Hip Replacement Surgery Recovery And You

The period immediately following a hip replacement surgery is vital to its overall success. While the surgery has the capacity to alter the life of the patient for the better, the road to recovery and subsequent rehabilitation is a long one. However patience and perseverance will definitely lead you to an active and healthy life.

The recovery process starts immediately after surgery, while you are still in hospital. A physical therapist will start working with you the day after the operation as exercise helps the healing process and also prevents the formation of blood clots in the leg. Depending on the type of implants used you may be encouraged to stand with assistance on the first day itself.

Gradually the therapist will encourage you to use your leg more and more and teach you how to use your new hip. You will learn exercises that will not only help you move without injuring your hip but also assist in strengthening your muscles. You can even start exercising without leaving your hospital bed!

During the first few days you are likely to experience some discomfort and pain which will be treated intravenously with pain medication for a day or two. This will soon be replaced with oral medication. You will also be given antibiotics to prevent post operative infections. At this stage injections of blood thinners are administered to keep blood clots at bay.

Once you are back home it is very important to stay active. At the same time do not let your enthusiasm carry you away in doing too much! It is important to realise that during the first few months you will require help with every day activities.

It is a good idea to give some thought to rearranging your home beforehand so as to make things easier when you return after the surgery. For example, you can reposition the furniture and remove throw rugs so that it is easy for you to get around using crutches or a walker. Items of daily use, can be placed at levels that do not require you to bend or stretch. In the bathroom a shower seat or a hand rail might make a world of difference.

You also need to take care that you do not develop any infections. Keeping the dressing clean and taking the required medication as instructed are also important aspects of the recovery process. In case of any discomfort, pain, bleeding or discharge be sure to contact your doctor immediately.

Some degree of pain will remain for a few weeks after surgery. However if you feel that the pain and discomfort is gradually improving with exercise, you need not worry about it. Some people may continue to experience a nagging discomfort for up to a year but rarely longer than that.

The precautions that you take in the first few months will gradually even out and become second nature. But as life returns to normal it is important to keep in mind that your hip is an artificial one, even though it may feel like a natural hip.