Undergoing joint replacement surgery is no easy task. It's important to know that after surgery, there's still work to be done.
"I think most patients aren't aware that it's going to take a number of weeks to get over the surgery," says Dr. John Hall of Atlantic Coast Orthopedic Specialists.
Patients are typically in the hospital for three days following a joint replacement procedure. Before heading home after your hospital stay, you'll need to make sure that your house is ready and is conducive to recovery.
"Certainly you want to try to simplify the movement through your house and make sure there is no loose carpeting or things you can trip on because certainly falls are a risk after you just had your leg operated on," advises Dr. Hall.
It's also important to understand that pain is normal. According to Dr. Hall, "Everyone has a different amount of pain after surgery and the goal with the pain medication is to make sure you're not in extreme pain."
He also advises that even though it may be tough, the most important thing you can do to help yourself heal is not cheat your physical therapy.
Dr. Hall says, "For almost any joint replacement it just takes time and diligence with the exercises to get to the point where you are back to normal."
"Certainly the younger you are, the faster you get over the surgery. Hip replacement patients seem to get over it more quickly than knee replacement patients but generally speaking it's about 6 weeks to 3 months to get back to your normal activities," notes Dr. Hall.
In the end, though, all the hard work will pay off and result in a positive outcome.
If you'd like more information on Joint Replacement Surgery at Martha Jefferson, call Health Connection at (434) 654-7009.
If you have a health topic you'd like us to answer, email us at healthquestions@nbc29.com.
