When you find out you need a hip replacement  

It’s all about the quality of life. We want to play with our grandchildren, take a walk. If these life-affirming activities are painful then maybe it’s time to look at having hip replacement surgery.  Hip replacements have become almost commonplace in the United States. There are literally hundreds of thousands performed each year. This doesn’t mean that it is simple and painless. One should know what to expect.

Hip replacement surgery is painful and it will hurt afterward. The pain will last for a few days after surgery and even then, your mobility will be limited. You will likely need assistance either from family or friends or from a company such as NurtureCare who can refer a caregiver to assist with your activities of daily living.

Surgery is hard on the body and even harder as ones gets older. After surgery one will be on pain medication. These medications can make one feel groggy and out of sorts. In a few days however we should be out of bed and walking.

A few days after the surgery our body sends cells to the injured area. This causes inflammation and swelling. Ice and anti-inflammatory medications can help. Your doctor will be very helpful with this. This should only last a few days and then it gets better.

 Walking after surgery

Likely the last thing you want to do after hip replacement surgery is exercise.  Your body is telling you to take it easy and rest. You feel groggy and in pain. It is important to try and exercise at least a little. Walking is important to speed up the recovery process. A small amount of exercise will increase blood flow and reduce the chance of a blood clot

In order to get out of the hospital and be able to return home, one needs to be able to walk with a cane or walker. One needs to be able to get out of bed and go to the bathroom. One needs to be able to eat and drink. The pain should at least manageable. It is important that a spouse or family member be available to assist on your return home.

Benefits of having an outside caregiver               

If it is not convenient for a family member, friend or spouse to be available, then having a caregiver could be a solution. After hip replacement surgery, a caregiver can assist with your typical daily activities. Since you will likely not be showering for a week or two, the caregivers will assist with a sponge bath. The caregiver will assist with these activities

The caregiver will assist with exercise reminders and make sure that the wound is healing correctly. The caregiver can re-arrange the furniture as necessary to prevent falls.  Carpets and rugs can create a fall risk especially since you likely will be shuffling rather than walking. There’s the possibility to change the bathroom area by installing an elevated toilet that is easier to get on and off of. A shower chair and grab bars can be used to enhance safety too.   It is also possible to move the bed to the living room if it is upstairs.

Even though eating might not seem important after the return home, it is vital to maintain a good diet to speed up the recovery process. Healthy and delicious food will provide the nutrition and energy needed to recover.  A caregiver can assist with meal preparation and ensure that the client is well taken care of

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