Important points for the first few weeks after surgery
For the most successful recovery – and the fastest return to normal everyday life – there are some important dos and don’ts for your first few weeks after surgery. Check with your surgeon how long you should follow these precautions.
Two weeks after surgery your activity level will be limited, but you should be able to start to resume the normal activities of daily living. Following joint replacement, it’s important to:
- Follow your surgeon’s advice on caring for yourself after surgery.
- Continue your rehabilitation program, day to day activity and walking, but remember not to overdo it and take time to rest.
- Learn about any movements that you need to be mindful of during the months following joint replacement.
DO’s
Two weeks after surgery your activity level will be limited, but you should be able to start to resume the normal activities of daily living. Following joint replacement, it’s important to:
- Continue your rehabilitation program, day to day activity, and walking, but remember not to overdo it and take time to rest.
- Care for your wound and avoid getting it wet until your surgeon advises you can.
- Look out for any potential complications as you recover, and contact your hospital or surgeon with any concerns. Find out more here.
- Learn about the movements such as bending that you should avoid during the months following joint replacement.
- Expect to use a cane or walker for several weeks.
- Don’t drive until your doctor says it’s okay – usually four to six weeks, but sometimes longer.
DON’Ts – Precautions following hip replacement
There are some movements that you should avoid for approximately 3 months following hip replacement. Check with your surgeon how long you should follow these precautions.
- Don’t bend forward or lift your knee. Keep the bend at your hip greater than 90 degrees (a right angle). Use long handled aids to dress and pick objects up. Ensure you sit in an appropriate height chair with armrests and use an over toilet frame.
- Don’t cross your legs or feet when sitting, lying or standing. Stand with your feet slightly apart. Ensure you sit and lie with your legs and feet uncrossed.
- Don’t twist your body or your operated leg. Take small steps when turning. When sitting, reach with the arm closest to the object you need.
Don’t forget to ask for help!
Although your ultimate goal is to do things for yourself, don’t try to do too much too soon. Recuperation takes approximately 6 to 12 weeks, and you may feel weak during this time, as well as experiencing some discomfort and swelling. Post-operative swelling is normal but it is important to minimise it. If the joint swells, ice may be used. You can also help by ensuring the leg is elevated some of the time.
Get comfortable and on top of your pain
It is expected that you will have some degree of pain for in the weeks following surgery, however pain should not get in the way of your ability move your new joint, or complete your post-operative exercises. This means you are likely to need some form of pain medication.
Make sure your surgeon, in conjunction with the hospital, arranges a pain management plan, including instructions for any pain medications before you go home. If you have been sent home without a pain management plan or medication, and are experiencing pain, you should contact your surgeon’s rooms. Take your pain medication according to your surgeon or hospital’s advice. Your hospital may recommend you wear your elastic stockings for around 6 weeks after surgery. Following treatment, avoid tight clothes, including belts or tight underwear.
This video outlines some precautions to be aware of after hip replacement surgery.
