Pat ElliottExpertHERWriterGuideBlogger(reply to Anonymous)
Hi Babs - Thanks for writing. I'm sorry to hear you weren't given a lot of information about what to expect from your surgery. I wanted to provide you with some information on what to expect post-surgery, and to also encourage you to write back to us if other questions come up for you as you go through the recovery process.
Take good care,
Pat
For the first week or two following surgery, activity is very limited. After this initial period, crutches are needed for up to six weeks, and physical therapy and exercise begin (lasting for three to six months). Depending on your age, overall condition prior to surgery, and steadfastness in following the prescribed rehabilitation regimen, recovery from hip replacement surgery will take anywhere from two to six months.
Possible postoperative complications from hip replacement surgery include:
* Dislocation or fracture of the natural bone remaining in the joint
* Blood clots (most patients are put on a blood thinning drug for a short period of time immediately following surgery)
* Bleeding in the joint (especially in the days immediately following surgery)
* Loosening of the artificial joint within the hip socket (the most common long-term postoperative problem)
* Infection in the joint
* Pain in the joint
These postoperative complications can often be treated with medication or other non-surgical techniques. Sometimes, however, follow-up surgery may be necessary. If the artificial joint is damaged, a second hip replacement may be required. And, even with the current advancements in artificial hip technology, the artificial hip liner or the artificial hip itself will wear out and require replacement within one to two decades.
Here are some things you can do to prevent complications and improve the longevity of an artificial hip:
* Prior to surgery, arrange your home so that during your initial recovery period, you can keep your movement as safe as possible.
* Follow all of your doctor's and therapist's orders as to what physical activity you can and cannot do, especially while recuperating.
* Diligently follow your physical therapy and prescribed home exercise regimen.
* If you develop any unusual pain in the new joint or develop any kind of an infection, contact your primary care doctor or your surgeon immediately.
* After your rehabilitation period is over, continue with your home-prescribed physical therapy exercises.
* Avoid activities or sports that can cause you to fall or that put a large amount of stress on your joints (jogging, running, racquetball, singles tennis, basketball, skiing). Instead, opt for exercises that put limited stress on joints ( swimming, walking, or doubles tennis).
Comment Reply
Hi Babs - Thanks for writing. I'm sorry to hear you weren't given a lot of information about what to expect from your surgery. I wanted to provide you with some information on what to expect post-surgery, and to also encourage you to write back to us if other questions come up for you as you go through the recovery process.
Take good care,
Pat
For the first week or two following surgery, activity is very limited. After this initial period, crutches are needed for up to six weeks, and physical therapy and exercise begin (lasting for three to six months). Depending on your age, overall condition prior to surgery, and steadfastness in following the prescribed rehabilitation regimen, recovery from hip replacement surgery will take anywhere from two to six months.
Possible postoperative complications from hip replacement surgery include:
* Dislocation or fracture of the natural bone remaining in the joint
* Blood clots (most patients are put on a blood thinning drug for a short period of time immediately following surgery)
* Bleeding in the joint (especially in the days immediately following surgery)
* Loosening of the artificial joint within the hip socket (the most common long-term postoperative problem)
* Infection in the joint
* Pain in the joint
These postoperative complications can often be treated with medication or other non-surgical techniques. Sometimes, however, follow-up surgery may be necessary. If the artificial joint is damaged, a second hip replacement may be required. And, even with the current advancements in artificial hip technology, the artificial hip liner or the artificial hip itself will wear out and require replacement within one to two decades.
Here are some things you can do to prevent complications and improve the longevity of an artificial hip:
* Prior to surgery, arrange your home so that during your initial recovery period, you can keep your movement as safe as possible.
* Follow all of your doctor's and therapist's orders as to what physical activity you can and cannot do, especially while recuperating.
* Diligently follow your physical therapy and prescribed home exercise regimen.
* If you develop any unusual pain in the new joint or develop any kind of an infection, contact your primary care doctor or your surgeon immediately.
* After your rehabilitation period is over, continue with your home-prescribed physical therapy exercises.
* Avoid activities or sports that can cause you to fall or that put a large amount of stress on your joints (jogging, running, racquetball, singles tennis, basketball, skiing). Instead, opt for exercises that put limited stress on joints ( swimming, walking, or doubles tennis).
RESOURCES:
National Institutes of Health
November 5, 2009 - 5:55pmhttp://www.nih.gov/
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