The information below is not intended to replace the advice of a physician. Every person is different, so please contact a physician to help you make the appropriate health care decision.
Joint Care patients should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing such as sweatpants (hip patients), short pants (hip & knee patients) and a comfortable shirt. Shoes should have an enclosed toe and heel such as tennis shoes since you will be walking the halls and exercising. Patients who spend all of their time in bed after surgery do not recover as quickly and experience more complications than patients who move around more.
Driving is an individual matter. Some people regain their coordination and reflexes quickly while others take several weeks. Your physician will let you know when it is safe to drive. You should not drive if you are taking pain medication.
No, not until approved by your surgeon.
You may go up and down stairs immediately after joint replacement, but it is important to do this safely.
Please tell the nursing staff and physical therapists about any stairs you have outside and/or inside your home. The physical therapist will train you on how to properly go up/down stairs after surgery to help you get around in your home without problems.
You may go up and down stairs immediately after joint replacement, but it is important to do this safely.
Please tell the nursing staff and physical therapists about any stairs you have outside and/or inside your home. The physical therapist will train you on how to properly go up/down stairs after surgery to help you get around in your home without problems.
You should do your exercises for at least 4 - 6 weeks after surgery depending on your individual needs. Your physician will check your condition closely and give you additional instructions.
A case manager or social worker will help you obtain a walker if you do not already have one. If you have a shower stall, a shower stool can be used for support. A shower head on a flexible hose is convenient but optional. An elevated toilet seat such as a portable potty chair is optional for knee and anterior hip replacement patients but is necessary for posterior hip replacement patients. Grab bars are optional. Some patients who have had both knees replaced at the same time may want to consider an elevated toilet seat, but this is also optional.
Madison Hospital
8375 Hwy. 72 W.
Madison, AL 35758
Phone: (256) 265-2012
Madison Hospital is an affiliate of the Huntsville Hospital Health System
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