Preparing for hip replacement surgery begins several weeks or more before the actual surgery. Being as healthy as possible before your surgery can help you recover and lower your chances of developing a complication.
You can do several things before hip replacement surgery to help you prepare for surgery and recovery.
- Speak with your surgeon and other health care team members about what to expect.
- Ask your surgeon about exercises you can perform to strengthen your core, upper body, and leg muscles before surgery.
- If you smoke, try to quit or cut back on the amount you smoke.
- If you are overweight, try to lose weight. Being overweight can increase the risk of complications during or after surgery.
- Arrange for transportation for your procedure and follow-up visits with the surgeon.
- Ask for help around the house for a week or two after coming home from the hospital or surgical center. This may include help with cooking, shopping, and laundry.
- Prepare for meals in advance.
- Set up an area in your home where you will spend most of your time recovering. You may want to:
- Keep the television remote control, telephone, cell phone, medicine, tissues, and wastebasket close by.
- Place other items you use every day at arm’s level so you can easily reach them.
- Wear an apron with pockets for carrying things around the house. This leaves hands and arms free for balance or to use crutches.
- Use a long-handled “reacher” to turn on lights or grab things that are beyond arm’s length.
- Speak to your health care team about equipment that may help with daily activities such as:
- Safety bars in the bathroom.
- Raised toilet seat.
- Shower chair or bench to use during bathing.
- Assistive devices to help you move around, such as a walker or crutches.
Total Hip Replacement Outcomes and Expectations
Most people who undergo hip replacement surgery experience a dramatic reduction of hip pain and a significant improvement in their ability to resume normal daily living activities. You can take comfort in knowing that our specialty-trained surgeons offer the latest, state-of-the-art surgical procedures which makes for better outcomes and, in some cases, faster recovery times for our patients.
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