As you recover, it can be difficult to know what is normal and what may require medical attention. Below is a list of common side effects to be aware of during your recovery. If you have concerns about your wound, please contact Dr. Tim Roberts' office for advice.
Common Side Effects Post-Surgery:
Swelling: Mild swelling of your leg or foot is common. Elevating your leg should help improve this.
Pain: Some pain is expected and can usually be controlled with the prescribed pain relief.
Fever: A one-time temperature spike is possible within the first few days.
Bruising and Tenderness: Localized bruising, warmth, and tenderness around the surgical area can occur.
Clicking Sounds: You may hear clicking noises from the joint during recovery. As your hip recovers and strengthens this tends to go away.
Numbness: Some numbness around the surgical site is common and typically temporary.
Drainage: Small amounts of blood or yellow fluid may be present on your dressing.
Seek Urgent Medical Attention if You Experience:
Redness: Increasing redness spreading beyond the wound.
Persistent Fever: Ongoing high temperatures or fevers.
Excessive Bleeding or Discharge: Significant bleeding or unusual discharge from the wound.
Major Swelling: Severe swelling in your leg that doesn't improve with elevation.
Shortness of Breath or Chest Pain: These could be signs of a more serious issue.
Dizziness or High Heart Rate: Feeling dizzy or unwell, or experiencing a high heart rate.
Severe Pain: Pain that is unmanageable despite prescribed medication.
Wound Care:
Waterproof Dressing: Your surgical wounds will be covered with a waterproof dressing. Please keep it on until your wound check.
Clean and Dry: Keep the area clean and dry for the first 48 hours.
Showering: After 48 hours, you can shower as long as the dressing is intact and you dry it carefully afterward.
Dressing Issues: If the dressing peels off before your post-op appointment or you notice a lot of fluid or blood, contact Dr. Roberts' office.
Driving:
Post-Surgery Restrictions: You cannot drive on the day of surgery. You will need someone to drive you home.
Crutches: If you are still using crutches, you should not drive.
General Guidelines:
Left-side replacement: You can drive after 3 weeks in an automatic car but check your insurance policy fine print.
Right-side replacement: Wait 6 weeks before driving.
Flying:
Domestic Travel (NZ): if you are travelling to Auckland for your surgery you will need a medical form for Air New Zealand for travelling home. If you are flying domestically within 2 weeks post-surgery for any other reason, let Dr. Roberts’ office know.
Pacific/Australia: Minimum 6 weeks post-surgery.
International Travel: Minimum 3 months post-surgery.
Long Distance Travel: Travel can increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), where blood clots can form in the leg and travel to the lungs, therefore long-distance travel by car or plane is not recommended during recovery. Speak with Dr. Roberts if you’re planning to travel.
Movement and Exercise:
Physiotherapy: The hospital physiotherapist will meet with you and encourage you to start moving shortly after surgery. They will guide you in moving and performing exercises to strengthen your hip and prevent dislocation.
Early Mobilization: It's important to begin moving as soon as you feel comfortable to prevent complications.
Exercise Caution: Mild to moderate exercise is beneficial, but over-exercising can cause pain. Listen to your body and only increase activity within your tolerance.
Swimming/Spas: Avoid swimming, saunas, or spas until the incision is fully healed (approximately 5 weeks).
Around the House:
Stairs: Your hospital physiotherapist will assist you with stairs. The pace that patients regain their agility on stairs does vary so to minimize climbing, arrange your most-used items on one level.
Shoes: Avoid high heels for a few months. A shoehorn may help put on shoes without bending.
Safety Modifications:
Nonslip shower mat and decals inside and outside the shower.
Toilet Raise: Consider a raised toilet seat for easier use.
Accessibility: Ensure items you use daily are within easy reach to avoid bending down low or stretching onto tiptoes.
Return to Work:
This varies depending on the type of work you do but a general guideline is:
Sedentary Jobs: You may return to work in 2-4 weeks.
Physical Jobs: It will take about 6-8 weeks for a safe return.
Heating and Ice:
Pain Relief: Both ice and heat can help relieve pain but avoid leaving them on for too long. Apply for 20 minutes, then remove for 20 minutes.
Protect Wound: Ensure your wound and dressing stay dry if using ice.
Sleeping:
Sleep Discomfort: It’s common to experience sleep issues in the first 6-12 weeks while healing.
Pain Management at Night: Endorphins, which naturally reduce pain, decrease during sleep, so the hip and leg may ache. Take prescribed medication at night to manage pain. Remain active during the day and use heat packs if they help.
Normal Sleep: Sleep should improve as your hip heals.
Medications:
Blood Thinners & Medications: Follow Dr. Roberts’ instructions for blood thinners and any other prescribed medications.
Pain and Anti-inflammatory Medications: These are often needed for the first 10 days, but you can gradually reduce their use as you recover.
Things to Avoid:
Avoid Bending More Than 90 Degrees: Don’t lean forward when sitting or reaching for things.
Avoid Sitting in Low Chairs: Choose seating where your knees are not higher than your hips.
Avoid Crossing Legs: Crossing your legs can strain the hip.
Avoid Lying on Operated Side: You may lie on the opposite side with a pillow between your legs for support.
Reaching Toward Feet: Avoid reaching down to dry your feet or put on footwear.
Airports:
Security Check: Your joint replacement may trigger some metal detectors at airports. Always inform security staff before passing through.