Hip Replacement Recovery: After You Go Home

Coming Home

Going home is just the beginning. You can expect a full recovery after three to six months but that will be contingent on your general health, age, the type of surgery and your commitment to your physical therapy. Someone will obviously need to drive you home and if another person can accompany them it will help as you get into and out of the car.

A critical thing to stay on top of is pain management. Take your pain medicines on a regular schedule and don't be shy about managing your pain. Someone who is helping you as a care-giver should make it a priority to get to the pharmacy and pick up your medications. If you are on multiple medications they should purchase a pill box to help organize and manage the medicines and daily dosages.

You Can't Go It Alone

You'll need help during your first week at home and perhaps for some time afterwards with everyday tasks like cooking, grocery shopping, trips to the hospital or doctors office for follow-up visits and physical therapy. In fact, most patients recovering from hip-replacement surgery are not allowed to drive for as much as six weeks after surgery.

Keep A Wireless Phone With You At All Times

Even with a caregiver at home, you should always have the ability to call for help while they're at the grocery store, walking the dog or even sleeping in another room. If you can't get help at home from family or friends there are church groups, community organizations and home care professionals. Much of this would depend on your insurance and income. If you're on your own without family or friend support so discuss this with your doctor and the hospital before surgery. They also have inpatient programs to help you with your recovery in an inpatient facility.

Potential Problems And Side Effects

The most significant problem you could encounter would be a dislocation of the new hip joint. This can happen very simply and your physical therapist should advise you about positions and motions to avoid at the outset.

Infection of an incision is something else to monitor. Your nurse at checkout will alert you to the signs and symptoms of infection. 

Beyond Hip Replacement: The First Month To The First Year

Physical therapy will continue to be a primary focus of your time and attention as you enter your first month, and conclude it in three to six months. You'll also have frequent follow-ups with your doctor to assess your condition, healing of your incisions, and your general health. The schedule for these visits depends on your doctor and your speed of recovery. You will then have annual visits to continue to assess your condition and progress.

READ Hip Bursitis - Trochanteric Bursitis

Anyone confronting hip replacement surgery should do some research if time allows. Emergency surgeries for a fractured hip complicate the ability to read-up before the procedure, but if it's an elective surgery due to advancing osteoporosis you should definitely take the time to understand and prepare for your recovery. Because of the long three to six month recovery times a plan for your recovery can help you to maintain your lifestyle, manage your income and improve your overall health and quality of life.