The Importance of Home Care before and after a joint replacement surgery holds paramount importance. At Whole Health, we have a complete guide to offer a pre-and post-surgical care plan for our patients who wish to spend their recovery phase at the comfort of their home. However, we also offer fully equipped and under expert supervision surgical suites and rehabilitation centers for complete post-surgical wellness.
After joint replacement surgery, you may experience pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Proper home care can accelerate your recovery, reduce complications, and ensure you regain your independence quickly. Here are some essential tips to consider for your post-surgery home care.
Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions
Your surgeon will provide specific instructions regarding medication, rehabilitation exercises, and follow-up appointments. At Whole Health, we provide every patient with a customized return to normal activity schedule of at home care, beginning with your first few hours after returning home.
Our team works with each patient to ensure things that can be addressed prior to surgery are, making transitioning after surgery that much easier. Adhering to these guidelines is critical for a successful recovery. Ask questions if you’re unsure about any aspect of your post-operative care. Your Whole Health Team will develop a plan specifically based on your needs, your accommodations, and your personal concerns.
Manage Pain Effectively
Pain management is a significant part of your recovery. Your doctor may prescribe pain medications or suggest over-the-counter options. Use ice packs to reduce swelling and discomfort as instructed. It is important to ask your physician if you are experiencing any complications or increased pain when using ice/ice machines. Prior to your surgery, the Whole Health Team will provide direction and explain how to use your ice packs/ice machines.
We encourage and welcome our patients to bring any family members or care takers that will be assisting them in recovery to their appointments so they can learn as well. At Whole Health, we are available to our patients 24/7/365 through phone calls, text messaging, and virtual appointments as needed. Remember to take medications as directed and keep a record of when you take them to avoid any confusion.
Create a Safe Recovery Environment
Preparing your home for a safe recovery is an essential step we encourage patients to take in the days leading up to their surgery. Once the patient has selected their surgery date, our Whole Health Team will review our suggestions for home alterations based on their specific living situation. This step is important to our team because each patient has a different home set up and it’s important to address things you might not think of ahead of time.
For example, by removing any tripping hazards, ensuring that pathways are clear, and considering using non-slip mats. It may also be beneficial to have a bedroom on the main floor to avoid stairs during the recovery phase. We also work with our patients and their recovery caretakers to ensure everyone is on the same page. In some cases, our Wellness Institute Team will work with patients to help create a post-operative meal plan which includes easy to make meals, prepared meals, or microwaveable meals for the first few days. We address things like restroom accommodations, stair accommodations, sleeping adjustments, meals and overall comfortable setups.
Common Questions About At Home Care After Surgery
How do you use the restroom after a joint replacement surgery?
After joint replacement surgery, patients often face temporary mobility restrictions, pain, and the need for assistive devices. These factors can make navigating the restroom a daunting task. Patients may experience:
- Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty bending at the hips or knees can make it challenging to sit down or stand up.
- Pain Management: Discomfort can be exacerbated during movements, making quick trips to the restroom difficult.
- Balance Issues: The risk of falls increases due to weakened muscles and potential dizziness from pain medications.
Recognizing these challenges is the first step towards finding effective solutions. A few tips we can offer when it comes to restroom use following a joint replacement surgery are:
- Install Grab Bars: Adding grab bars near the toilet and inside the shower can provide much-needed support when standing up or sitting down. Ensure these bars are securely fastened to walls to withstand weight.
- Use a Raised Toilet Seat: A raised toilet seat can reduce the strain on your joints and make sitting and standing easier. This simple adjustment can significantly enhance comfort and safety.
- Keep Essentials Within Reach: Place necessary items like toilet paper, wipes, and personal hygiene products within easy reach. Avoid the need to twist or stretch, which can be painful.
Do you need a shower chair after a joint replacement?
A shower chair can provide relief and may be preferred when in recovery from your joint replacement surgery. It is important to ensure the shower chair is safe, secure, and stable. Consult with your primary care physician if you have specific questions relating to use of a shower chair. If you plan to use a shower chair following joint replacement surgery, be sure to speak with your physician and ask any pertinent questions about using the chair during recovery. It is not required to use a shower chair after a joint replacement as this is more of a personal preference rather than a necessity.
What do you need at home after a joint replacement?
At home, you’ll need a few things to help aid in your recovery. These things include the essential items pertaining to your joint recovery such as ice packs/machines, medications, durable medical equipment, post operative instructions, follow up appointment, and emergency contact numbers. In addition, you’ll want to have things easily accessible that will help keep you busy during your recovery.
This might be a book, a puzzle, an activity catalogue, knitting or crocheting items, a television, a book on tape, a podcast, or a journal. Patients during recovery often enjoy using this time to call friends or family members they haven’t spoken to in a while and catch up with them.
There are a lot of things you can do while resting during recovery, so don’t feel hung up on the idea of not being able to physically move. We encourage patients to ask for help if they find themselves struggling with things to do during recovery and our Whole HealthTeam will be happy to assist!
What can I expect on the first day home after a joint replacement surgery?
Upon your return home after your joint replacement surgery, your first day will look very similar to your time recovering in the recovery room immediately after exiting the operating room. The first 24 hours will include rest, medication, hydration, icing, and relaxing. Patients should not expect to be up and moving around for several days, if not longer, after returning home.
For some of our patients, they may have arranged to stay at the Grand Resort Hotel during the first few days of their recovery which means they may have a follow up appointment with their surgeon in the first 48-72 hours. For patients who return home, they may have a follow up virtual appointment with their surgeon within the first few days. It is important for our patients to understand that the first 24 hours after surgery, it is vital they are as relaxed as possible, with minimal movement outside of restroom use and manoeuvring from a couch to a sleeping arrangement.
Patients will have recovery exercises provided to them from the Whole HealthTeam customized to their needs and procedures. Most likely, these exercises will begin 2-3 days after surgery. If patients have any questions or concerns, they are encouraged to reach out to our team directly using the emergency hotline, available 24/7/365.
