Basic Total Hip Replacement Precautions

Hip replacement is a major surgery and it will take months for the patient to fully recover and be able to move around normally. To a large extent the recovery is going to depend on the patient himself. He will have to put in extra effort and work for it.

The patient will have to learn new ways of doing things. The doctor and physical therapist give specific instructions on wound care, pain control, diet and exercise. These are to be followed. It is easier to prevent pain than control it using pain medication. Even in bed the patient can peddle his feet and pump ankles to keep the blood flowing in the legs. Wearing of elastic stockings or pneumatic sleeve will be required to keep the blood flowing.

The following tips can be used to make life comfortable at home and also to avoid further injury to the hip after a total hip replacement surgery.

Items required in the kitchen and other rooms are to kept at convenient locations and within reach to avoid reaching up or bending down.
Furniture can be rearranged for ease of movement with walker or crutches.
A shower chair, grab bar and raised toilet are to be installed in the bath room.
Long handled shoe horn and long handled sponge are to be used to avoid bending too far.
Arrange for hand rails along all stairways.
Remove all loose carpets and electrical cords with the walking area.
A shirt with a big pocket or a use of a shoulder bag for carrying things can be used.
A recovery center needs to be set up at home with phone, television remote control, facial tissues, waste basket, reading materials, and medicines all within reach.
Keep the skin clean and dry. Get the dressing changed as often as necessary.
Take temperature twice daily and inform the doctor in case it exceeds 100.5 degree F.
Calf pain, chest pain, and shortness of breath are indications of possible blood clot and the doctor has to be informed.

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Basic Total Hip Replacement Precautions