Hip Replacement Patient Notebook - Christiana Care Health System

Caring for Yourself at Home
When you go home there are a many things you need to know for safety, speedy healing and
your comfort.
Caring for Yourself at Home
■ Control your pain.
■ Take your pain meds at least 30 minutes before PT.
■ Do not drive or run machinery while taking narcotics.
■ Use cold for pain control. Putting ice onto your joint will lower your pain and swelling.
You can use ice before and after your exercise sessions. Do not put ice straight onto your
skin. Your nurse will teach you on the use of cold treatment before you are sent home.
■ Change your position every 45 minutes throughout the day to ease after surgery stiffness.
Body Changes
■ A well-nourished body will react better to healing and therapy. You may not feel hungry,
but it is of great value to drink plenty of fluids to keep from being dehydrated. Your want
for solid food will come back.
■ You may have trouble sleeping. This is normal. Don’t sleep or nap too much during
the day.
■ Your drive level will be low for the first month.
■ You may feel like you can not have a bowel movement or constipation. Use stool softeners
or laxatives if needed. For more facts, read about "constipation" in the FYI section of your
notebook.
Blood Thinners
You will need to take a blood thinner for one to six weeks after surgery, based on your condition.
Be sure to take the drug exactly as set by your surgeon. Lovenox is one type of blood
thinner that your surgeon may order for you. If so, you will be taught to give yourself an
shot. Your surgeon may order aspirin as a blood thinner when you go home from the hospital.
(coated aspirin in preferred.)
Coumadin is a blood thinner that may be ordered by your doctor. If you are sent home on
Coumadin, facts will be given to you.