How long will I need home after hip surgery?

When can I go home after a hip replacement? “Most patients can start walking and can go home the day of the surgery,” says Thakkar. Most people don't need bed rest. In fact, moving your new joint keeps it from becoming stiff.

How long after hip surgery can you leave the house?

It is very common that you will go home three to four days after surgery, depending on your healing progress.

How long do you need a caregiver after hip surgery?

Since no two people or recoveries are the same, it's difficult to predict exactly how long you may need assistance—you might be good to go in just a few days or need extra help for several weeks. Most people can expect to need assistance for about a week.

How long is bed rest after hip surgery?

Expect about one to four days of bed rest immediately after surgery, but physical rehabilitation usually starts the same day as your procedure. The process is slow and steady, barring complications, and each week should bring less pain, better balance and increased mobility.

Do I need 24hr care after hip surgery?

You will need to have someone with you at home 24 hours a day for 1 to 2 weeks after you leave the hospital or rehab center. You will need help preparing meals, bathing, moving around the house, and doing other daily activities.

What you need to know about hip replacements - going home

How soon can I ride in a car after hip replacement?

After hip replacement surgery, you are at a greater risk for dislocating your hip. This risk may be for about three to four weeks after surgery. After knee replacement surgery, some surgeons may restrict riding or driving in the car for up to four weeks.

How long will I 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.

Can you walk to bathroom after hip surgery?

Going to the bathroom doesn't have to cause any worry after hip replacement surgery. There are just a few steps to take so that you don't experience unnecessary pain or discomfort: Lean on your non-operated hip for support. Support yourself even more with your arm/elbow on the same side.

Can I be alone after hip replacement surgery?

Orthopedics. 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.

What hurts the most after 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.

Do I need someone to stay with me after hip replacement?

It would be most helpful to have someone living with or near you for the first 3-5 days. This is very important for your safety and health that you have around-the-clock care. If you have pets, especially dogs, consider boarding them for a few days.

Are you on bed rest after hip surgery?

Most people don't need bed rest. In fact, moving your new joint keeps it from becoming stiff. If you have a preexisting condition (a heart or lung condition that needs monitoring), or if no one can give you a ride and help around the house right after the surgery, you might need to spend the night at the hospital.

How soon after hip replacement can I shower?

Hip replacement incisions are covered with a special antimicrobial dressing that can “breath” and get wet, so showering can start the very day someone goes home.

Can you drive 2 weeks after hip surgery?

If surgery was performed on your left leg, assuming you don't drive a manual transmission vehicle you can start driving once off narcotic pain medication. If surgery was performed on your right leg, you can typically resume driving between 3-4 weeks after surgery.

What do you need at home after hip replacement?

A cane, crutches, or a walker. A reacher to help you pick up things from the floor, put on your pants, and take off your socks. A sock aid to help you put on your socks. Handle bars in the bathroom to allow you to steady yourself.

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

Do I need someone to stay with me after surgery?

They want to make sure you're safe while the meds you took to prevent pain during the operation wear off. "Anesthesia lasts about 24 hours," Kothari says. "It's important to have someone with you and watch you." That person can also take notes on what you need to do when you get home.

What to do when you have no one to pick you up from surgery?

Offer suggestions for an escort.

Ask if the patient might have a neighbor or religious organization that would assist, she says. "Lots of churches have people on call to help with rides," Ogg says. "They might also be able to stay overnight as a caregiver." A private duty nurse might be another option, she adds.

Which leg goes into bed first after hip replacement?

To avoid dislocation, always get out of bed on your non-affected side and get into bed on your affected side. For example, if your right hip had the surgery, get out on the left side of your bed and then get into the right side of your bed.

What I wish I knew before hip replacement surgery?

Recovery takes time

You might be on your feet quickly, but recovery takes time and it's different for everyone. Some people might be doing well after a few weeks, but it usually takes about three months for the initial tissue healing. During that time, you're not to bend more than 90 degrees.

What to expect the first week after hip replacement surgery?

Within the first week after surgery, stay alert for any signs of infection such as fever, redness, and discharge from the wound. Proper wound care is also essential. Sponge baths are recommended until two weeks after hip surgery or before the staples that close the wound are removed.

How soon can I go up and down stairs after hip replacement?

Most patients must limit hip motion for 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. They must not flex the hip more than 60 to 90 degrees which complicates normal activities like sitting, putting on shoes or getting into a car. Climbing stairs may also be difficult during recovery.

Can you walk up stairs after hip surgery?

It's not uncommon for people to use a cane, walker, or other equipment for walking assistance immediately after hip surgery. When climbing or descending stairs, hold onto the railing with one hand and place the crutch or cane on the opposite side of your repaired hip.