Hip Replacement After Care – Adjusting Your Hips
The Post Surgery Activities
On the first post operative day of surgery, generally bed rest is advised with legs abducted to prevent dislocation. However, mobilization out of bed depends on the Surgeon and may start on first day. Bed exercises such as quadriceps contraction and ankle exercises are encouraged for enhanced circulation. Routine chest physiotherapy is given to prevent chest complications. The procedures on the second day of operation include walking till bathroom with the help of a walker. The patient is gradually ambulated to walk with crutches and is taught special maneuvers to ease daily activities like climbing stairs. Following hip operations, catheter remains in situ for two days and the patient is advised to use bedpan for his elimination needs. These post operative procedures may limit your activities and may feel troublesome. From the second day after the operation the patient would not require catheter and bedpan. The nurse will examine the bandage and apply a new dressing. On the third post operation day, a hip X-ray would be taken and reviewed by the surgeon. The patients are usually discharged forth to fifth day after operation. The use of crutches or a walker may be necessary for as long as 3 months, although most people who did not use them before are able to walk without them in several weeks.
Lifestyle Changes
There are certain hip maneuvers that need to be avoided for an uneventful recovery. Prefer to sit in a chair with arms; it supports your arms while getting up. Avoid prolonged sitting that can stress you new hip implant. Do not cross legs; it helps maintaining a specific angle to the hips after replacement. The knees should not be bent upwards above the hip level and a distance of twelve to eighteen inches should be maintained between the knees. Regarding footwear, try to don slip-on. Try not to bend while putting on shoes and socks. Elastic stockings are advised till your doctor tells you to stop. Avoid showers until the staplers are removed. Also, keep away from bathtubs until the doctor considers it safe. A raised toilet seat that fits over the top of your own toilet rim will make sitting down safer and more comfortable. A bath seat or board can make getting into the bath easier. A bath mat inside the bath can prevent slipping. Always keep the surgery incision clean and dry. Driving is not recommended for six weeks after hip replacements. Aftercare precautions do not allow you to bend over to pick up things from floor. Do not attempt to cut your own toe nails or put nail varnish on your toes as this will bend your hip beyond 90 degrees; perhaps a friend or relative could help you with this.
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