If you fractured your hip, you will probably require orthopedic surgery to repair it. You might likely already know what will happen during the procedure. For example, you were likely told that you will be required to fast starting at midnight the day before your surgery to minimize the risk of aspiration during the procedure. The surgery may take a few hours and you will be under general anesthesia during the procedure. But what can you expect after the surgery is over? Here are some things to expect when you wake up from your surgery and during the recovery process.
What to Expect After Waking Up
You will wake up from your surgery in the recovery room. You may feel groggy and experience slight nausea. The grogginess will gradually wear off after a few hours or so; if you feel nauseous, the nurse will administer anti-nausea medications to keep you comfortable.
You may not have much of an appetite when you come out of anesthesia and your gastrointestinal and digestive systems will be sluggish until the anesthesia wears off. Because of this, your orthopedic surgeon will recommend that you only consume a liquid diet.
As you start to feel better, your diet will progress to a soft diet to a regular diet. Your level of pain will also be closely monitored and you will be given pain medication per your physician's orders. Because you will be given narcotic-based pain medications, you may experience side effects such as dizziness, dry mouth, stomach pain, and blurred vision.
What to Expect the Next Day
While your doctor may want you to get out of bed the same day as your hip replacement surgery, you may be unable to take more than a couple of steps until the next day. Walking is essential because it helps promote circulation, reduce your risk for infection, and enhances strength.
Either the same day of surgery, or the day after, a physical therapist will come to your room to discuss your therapy regimen, goals, and probable outcome. You will begin your physical therapy while still in the hospital, however, your doctor may recommend that you receive in-home physical therapy once you are discharged from the hospital. As soon as possible, you can then go to an outpatient facility to continue your therapy instead of receiving it at home.
To learn more about what to expect after your hip replacement surgery, contact an orthopedic surgeon. It is important to note, that while you may start feeling stronger after only a couple of physical therapy sessions, it can take up to a year or more before you have regained your full strength, balance, and range of motion.
Share25 February 2020
I'm not one to complain too much when my body hurts. But when I fractured my hip last year, I complained a whole lot. My broken hip kept me from being active in life. I felt completely helpless because I could no longer move freely or get around home without my family's assistance. After spending several months in pain, I saw an orthopedist for care. My orthopedist examined my fractured hip and found an infection in the joint. I underwent surgery to remove the damaged tissue and replace it with an artificial hip joint. Now, I feel so much better. My new hip gives me the freedom to move around again. If you have pain in one of your bones from injury or disease, read my blog. I show you how to find an orthopedist who can help you get back your life. Thanks for reading.
