
- TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT RECOVERY TIMETABLE HOW TO
- TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT RECOVERY TIMETABLE SKIN
- TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT RECOVERY TIMETABLE FULL
You do not have a bowel movement after taking a laxative.Having a hip replacement is not a simple decision.Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse call line if: Swollen lymph nodes in your neck, armpits, or groin.Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.You feel like your heart is racing or beating irregularly.
Your incision comes open and begins to bleed, or the bleeding increases. You have pain that does not get better after you take pain medicine. Redness and swelling in your leg or groin. Pain in your calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin. You have symptoms of a blood clot in your leg (called a deep vein thrombosis), such as:. Your leg or foot turns cold or pale or changes colour. Not being able to bend or straighten your leg. A crooked leg that looks like your hip is out of position. Severe pain and not being able to stand. You have signs that your hip may be dislocated, including:. You have sudden chest pain and shortness of breath, or you cough up blood.Ĭall your doctor or nurse call line now or seek immediate medical care if:. Don't swim or take a bath for the first 2 weeks, or until your doctor tells you it is okay.Ĭall 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. You may shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery. You may cover the area with a gauze bandage if it oozes fluid or rubs against clothing. Wash the area daily with warm water, and pat it dry. Skin glue is also called skin adhesive or liquid stitches. If you have skin glue on the cut, leave it on until it falls off.If you have stitches or staples, your doctor will tell you when to come back to have them removed.If you have strips of tape on the cut the doctor made, leave the tape on for a week or until it falls off.If you did not get instructions, follow this general advice:.
Your doctor will tell you how to take care of this. A dressing helps the incision heal and protects it.
If your doctor told you how to care for your cut (incision), follow your doctor's instructions. If a shot is needed, your doctor will tell you how to do this. This medicine could be in pill form or as a shot (injection). Blood thinners can cause serious bleeding problems. Be sure you get instructions about how to take your medicine safely.
Your doctor may give you a blood-thinning medicine to prevent blood clots for a few weeks after surgery. Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do. If you take aspirin or some other blood thinner, ask your doctor if and when to start taking it again. You will also get instructions about taking any new medicines. Your doctor will tell you if and when you can restart your medicines. You need to take the full course of antibiotics. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better.
If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine. If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Ask your doctor when it is okay for you to have sex. Ask your doctor when you can drive again. Do not sleep on your stomach or affected leg. Sleep on your back with your legs slightly apart or on your side with a pillow between your knees for about 6 weeks or as your doctor tells you. Do not bend over more than 90 degrees (like the angle in a letter "L"). You will feel less stiff if you take a short walk about every hour. Try not to sit for too long at one time. You will probably have to use a walker, crutches, or a cane for a few weeks. Work with your physiotherapist to learn the best way to exercise. You may take a nap, but don't stay in bed all day. Don't let your leg cross the imaginary line in the middle of your body. Be very careful as you get in or out of bed or a car. If so, your therapist may suggest these ideas: Your doctor may not want your affected leg to cross the centre of your body toward the other leg.