3 Things To Do To Prepare For Hip Replacement Surgery

Posted on: 22 July 2020

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If you are living with extreme pain and your mobility has been affected by hip issues, your orthopedic doctor may recommend hip replacement surgery. While hip replacement surgery is considered a major procedure, it typically has good outcomes and most people experience a vast improvement in their quality of life after the recovery period. Once your hip replacement surgery is scheduled, it is in your best interest to begin getting prepared. Preparing in advance will make it much easier for you to make a full recovery without any complications. Do the following things to help ensure that you are prepared for hip replacement surgery.

Make Arrangements to Have Help

When you get home from the hospital after hip replacement surgery, you will not be able to do day-to-day tasks. Thus, it is a good idea to ask a friend or family member to help you for several days. You may need assistance with having food prepared, as well as help getting in and out of bed. In addition, it is important to note that you will not be able to drive an automobile for a few weeks after hip replacement surgery, so make sure that you have someone available to give you rides when needed.

Acquire Walking Aids

While you will be encouraged to begin walking shortly after surgery, you will not be able to walk unassisted. You will most likely start off using a walker, followed by crutches as you recover. Prior to your surgery, make sure you have a plan in place to acquire these items. Health insurance companies often cover the cost of walkers and crutches if they are medically necessary, so contact your insurance company to find out what you need to do to order these items and have them available in your home before your surgery.

Ready Your Home

It is always a good idea to ready your home before you have hip replacement surgery. If you live in a two-story home and your bedroom is on the second floor, you will need to make a sleeping area on the first floor so you can avoid the stairs. It is also wise to install grab bars in the shower and next to the toilet in order to help prevent falls as you recover. Consider purchasing a chair with a high seat that you can easily get out of, as well as a raised toilet seat.

For more information about hip replacement surgery, contact a surgical practice like Texas Orthopedic Surgery Consultants.