The day after your surgery
On the day after your surgery, you can expect to:
- do your own self-care (like wash yourself)
- start physical therapy
- get out of bed with help (follow your weight-bearing instructions)
- sit in a chair for at least 1 meal
- do your deep breathing and bed exercises
- still have your IV
- restart your regular medicine (as ordered by your healthcare provider)
- start taking calcium and vitamin D
- eat your meals and snacks
- drink a nutritional supplement 3 or 4 times a day
- take medicine for pain or discomfort, as needed (especially before your physical therapy) or if your stomach is upset
- keep taking a blood thinner
- have blood work and other tests, as needed
- have your bladder catheter taken out
- use a toilet with a raised seat or commode chair to go to the bathroom
Days 2 to 5 after your surgery
On days 2 to 5 after your surgery, you can expect to:
- have your IV taken out (once you’re drinking well)
- have your dressing changed, as long as your incision (surgical cut) is draining
- wash and dress yourself
- go for walks (wear supportive shoes)
- sit up in a chair for meals
- eat your meals and snacks
- keep drinking a nutrition supplement 3 or 4 times a day
- have other tests, such as x-rays (as needed)
- have physical therapy and occupational therapy
A physical therapist (also called a PT) will:
- teach you exercises to strengthen and protect your hip while it heals
- show you how to use a walking aid to help you move around
An occupational therapist (also called an OT) will:
- help you learn how to use equipment that you may need at home
- teach you how to manage your self-care, like getting dressed
- show you how to get in and out of bed, get on and off the toilet and chairs, get in and out of the tub or shower, and in and out of a car
- help you arrange the equipment and services you’ll need when you leave the hospital
Planning your leave from the hospital
We encourage you and your family to be involved in your recovery and planning your leave from the hospital. If you live out of town, you may be sent to the hospital in your town. If you live in long-term care, you’ll go back there. If you’re not ready to go home, you may be moved to another area of the hospital or another healthcare setting to keep working on your recovery.
