Working with Your Hip Replacement Doctor Baltimore

Most people having a total hip replacement surgery Baltimore have some expectations about what their lives might be like post-recovery.  It is natural to be hopeful that your life will be much like it was before your surgery, but with a lot less pain.  You might even be expecting to resume some of the work or leisure activities you haven't been able to do for a while because of mobility limitations.  On the other hand, some folks think that their artificial hip joint will cause them to have many permanent restrictions on the ability to move and bend normally.  The reality will be different for everyone, and usually falls somewhere in the the middle of the extreme positive and negative expectations.

How to Work with Your Hip Replacement Doctor

Patients who understand and follow their doctor's recommendations tend to have better outcomes than those who have less effective communication with their hip replacement doctor Baltimore.

• Most hip replacement patients stay in the hospital for 3-4 days.  It is important to make the most of your hospital stay because you will not have a better opportunity to ask questions about your recovery and ask for adjustments to things like your adaptive equipment and pain control regimen.
• While in the hospital, focus on basic activities like getting in and out of bed independently, eating and drinking, using the rest room, walking with an assistive device and learning your home exercise program.  If you feel you need additional support in any of these areas, there are plenty of people around to help at this time.
• Work out a realistic discharge plan with your doctor before your surgery date arrives.  While it may be possible for you to be discharged to your home, a plan for you to get help with activities like shopping needs to be in place.  It will be a few weeks before you can drive.
• Keep appointments with all the supportive services recommended by your doctor.  The physical therapist can help you learn ways to do pretty much everything you might enjoy in ways that will keep your new hip joint safe.