Post-Joint Replacement Surgery

Arthritis, Healthy Aging
on August 2, 2011

How long will I need to use crutches or a walker after I go home?

  • How much walking can I do?
  • When can I begin to place weight on my new joint? How much?
  • Do I need to be careful about how I sit or move around?
  • What are things that I cannot do?
  • Will I be able to walk without pain? How far?
  • When will I be able to do other activities, such as golf, swimming, tennis, or hiking?

 

Will I have pain medicines when I go home? How should I take them?

Will I need to take blood thinners when I go home? How long would it be?

How can I get my home ready before I even go to the hospital?

  • How much help will I need when I come home? Will I be able to get out of bed
  • How can I make my home safer for me?
  • How can I make my home easier to get around?
  • How can I make it easier for myself in the bathroom and shower?
  • What type of supplies will I need when I get home?
  • Do I need to rearrange my home?
  • What should I do if there are steps that go to my bedroom or bathroom?

 

What are the signs that something is wrong with my new hip or knee? How can I prevent problems with my new hip or knee?

How do I take care of my surgical wound?

  • How often should I change the dressing? How do I wash the wound?
  • What should my wound look like? What wound problems do I need to watch out for?
  • When do sutures and staples come out?
  • Can I take a shower? Can I take a bath or soak in the hot tub?
  • When can I go back to see my dentist? Do I need to take any antibiotics before seeing the dentist?

 

 

This article first appeared on NIH.gov.