You may be able to return home the same day but if you went under a general anaesthetic you will be taken from the operating theatre to a recovery room, where you will come round from the anaesthesia under close supervision.
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 see you with exercises that will help speed up your recovery.
Pain relief
Your hip will be sore after the operation and you may have some temporary stiffness, swelling and bruising. We will give you pain relief medication while you’re with us and to take home with you. Typically if you need pain relief over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, will help.
We will provide you with a supply of all the medicines your consultant feels you need to take home with you after you've left hospital, up to 14 days. This may be at an additional cost to some patients.
Recovery time
You will be advised on the steps you should take to speed up your recovery before you leave the hospital and you will probably be given a series of exercises to do every day.
You should arrange to take at least a week off work. The time it takes to fully recover will depend on the extent of your injuries, your level of physical fitness before the operation and how well you follow the advice of your physiotherapist.
It’s often possible to get back to light physical activities within two or three weeks but you won’t be able to do any serious sporting activity or heavy lifting for several months. We’ll give you crutches to take home and these will help you get mobile more quickly.
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 your operation 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 for you before you leave the hospital. You might also be seen by a physiotherapist.
On rare occasions, complications following surgery can occur. The chance of complications depends on the exact type of procedure 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.
