It's very important that you follow your surgeon's instructions when you return home after surgery as they will provide specific information for your condition. While individual rehabilitation recommendations may vary, here are some additional ideas that may make life a little easier once home. Please discuss these with your surgeon before you’re discharged from the hospital.
- If using a walker or crutches to assist with walking, ask your doctor how much weight you can put on your recovering leg.
- Sturdy chairs with arms may be helpful if instructed to use both arms when getting in and out of a chair.
- It may be difficult to rise from low or stuffed furniture. A cushion or pillow may be needed to raise your body while seated.
- An elevated toilet seat may reduce stress to your hip as you sit and stand.
- A shelf placed in the shower at chest height may help you avoid bending to retrieve items while showering.
- A bathtub seat or bench allows you to sit while bathing for increased safety and comfort.
- A long-handled bath sponge can be used to reach lower legs. Women can also purchase razor extenders for shaving their legs.
- Ask your doctor if activities like sweeping, mopping, and running the vacuum cleaner should be avoided. Use long-handled feather dusters for dusting high and low items. Your doctor will tell you when it is okay to do these activities.
- Most patients can ride in a car, but you must follow your doctor's instructions for how to get in and out of the vehicle. You can raise the height of the car seat with pillows to protect your hips as well. Your doctor will talk with you about when you can drive, typically within four to six weeks after surgery. If you have a car with manual transmission, talk with your doctor about driving limitations. Make sure you can use the brake without discomfort before you attempt to drive in traffic.
