After Hip Replacement: Recovering in the Hospital

In your hospital room

You’ll be watched closely on the day of surgery. Any or all of the equipment below may be provided for your safety and comfort.

• A foam wedge, a brace, or pillows may be used to keep your new hip in place during early healing.

• A bar (trapeze) may be hanging over the bed. Use it to help lift your body when you change positions.

• Special stockings and compression devices may be used to reduce the risk for blood clots. You may also be given medicine to help prevent clots.

Managing pain

At first you may feel pain, even with medicine. This is normal. But if your pain isn't reduced at all, be sure to tell the nurse. Pain medicine may be injected into a muscle or given by an IV (intravenous) line into the bloodstream. Eventually, you may be given pain pills instead. These can include a variety of medicines.

Walking again

You may begin to stand and walk within hours after surgery. Or you may stand and walk the day after your surgery. An IV is likely to still be in place, so using the walker may be a little tricky. But don’t worry. A physical therapist will help you. You'll be taught how much weight, if any, to put on your new joint. With practice, you’ll soon be able to move with just the aid of a walker. You can then use crutches as needed.

A physical therapist will help you walk after surgery.