Questions After Hip Surgery

Just as serious as a hip injury, having hip surgery is considered a major medical procedure. While it can tremendously reduce pain and increase mobility, the surgery itself is invasive, making it so important to follow all the rules and recommendations for the best recovery. So, it’s only natural to want to know as much about recovery and rehabilitation as you did about the procedure itself.

Although you’ll receive plenty of general instructions following your surgery – such as what medicine to take, what symptoms to watch for, how to follow up on appointments, etc. – you’ll probably have a host of follow-up questions for your health care team.

Below is a list of the most commonly asked questions following hip surgery. Not all of these questions may apply to your situation, but they’re included to help you cover all the bases and be an informed patient.

·       Will I be able to walk without pain once I’m sent home?

·       How long will I need to use crutches or a walker? When can I use a cane?

·       How much walking can I do?

·       What accommodations should I make in my home?

·       Do I need to sleep in a hospital bed during my recovery?

·       What should I do if there are steps that go to my bedroom or bathroom?

·       What pain medicine should I take during my recovery? How should I take them? Will I need blood thinners? If so, for how long? When should I stop taking medication altogether?

·       Can I take a shower? Can I take a bath or soak in a hot tub?

·       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?

·       How do I take care of my incision?

·       When do my sutures and staples come out?

·       What physical restrictions are there? For instance, can I cross my legs or bend over to tie my shoes if it doesn’t hurt? Can I lift heavy objects?

·       What are the signs that something’s wrong with my new hip or knee?

·       How can I prevent problems with my new hip or knee?

·       How long do I need to wear compression stockings?

·       What activities should I refrain from doing?

·       When will I be able to perform other activities, such as hiking, swimming, or playing golf or tennis?

·       When can I return to work?

·       When can I return to the gym? Which exercises would be beneficial to my recovery? Which exercises or equipment should I avoid?

·       Would I benefit from further physical training?

·       When can I start eating my normal foods again?

·       When can I resume sexual activity?

·       When can I drink alcohol again?

·       Am I allowed to drive a motor vehicle? If not, when can I drive again?

·       Will my joint set off metal detectors?

While this does look like a long list of questions, don’t fret. They are all valid questions and concerns. Your surgeon will appreciate that you want to be an informed patient, ensuring the best possible recovery with the least amount of complications.

If you are experiencing pain in your hip, shoulder, knee or any other joint, an orthopedic physician can help diagnose and treat your injury to prevent further harm. Spectrum Orthopaedics in North Canton, Ohio offers experienced providers and the latest in diagnostic techniques to ensure prompt care. Call (330) 305-0838 for an appointment today.