Will I need a caregiver after hip surgery?

However, in the first few weeks after hip replacement surgery, there will still be many tasks your parent won't be able to do right away. They'll need help from a family member, friend, or professional caregiver with activities such as: Driving to appointments.

Do you need help at home after hip surgery?

You may need help bathing, using the toilet, cooking, running errands, shopping, going to provider visits, and exercising. If you do not have someone to help you at home for the first 1 or 2 weeks after surgery, ask your provider about having a trained caregiver come to your home.

Can you live alone after hip surgery?

Most patients, even if they live alone, can safely go directly home from the hospital after hip or knee replacement surgery, according to a recent study.

How do you take care of someone who just had a hip replacement?

How much care do you need after hip replacement surgery?

“On average, hip replacement recovery can take around two to four weeks, but everyone is different,” says Thakkar. It depends on a few factors, including how active you were before your surgery, your age, nutrition, preexisting conditions, and other health and lifestyle factors.

Preparing Your Home for Return from Joint Replacement Surgery

Can you go home same day after hip replacement?

Same-day surgeries, also called outpatient surgery, are when a patient safely leaves the hospital to recover at home the same day as the surgery. About one-third to one-half of my patients with a knee or hip replacement surgeries can go home the same day as their procedures.

How long are you on bed rest after a hip replacement?

How do I safely rest and sleep after a hip replacement? Elevate both of your legs when sitting to minimize swelling. When resting or sleeping in bed, lie on your non-operative side for the first four to six weeks following surgery.

Is it okay to be alone after surgery?

If you had "outpatient" surgery, which means you don't stay overnight in a hospital, you won't be allowed to leave on your own. Your doctor will ask you to have a friend or family member drive you home and stay with you until the next day.

Do you need someone to stay with you after surgery?

If you don't stay overnight, you will need someone to take you home because you won't be able to drive or take public transportation by yourself. It's best to have someone with you for at least the first 24 hours after general anesthesia.

What to do if you have no one to take care of you after surgery?

How long does it take to walk normally after hip surgery?

Most hip replacement patients are able to walk within the same day or next day of surgery; most can resume normal routine activities within the first 3 to 6 weeks of their total hip replacement recovery. Once light activity becomes possible, it's important to incorporate healthy exercise into your recovery program.

How do I prepare my home for hip surgery?

You may need a raised toilet seat or commode. Move items you use a lot in the bathroom to tabletop-height surfaces or to middle shelves. Consider putting grab bars in the bathtub, shower or both. Also consider other key areas for grab bars such as by the toilet.

How long do you need supervision after surgery?

Instructions From Dr. Alijanian and Team:

You must be under direct supervision for the first 6 hours after you receive general anesthesia or IV sedation. It is normal to feel tired, forgetful, and groggy.

How long is someone in recovery room after surgery?

You will spend 45 minutes to 2 hours in a recovery room where nurses will watch you closely. You may stay longer depending on your surgery and how fast you wake up from the anesthesia. Your nurse will watch all of your vital signs and help you if you have any side effects.

How do you poop after hip surgery?

Be sure to drink plenty of fluids and eat foods high in fiber, such as fruits and vegetables, to prevent constipation. Use a stool softener while taking pain medication. Take a laxative if you do not have a bowel movement within two to three days. Notify your doctor if you don't have results after taking the laxative.

How painful is hip replacement surgery?

You can expect to experience some discomfort in the hip region itself, as well as groin pain and thigh pain. This is normal as your body adjusts to changes made to joints in that area. There can also be pain in the thigh and knee that is typically associated with a change in the length of your leg.

Can you drive 2 weeks after hip surgery?

Some patients may drive as soon as 2 weeks after surgery¹, while others may need as long as 8 weeks. Importantly, drivers must not be taking any pain medications that impair driving skills—this is unsafe and illegal. In addition, reflexes and muscle strength should have returned to their pre-surgical levels.

How many hours does it take to do a hip replacement?

Total hip replacement surgery takes about one and a half hours. Most patients also stay in the hospital for one or two days after the procedure.

Is hip surgery considered major surgery?

Hip replacement is a major surgery and some complications, such as infection and blood clots, can be life-threatening. Experts estimate³ 0.35% (35 in 10,000) patients die within 30 days of hip replacement surgery. That rate changes to 1% (1 in 100) within 90 days of surgery.

How long are you hospitalized after hip replacement?

Typically, you will stay in the hospital one to three days after surgery, depending on how quickly you progress with physical therapy. Once you're able to walk longer distances and are making consistent progress, you'll be ready to go home.

What can you do at home after surgery?

You won't need much movement or exercise when recovering from your surgical procedure. Simply make sure that you're following the instructions given by your medical team, whether it's your doctor, nurse, or in-home care provider. Just a little bit of exercise can do wonders for your recovery so don't miss out.

Why does someone have to stay with you for 24 hours after anesthesia?

Patients who undergo outpatient surgery must have someone to drive them home and stay with them for 24 hours following surgery. The medications you received during your surgery may affect your memory and mental judgment for the next 24 hours.

Will I pee during surgery?

Urination Problems

General anesthesia paralyzes the bladder muscles. This can make it not only hard to pee, but impact your ability to recognize you have to urinate altogether. Additionally, many surgeries involve the placement of a Foley catheter—a tube put in the body to drain urine from the bladder.

Do you need a walker after hip surgery?

In most cases, you will need to use a walker or crutches for two to four weeks after surgery. You may be advised to use a cane after you have stopped using crutches. Most patients use an assistive device (walker or crutches) until they can walk without a limp.

Can you sit on a couch after hip surgery?

It is very important that you avoid sitting on any low furniture, as this will cause your hip to bend more than 90º.