How long will I be in hospital?
Most patients will be able to leave after 2 or 3 days.

How soon will I recover?
Patients vary enormously. At six weeks most patients are considerably more comfortable and walking greater distances than prior to the operation. Many patients will have returned to work by this stage. Your recovery will continue until four to six months after your operation. All patients are brought back to be assessed in a clinic at six weeks. Younger patients will be kept under review for a number of years, but most patients over the age of sixty will be discharged with the expectation their hip is likely to last them for as long as they will need it.

What about work?
Most patients return to work about six weeks after their operation. Some more physically demanding jobs may require a week or two longer off work. Often patients return well before six weeks.

What about driving?
Most surgeons advise their patients not to drive for 4-6 weeks after hip replacement surgery. It is important that in an emergency you are able to stop the car safely.

What about sports?
Most patients are able to return to a high level of activity following hip replacement surgery. Repetitive loading such as running, may be possible but is more likely to wear your joint more rapidly. Activities that involve deep bending of your hip, such as certain yoga movements are best avoided. After three months riding, golf etc. should be fine.

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What about day to day activities?

Whilst on the ward your physiotherapist will teach you how to safely get in and out of bed, give you advice on dressing, toileting etc. In particular, you will be told how to get in and out of bed, in and out of a car and in and out of a bath.Do not be frightened to resume normal sexual relations, being careful not to force your hip into an uncomfortable position. Initially it may be safer lying upon your operated side or back.You will be shown how to get in and out of bed on the ward. It is advisable to sleep on your back, though you may sleep on your operated side with a pillow between your knees to prevent your leg from turning in.For the first six weeks you can only have a walk-in shower or strip wash sitting on a high stool. You should not attempt to have a bath until after your first outpatient appointment. Should you then require any aids to enable you to get in and out of the bath contact Occupational Health.

 

What about the garden?

Patients are often keen to get back to gardening. The most important point is to remember to take care picking things up off the ground and your physiotherapist will advise you how to avoid putting your hip at risk. Even heavy digging should be possible by three months.Movements to avoid following surgeryYou should avoid bending at the hip, twisting your waist and crossing your legs.