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I had been grappling with chronic hip pain and diminished mobility for a long time and finally decided to have hip replacement surgery. Here’s what I wish I new before hip replacement surgery that can help anyone considering it. You can learn from my rehabilitation process.
What I Wish I Knew Before Hip Replacement Surgery: Immediate Postoperative Period
1. My Hospital Stay
After hip replacement surgery I wish I knew that I would have to spend a few extra days in the hospital post-surgery.
My doctor tried to give me an idea of how long I would have to stay in the hospital but I would up staying longer and ran out of supplies.
They monitored my vital signs for days to make sure I was healing well.
I was on heavy pain killers to manage the pain, and I needed extra help through the new mobility exercises I needed to perform to get well.
The physical therapy began right after surgery, at a time when all you want to do is rest and be still. The physical therapists were great though and show you gentle exercises to improve joint movement and strength.
2. Pain and Discomfort
Pain management was my main goal during recovery.
It was super important not to miss my dosage otherwise I would be in agony. I wish I knew that if I missed my meds, it would be harder for the medicine to mask the pain. Don’t fall behind in your meds.
Ice packs were also helpful with pain and swelling. I wish I knew that after hip replacement surgery, keeping your leg elevated would be key in reducing swelling.
Drinking more water with electrolytes also helped to move lymph and promote lymphatic drainage so that I wasn’t holding more fluid.
3. Home Recovery
I wish I knew how many new gadgets I would need to make life easier at home instead of buying everything all at once. I bought some things I didn’t wind up using like a ton of pillows when I mostly just needed one.
To find out everything I needed after hip replacement surgery click here.
My walker was a definite must have and after that, I moved to using a decorative cane.
You can also make some different home modifications like raised toilet seats and grab bars, to make daily activities more manageable.
Check out my must have items after hip replacement surgery!
4. My Structured Exercise Program
Physical therapy continued at home for me, focusing on a structured exercise program to gradually improve my strength, flexibility, and overall mobility.
I wish I knew how many follow-up appointments would need to be scheduled along with regular check-ups.
At some point it becomes very exhausting to go back and forth to speak with the surgeon and physical therapist. Try not to get too discouraged because it’s absolutely necessary to track your healing.
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5. When can I drive a car?
It depends on the individuals healing rate, but you should also check with your surgeon about when you’ll be able to drive again.
I was able to start driving again after just a few weeks!
Depending on my individual progress and surgeon recommendations, I’ll gradually resume driving after a few weeks.
There can be a rush to return to work if you do not have arrangements to be out of work and still earn a living, but try to go slow and send your job regular updates from your doctor.
These things are what wish I knew before hip replacement surgery, exactly how long I would be out of work. I needed a few weeks before I could walk, sit, and stand on my own.
6. Lifestyle Changes
I wish I knew some things would never be the same again. Prior to hip replacement surgery, I enjoyed lifting weights, but now I will have to switch my exercise goals.
I plan to engage in low-impact activities such as swimming or cycling to maintain joint health.
If you haven’t already, adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and weight management, will contribute to the long-term success of my hip replacement.
You don’t want to stress the joints with too much added weight.
7. Potential Challenges and Precautions
Know the signs of infection and follow proper wound care procedures to avoid any setbacks in your recovery.
Certain activities, such as high-impact sports, may need to be avoided to protect my hip implant.
Conclusion
What I wish I knew before hip replacement surgery is how much my life would change, but also how great I would feel after recovery. I am no longer in pain and I’m so happy I went through with the procedure.
Check out my must have items after hip replacement surgery!
