Most patients can go home about three to five days after surgery, some go home at an earlier stage.
Before this, arrangements can be made for the loan, hire or purchase of certain aids, including a toilet seat raise, a shower chair, walking frame, crutches, walking sticks and a gadget to help you put on your surgical stockings, socks and shoes.
If you have stairs, the physiotherapist will teach you to climb these before you leave hospital.
If you live alone, it is very helpful if a friend or relative can stay at home with you for a week or so after discharge. If your bed is upstairs, you may wish to consider bringing the bed downstairs initially.
If access to a toilet is difficult, possibly a house commode would be helpful.
You will also need someone to help you with domestic chores and you may have difficulty getting to the shops, so will need someone to do your shopping.
Once you are home, you must continue with the exercise regime as discussed with the physiotherapist. Patient with a total hip replacement may want to have a half-hour lie down on your bed twice a day initially because this will help stretch your hip.
For the first six weeks sleep with a pillow between your legs and lie on your back when you sleep. For the first eight weeks always try to get out of bed on the same side as your operated hip.
When you are sitting, never let your knee be higher than your hip level. This can cause your hip to bend too far and may dislocate (pop out of joint).
Likewise, when you get up out of a chair, push up from the arms without leaning too far forward.
Patients with a total knee replacement do not have to take the worry about how to sit or walk or get out of a chair.
It is advisable to go for regular daily walks. As the days go by, you will be able to walk greater distances.
For the first six weeks, you should expect to walk with two and subsequently one crutch for support. Some people are able to walk without the support of crutches at an earlier stage.
You will be seen in clinic about six weeks after surgery with a new X-Ray of your hip or knee replacement, when you will be able to discuss your progress and any problems.
You can start driving when you have adequate control of your leg, which is usually about six to eight weeks after your surgery. You must, however, inform your car insurance company that you have an artificial hip or knee.
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Even in the long-term, many people find a walking stick helpful after a joint replacement (which you need to hold in the opposite hand). Continuing to use a walking stick is by no means a disgrace - many people find it helps to boosts their confidence.
The most difficult part of your recovery is the first few days following surgery. You will also find it difficult for the first few days when you get home.
The most rapid improvement is expected in the first six weeks, but you will continue getting an improvement, with your hip feeling more comfortable, your range of movement improving, and your confidence improving, for several months.
Most people reach the full effect of surgery at a year to 14 months post surgery.
For hip replacement patients, even in the long-term, there is a small risk your hip can dislocate (pop out of joint). Remember always to sit on a chair with your hip higher than your knees. Try to sit down with your legs slightly apart. Do not cross your legs. Be careful sitting in a bath and preferably use a shower, especially for the first few months after surgery.
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1. Sitting. As already mentioned, avoid sitting in low chairs. When you stand up from a chair, keep your operated leg in front of you, and take the weight through your un-operated leg. You should shuffle forwards to the edge of the chair before attempting to stand and push up with your arms. Sitting down is the reverse progress of standing, gently lowering yourself to the front of your chair, taking weight through your un-operated leg. Remember not to cross your legs when sitting.
2. Sleeping. Sleep on your back for the first six weeks following surgery, keeping the pillow between your legs at night during this period. Later on it is usually better to sleep on your operated leg.
3. Getting out of bed. Get out of bed on the same side as your operation if possible. Again, standing up from bed is similar to standing up after sitting in a chair. If your bed is very low, you may need to have a higher bed.
4. Driving. It is easier to drive a large or two-door car and have the seat as far back as possible. Gently lower yourself into the car, taking weight through your un-operated leg, keeping your operated leg straight in front of you. You can start driving again, usually six to eight weeks following surgery. You must be able to do an emergency stop. You should inform your insurance company before you start driving.
5. Sexual intercourse. You can enjoy normal sexual activity soon after surgery. Remember that you must not bend your hip further than a right angle, or 90º, but it is usually safe to let your knees roll out. Initially it is best for you to be on your back, but as time goes by, you will be able to become more adventurous.
6. Toilet seat raise. You should continue to use this for three months after surgery.
7. Socks and shoes. If you have difficulty putting on shoes or stockings, use a long-handled shoehorn, or a special gadget, which is available from the physiotherapist.
8. Sports and hobbies. Unless you have particular problems, you can re-start hobbies such as gardening, bowling, gentle dancing, golf and swimming around three months after surgery. Contact sports should be avoided, as should vigorous exercise. It is best to avoid breaststroke while swimming because of the hip movements involved.
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1. Sitting. No restrictions.
2. Sleeping. No restrictions.
3. Getting out of bed. Get out of bed on the same side as your operation if possible.
4. Driving. It is easier to drive a large or two-door car and have the seat as far back as possible. You can start driving again, usually six to eight weeks following surgery. You must be able to do an emergency stop. You should inform your insurance company before you start driving.
5. Sexual intercourse. You can enjoy normal sexual activity soon after surgery.
6. Socks and shoes. If you have difficulty putting on shoes or stockings, use a long-handled shoehorn, or a special gadget, which is available from the physiotherapist.
7. Sports and hobbies. Unless you have particular problems, you can re-start hobbies such as gardening, bowling, gentle dancing, golf and swimming around three months after surgery. Contact sports should be avoided, as should vigorous exercise.
With acknowledgement to
