Tips for Recovering From Joint Replacement Surgery

Posted on: 22 April 2020

Joint replacement surgery sometimes becomes necessary as you age or due to an injury. If you are about to get this type of surgery, there is little doubt that you will see an improvement in your movements once you are recovered. However, getting to the results phase requires that you pass through the recovery phase. The recovery phase can be difficult; here is what you need to know to get through it.

Care for Your Incision

Once you get home, do not take off the dressing that covers the incision for two days. Once two days have passed, you usually can remove the dressing. You can then redress it with clean gauze. From then on, you can change the gauze every day or if it gets wet in the shower. You may also change it if you go outside and it gets dirty. The bottom line is that you should keep the incision area clean and dry.

Be Observant

You should be very observant of your incision until it gets better. You will see thin strips of paper tape covering the incision area. These strips will fall out by themselves. Sometimes, doctors remove them after a period of time. If your incision looks red, bruised, or swollen, do not be alarmed because this is natural. If you have excess pain or notice pus coming from the area, then this is a sign of infection and you should call your doctor.

Pain Killers and Constipation

After you have surgery, it is best to avoid aspirin. This is because aspirin is a blood thinner, and it can make it hard for bleeding to slow and healing to take place. You will most likely get pain medication that contains acetaminophen. Stick to these if you are in pain. Try to drink at least eight glasses of water a day if possible. This is because pain killers can cause constipation. Avoid drinking coffee and soda since these contain caffeine which pulls water out of your body. Try eating fresh fruits and vegetables every day. If you are not experiencing bowel movement after three days, you should talk to your doctor. He may prescribe a laxative or some other medication that will soften your stool.

Joint replacement surgery can make you uncomfortable, but if you know how to take care of yourself, you will get through it. Remember to follow your doctor's advice, and if you notice any changes or feel that your recovery is taking too long, seek help from an orthopedic physician.

Share