Moving Again

To speed recovery from total joint surgery, you will need to get up and start moving as soon as possible. Some patients are even able to move around the same day. A physical therapist will recommend a series of exercises. The quicker you get moving around, the quicker you will regain your independence. Pain medication may be assigned to reduce the discomfort of initial activity.

Take it easy for the first few days. However, you need to resume certain activities immediately to counteract the anesthesia, encourage healing and prevent blood clot formation.

You will receive specific instructions on wound care, pain control, diet and exercise. Find out how much weight you can put on your operated leg. Pain level will be managed with medication. The initial medication will be administered through intravenous (IV) lines that will allow you to regulate the amount of medication. After a day or two, injections or pills will replace the IV.

Antibiotics and blood-thinning medication will likely be given to help prevent blood clots from forming in the veins of your thighs and calves.

Nausea, constipation and loss of appetite are common for the first few days. A urinary catheter and stool softeners or laxatives may be used to ease the constipation caused by the pain medication after surgery. You will be taught breathing exercises to prevent congestion from developing in your chest and lungs.

You will be visited by a physical therapist on the day after your surgery that will instruct you on using your new joint. Getting up and moving as soon as possible is vital. To promote blood flow, you can move your feet and ankles. A compression stocking and or a pneumatic sleeve will also be used to help keep blood flowing normally.

Discharge

A typical hospital stay is 3 to 4 days, depending on how well you heal. For several weeks, you will need help at home. If help is not available, you may need the services of a rehabilitation center. To make your home more accommodating your needs following surgery, refer to the tips outlined under the "How to Prepare for Surgery" section above.

Make sure you have a good chair with arms that is firm and has a higher-than-average seat. This type of chair is safer and more comfortable than a low, soft-cushioned chair.