It’s important to care for your wound and avoid getting it wet until your surgeon advises you can. Following total joint replacement, there are several things you need to look out for and manage as you recover. A certain amount of tenderness and swelling is normal immediately after surgery. However call your surgeon or hospital immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms:
+ Increased pain
+ Increased redness or swelling
+ Changes in the incision drainage (fluid coming from your wound)
+ Prolonged nausea or vomiting
+ Shortness of breath or chest pain
+ Chills or fever greater than 38 degrees elsius.
If you develop any signs of skin infection, urinary tract infection or abscessed teeth, contact your family doctor immediately. Treating these early can be crucial to protecting your new joint. Tell your dentist or family physician about your joint replacement before any procedure, such as dental work, a cardiac catheter, bladder exam, or any surgery.
The following information is designed especially for patients who have been booked to receive a joint replacement by an orthopaedic surgeon. Please enter the password provided to you by your surgeon - if you do not have a password, please contact your surgeon’s rooms or hospital.
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