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Recovery
 
   
 
 


In Hospital after the Surgery
Abduction pillows, which spread the legs apart, will help maintain the stability of the hip and prevent unwanted movement.
Blood “thinners” are given to prevent clots.
Simple physical therapy exercises will begin at once to enhance the venous drainage of the leg. Walking (first with a walker, then with crutches) will help speed the healing process and build the strength of the hip. As you progress with your walking exercises, both your balance and confidence will improve. You will be instructed as to the amount of weight you may bear on your leg.
When your initial recovery is completed, you will be allowed to return home.

Recovery
Complying with your doctor’s and nurse’s instructions is the first step toward a complete recovery from total hip replacement surgery. Listen carefully to their instructions and you can greatly enhance the quality, speed, and success of your recovery.

At Home
Call your doctor if you experience any fever, unusual hip or leg pain, swelling, or fluid leakage from your incision.
Arrange for a toilet seat raise. Your mattress must be as high as the fold of your buttocks.
The seat of your chair must be high enough to reach your upper thigh.

During the first 3 months after the operation:



after the surgery
You must: Never:
Sit with feet 30 cm apart
Sit or lie with legs crossed

Sit only on hard surfaces to prevent excessive bending of the hip (never more than 90°)
Bend your hip more than 90°
Lie on your non operated side with legs spread by thick pillow.
Lie on the side with your legs together.
Use “reachers” to pick up objects
Bend over to pick up objects
Walk and enjoy normal activities:
Full or partial weight bearing as instructed by your surgeon
Sit on low chairs or sofas
Engage in strenuous activities
Wear low-heeled comfortable shoes
Wear high-heels
Twist your body around whilst standing on your operated leg.
See your doctor for follow-up care
care		    
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