| One of the most important factors in deciding | | | | know ahead of time that you will require extra time |
| whether to have total hip replacement surgery is | | | | and may even call on them for help from time to |
| knowing what to expect from it. The surgery will | | | | time. |
| likely relieve your pain and give you more mobility, | | | | After Surgery |
| but what else should you be aware of? The ability to | | | | Your hospital stay will likely be 2 to 4 days, |
| walk pain-free may be your primary goal. While | | | | depending on your condition. You will feel pain in your |
| "pain-free" would be ideal, you may still experience | | | | hip and be on medications for the pain for several |
| some pain but significantly less pain than before the | | | | days. Doctors and nurses will ask you to breathe |
| surgery. | | | | deeply and cough frequently to avoid fluid buildup in |
| Before Surgery | | | | your lungs. A V-shaped pillow placed between your |
| Before your total hip replacement surgery, you will | | | | legs will help keep your knee slightly elevated and |
| need to have a complete physical exam by your | | | | your hip in a comfortable position while you sleep. |
| primary care physician. This will help assess your | | | | To keep blood clots from forming, you will be |
| overall health and identify any preexisting conditions | | | | required to walk occasionally. Walking will also help |
| that may interfere with your surgery or recovery. | | | | keep your hip from becoming stiff. Physical therapy |
| Blood and urine tests, a cardiogram and x-rays may | | | | will help strengthen the muscle and work the |
| be needed to ensure your well-being before surgery. | | | | soreness out of your hip. Take great care with your |
| Preparing your skin for surgery will allow quicker | | | | stitches. They will be removed about 2 weeks after |
| recovery from incisions. Let your doctor know if you | | | | your surgery. Be aware that loss of appetite is very |
| have a rash or any type of skin condition prior to | | | | common and you should drink plenty of fluids. |
| surgery. Also let your surgeon know if you're | | | | Your home may need a few minor modifications to |
| currently on any medications. Some medications may | | | | ensure your safety upon return from the hospital. |
| need to be avoided immediately before or | | | | Make sure all safety bars in your tub or shower are |
| immediately after your surgery. | | | | securely fastened. Stairways should always have |
| Giving blood is always a good idea before a major | | | | handrails, make sure any handrails inside or out are |
| surgery. If you require blood at any time during or | | | | safe and secure. Remove all loose electrical cords or |
| after your surgery, they will have it there and readily | | | | rugs that may cause you to fall. |
| available. If you're overweight, your surgeon may ask | | | | For the first couple of weeks you will benefit greatly |
| that you lose weight before performing your surgery. | | | | from a raised toilet seat, a stable seat or shower |
| If weight problems helped cause your hip problems a | | | | bench for showering and a shower hose. You will also |
| new hip may be damaged if placed under the same | | | | need a comfortable chair with a firm seat cushion |
| stress your hip was under. | | | | that keeps your knees slightly lower than your hips. |
| Your home life and social life will be on hold until you | | | | The best type of chair will have a firm back and two |
| and your new hip form a working relationship. You will | | | | arms so you may better support yourself when |
| be able to walk with the help of a walker or cane | | | | sitting and standing. You should also buy a device |
| following your surgery but you may not be up to full | | | | that will help you reach and grasp things that fall onto |
| speed for a few weeks. You may require minimal | | | | the floor, because bending over for those first couple |
| help cooking, cleaning house, shopping or even | | | | of weeks will be painful. |
| bathing for the first few weeks. Let your friends | | | | |