After this, you will be taken to your room or comfortable area where you can rest and recuperate until we feel you’re ready to go home.
While you are in hospital a physiotherapist will help you every day with exercises that will help speed up your recovery.
Pain relief
Your hip joint will be sore after the operation, you may also have some temporary pain and swelling in your knee and a swollen ankle. We will give you pain relief medication while you’re with us and to take home with you.
We will provide you with a 14 day supply of all the medicines your consultant feels you need to take home with you after you've left hospital. This may be at an additional cost to some patients.
Recovery time
Your consultant will advise you on how to make your recovery as quick as possible but when you get home you’ll need to take things easy at first.
You will probably need crutches for four to six weeks after you leave hospital and you will have regular appointments with one of our experienced physiotherapists, who will help you regain a wide range of movement. You will be given exercises to do regularly and you should stick to this regime if you want to gain the full benefit of your new hip.
Your consultant will advise when you can return to work. It will probably be two to three months before you are able to resume normal activities. You may also find that your bowel movements take a while to return to normal.
For most people, the benefits of a hip replacement far exceed any negatives. Your pain should be reduced, if not gone, and your mobility greatly improved, however you may not be able to play high-impact sports – like football or rugby – after having this operation. Your surgeon will discuss your expectations and the results that are likely to be possible for you.
How your loved ones can help
Once you’re ready to be discharged, you’ll need to arrange a taxi, friend or family member to take you home because you won’t be able to drive. You should also ask them to help with shopping and cleaning for a few weeks.
Looking after you
We’re with you every step of the way through your recovery, even after you’ve left hospital.
After a hip replacement we will provide you with all the appropriate medication, physiotherapy exercises, advice on what you should and shouldn't do, and any other follow-up support you need. Typically your consultant will want to see you after your treatment to see how you’re doing, a follow up appointment will be made before you leave the hospital. You might also be seen by a physiotherapist after you have left hospital.
On rare occasions, complications following surgery can occur.
The chance of complications depends on the exact type of operation you are having and other factors such as your general health. We will talk to you about the possible risks and complications of having this procedure and how they apply to you.
If you have any questions or concerns, we’re ready to help.
