After Hip Replacement: Continuing With Hospital Recovery

Once you have been shown how to protect your hip, you will learn the skills needed to return to normal life. While still in the hospital, you'll be taught how to walk, sit, and dress.

To protect your new hip, an occupational therapist or physical therapist will teach you safer ways of doing daily tasks. Use the following tips when sitting, dressing, or using stairs.

• To sit, back up until the edge of the chair touches your leg. Then using the armrests to support your weight, lower yourself into the seat. Always keep your operated leg out in front.
• To pull on socks and shoes, use a long-handled device, such as a grasper or hook. Try this with slip-on shoes first.
• To wash your feet and legs, use a long-handled sponge and a shower hose.
• To use stairs, step up first with your good leg. Then bring your operated leg up to meet it. When going down, step down first with your operated leg.

You can leave the hospital when your health is stable, your pain is controlled, and you're able to walk safely, including up and down stairs. Once home, it's normal to have “good” and “bad” days. But if you continue exercising, there will be more good days and your general condition is likely to improve.

Your family's support is especially important while you recover and readjust. They can help you make the transition to life at home. They can remind you of what you learned in the hospital. They can also assist you with equipment until you can use it on your own. Ask your family to encourage you to do things for yourself. They can also cheer you on and celebrate when you walk a little farther, or accomplish a new task.

A discharge planner or other health care worker will meet with you before you're discharged to arrange for care in another setting or for special equipment you may need at home. A follow-up visit with your surgeon will be arranged, as well as home therapy if it's needed.

Contact your doctor right away if you have:

• A lot of pain.
• Infection, excessive swelling, redness, warmth, or drainage from your incision.
• A fever of 100.4°F ( 38°C) or higher, or as directed by your doctor.
• Shaking chills.
• Calf pain or swelling.

Call 911 right away if you have:

• Sudden onset of chest pain.
• Shortness of breath.