religiously so you can regain as much strength and motion as possible.
- Adhere to your activity restrictions, such as not driving or not working, until released from the restrictions by your doctor.
- Take proper care of your incision with appropriate dressing changes and by not showering until permitted by your doctor.
- Do not deviate from the post-op regimen outlined by your doctor, nurse, and therapists.
Tips:
- Take your pain medications a half-hour before exercising so they will effectively control the pain.
- Be patient during your recovery since your progress will be gradual.
- Don't be afraid of joint replacement surgery. A successful outcome depends on your positive attitude.
