HOW DO I CARE FOR THE WOUND?
Following the surgery your incision will be covered with a white waterproof bandage. Leave it in place until the first follow up appointment two weeks after your surgery.
CAN I TAKE A SHOWER?
You may shower as soon as you like upon returning home following surgery. Leave the bandage in place. Do not take a bath or go swimming until the incision has been inspected by Dr. Calton or Holly. Bruising is common along the upper thigh and into the leg. If you are concerned about the appearance, you may call or take a picture and send it to Dr. Calton or Holly. See How can I contact someone if I have questions?
HOW CAN I CONTACT SOMEONE IF I HAVE QUESTIONS?
Office: (801) 758-0206
Dr. Thomas Calton, MD cell: 801-540-9556
Holly Ahern, PA-C cell: 801-710-9285
I HAVE MILD PAIN, WHAT SHOULD I TAKE?
For mild pain you may take 1-2, 500 mg Tylenol tablets up to 3x per day (max dose of 3000 mg in a 24 hour period). Ibuprofen may be added as well. Additionally, you will be provided with a prescription of narcotic pain medication at hospital discharge. Take them as needed and wean off as soon as you feel able. If you require a refill, please let the office know 2-3 days in advance. Most hip replacement patients do not experience severe pain and take few postoperative narcotics.
I HAVE SEVERE PAIN, WHAT SHOULD I TAKE?
For severe pain, please contact Dr. Calton. See How can I contact someone if I have questions?
HOW CAN I BEST PREVENT BLOOD CLOTS?
Please take one baby Aspirin (81 mg) twice daily for 30 days.
Please wear TED hose (white compression stockings) for 30 days. The non-operative leg does not need a TED hose.
WHEN CAN I RESUME NORMAL ACTIVITY?
You may perform normal activities around the house for the first few days. Do not engage in high impact activities such as running or jumping or any other abrupt activity. Avoid extremes of position such as when bending, twisting, or stretching.
SHOULD I BE ICING?
Icing around the incision is a good way to minimize pain and swelling. You may apply ice many times throughout the day in 20 minute intervals. Ice is mainly used during the first few weeks following surgery.
DO YOU RECOMMEND PHYSICAL THERAPY?
Formal physical therapy is not common following hip replacement surgery and is typically prescribed for those who experience difficulty with daily living activities. Gentle walking is your therapy for the first 2 weeks. You may use a gait aid such as a cane or walker, if needed. If you are healing well at the 2 week follow up appointment you may progress to exercising with a stationary bike. At 6-8 weeks after surgery you are advised to be gentle in your activities.
HOW SOON CAN I EXPECT TO RETURN TO WORK AFTER SURGERY?
You may return to work as soon as you feel safe to do so; however, most labor jobs take around 6-12 weeks of recovery before returning. A full recovery can take 4-6 months and even longer on occasion.
HOW CAN I CONTRIBUTE TO THE SUCCESS OF THE SURGERY AND MY RECOVERY?
Your post-operative success is partially determined by your motivation to gradually progress your physical activity level. Keep at it! Best of luck! The entire medical team is pulling for your success!