Anterior Hip

Q:When can I fly?PainA: Since you have undergone major surgery you are at a higher risk for blood clots. You shoulddiscuss this with your surgeon.Q:How much pain will I experience?A: Thanks to advances in medication technology we are able to keep you very comfortable aftersurgery. Any temporary discomfort experienced after surgery does not compare to the painendured by most people for months or years prior to surgery.Blood TransfusionQ:Will I need a blood transfusion?A: A small percentage of people (10-20 percent) may require a transfusion post-operatively. Yourpre-operative blood level, the length of time for the surgery and the difficulty of the operation aresome of the factors that will determine if you need a blood transfusion. Patients who take certainmedications such as aspirin, anti-inflammatory or other blood thinners may lose more blood thanothers. These medications are usually stopped pre-operatively to help prevent this. This will be partof the discussion with your surgeon at your first meeting.AnticoagulationQ:What is this?A: Since you have undergone surgery, you are at a higher risk for blood clots. You will be started ona blood thinner (Coumadin/Warfarin) after surgery for approximately three to four weeks.Coumadin is a highly effective medication which needs to be regulated closely. Your blood will betested to measure how quickly your blood can clot. There are many precautions that you will needto adhere to while taking Coumadin. Please discuss these with your pharmacist or nurse.Dental ConsiderationsQ: Are there any dental precautions?A: Since you will be having major surgery, you will be at a risk for infection. Please do not scheduleany dental appointments including routine cleanings, six weeks before and after your surgery. Pleasediscuss with your surgeon the use of a prophylactic antibiotics for all dental procedures followingyour surgery.