What to expect right after surgery

The immediate aftermath of this type of surgery can be challenging. Knowing what to expect post-procedure can help make your recovery easier to navigate.

Here’s what you should know when you return home, which in most cases will be one or two days post-surgery:

Manage your pain

  • Try to wean off prescription medication to a non-prescription pain reliever.
  • Use ice as directed by your doctor. Typically least 30 minutes each hour, plus before and after exercise will help with pain and swelling.
  • Changing your position every 45 minutes can help prevent stiffness.

Expect your body to go through some changes

  • Your appetite may be low at first, but your desire for solid food will return. Remember to drink plenty of fluids.
  • You might experience constipation since pain medications with narcotics can have that side effect. with your doctor's permission, take a stool softener twice a day and consider a laxative. You can also eat foods high in fiber to help move things along, such as beans and fruit.

Get enough rest

  • Your energy level could be low for up to a month. Yet, you could still have trouble sleeping/ This is common after a joint replacement.
  • If you are having trouble sleeping, avoid napping during the day and drinking caffeine after noon.

Care for your incision

  • Keep it clean, dry and covered until your follow-up appointment with your surgeon. Avoid bathtubs, hot tubs and swimming pools.
  • Cut down on the chance of infection by letting your dentist, doctor or surgeon know before you have dental work or another invasive procedure. You may need a quick course of preventative antibiotics, also known as prophylactic antibiotics.
  • Only change your dressing if it becomes soiled or no longer has a good seal.

Lower your risk of falling

  • Make sure ground surfaces are even. Cover slippery floors with carpets and tack them down. Try to avoid throw rugs.
  • Remove items that could make you trip, like extension and telephone cords.
  • Provide good lighting. If you can, install nightlights throughout your home.

Build a support system

Expect to need support in the days after surgery. You can hire a home health care aide or ask friends and family to assist you. You might also want to hire a house cleaner and yard maintenance company.

 

When to seek help

Your surgeon and nurses are happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have about your recovery. There are, however, certain complications that require immediate medical attention.

Blood clots and pulmonary embolism

During the first few days and weeks post-surgery, you’ll need to watch out for blood clots and pulmonary embolisms.

Call 911 if you think you have a pulmonary embolism

Here’s what you need to know about them:

Blood clots

Surgery can cause the blood to slow and coagulate in the veins of the legs, creating a blood clot. A blood clot diagnosis may mean you need to be admitted to the hospital to receive intravenous blood thinners.

Look out for these symptoms:

  • Swelling in thigh, calf or ankle that does not go down with elevation
  • Pain, heat and tenderness in calf, back of knee or groin area

Pulmonary embolism

When a blood clot breaks away from the vein and travels to the lungs, it’s called a pulmonary embolism.

Call 911 immediately if you experience these symptoms:

  • Sudden chest pain
  • Difficult and/or rapid breathing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sweating
  • Confusion

Reduce your chances of a blood clot or pulmonary embolism

  • Perform ankle pumps. Sit or lie down. Then, move your ankles all the way up (pointing your toes towards you). Then, move them all the way down (pointing your toes away from you). Repeat several times.
  • Walk several times a day, even just short distances around the house
  • Wear compression stockings if your doctor recommends them
  • Take a blood thinner if your doctor has prescribed them

 

Increase your movement

Moving as much as you can will help you get back on your feet faster. Your doctor will likely recommend that you begin a home exercise program and see a physical therapist, either at home or at an outpatient facility.

Keep the following in mind when moving after a joint replacement:

  • Ask your doctor or physical therapist before beginning to exercise
  • Avoid lifting heavy objects
  • Begin with low-impact exercises, like walking, swimming, golfing, bowling, gardening or using a stationary bike.
  • If exercises are extremely painful, stop them and tell your doctor or physical therapist.

 

Set post surgery goals

While everyone’s recovery process is different, here are some general goals to aim for in the weeks following your procedure.

  • Weeks 1-6: Take your pain medication as needed. Care for your wound. Take a daily walk and do the movements prescribed by your physical therapist. Use ice as directed for pain and swelling, especially after exercising.
  • Weeks 6-12: Resume your daily tasks around your home once cleared by your doctor. This could include laundry, errands, cleaning and yard work. You can start driving again once you've stopped prescription pain medication and been cleared by your doctor.
  • Weeks 12-onward: Continue physical therapy.

 

Live well and move more

Here’s what you should know about taking care of yourself even months or years after a joint replacement:

  • See your surgeon for an annual check-up. Schedule an appointment if you have mild pain for more than a week or any moderate or severe pain.
  • Tell your dentist or doctor you've had a joint replacement before you have dental work or another invasive procedure for at least two years post surgery.
  • When traveling, try to change positions hourly to guard against blood clots and pulmonary embolisms.
  • Take care of your new joint. Follow the exercise advice of your doctor and physical therapist. And keep moving to strengthen the muscles around your joints.