Home Recovery & Exercise

Recovery At Home

During the first few weeks at home, you adapt what you learned at the hospital to your own setting. You will need to prepare your home for your recovery.

1. You will need a firm chair with arms. Add two (2) firm pillows to low chair to provide proper height.

2. Make sure your bed height is 18 inches, or more, in order to keep your hips above your knee when you sit on the edge. Add a second mattress if necessary.

3. General safety Measures:

• Be sure all walking areas are free of clutter.
• Remove throw rugs.
• Watch for small pets and grandchildren.
• Make sure hallways/stairways and bathrooms are well-lighted.

4. Store items within easy reach, not in high or low cabinets.

5. Prepare meals ahead of time and store in freezer. (Helpful hint: have your favorite home delivery numbers handy).

6. If you are discharged with staples still in place, you may not shower unless otherwise advised by your surgeon. After sutures or staples are removed, you may take a shower, but not a tub bath, until given permission by your surgeon. After sutures or staples are removed, you may take a shower, but not a tub bath, until given permission by your surgeon.

Showering/Dressing

You cannot take a bath until your surgeon gives permission. However, you can shower any time. In fact, you can take one in the hospital before leaving, if cleared by your doctor. If you have any question about this, please ask your nurse.

Showering in a tub/shower

Your new hips may make it easier for you to get in and out of a tub/shower than before. However, in both the short and long run you should be concerned with safety as you enter and leave a tub/shower.  Equip your tub/shower or your shower with safety handrails and a non-slip surface.  Please arrange for this to be done ahead of your hospitalization, if possible.

Dressing

With a greater range of motion, you should be able to dress your lower body more easily shortly after your surgery than before. However, because of your Hip Precautions, learning to dress your lower body will be challenging at first! Your therapist will assist you in learning the proper techniques for dressing following a Total Hip Replacement.

Sexual Activity after Hip Replacement

The exact time when you may resume sexual activity following hip replacement will depend on your recovery time (to be discussed with your surgeon) and when you are feeling comfortable. You must follow hip precautions during sexual activity.

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