Patient/caregiver was instructed upon precautions to be observed during immediate phase of post hip replacement surgery as follows:
- Compliance with assistive devices: Your surgeon could recommend use of crutch or walker for support during the immediate phase of post hip replacement surgery. After gaining some support on the joint and attaining decent pain control, you could graduate from using a crutch or walker to a cane. You could continue using the cane until you are able to walk without a limp. Observe compliance with use of assistive device prescribed to better support the surgical limb and avoid falls & accidents.
- Compliance with antibiotics medications: Your surgeon could recommend a course of antibiotics as a prophylactic measure, to prevent development of any infection. Some individuals might develop an infection during immediate post-surgical period and antibiotics could be prescribed for control of the infection. Observe compliance with intake of the prescribed antibiotic, as ordered, for the scheduled duration of time. Labs could be ordered to adjust the dose of antibiotic medications and to be sure the infection is totally resolved. Observe compliance with the lab draws ordered.
- Compliance with pain killer medications: You could be placed on a lot of pain medications immediately after the surgery. Narcotic pain medications, such as, hydrocodone, oxycodone, and codeine, could be prescribed to achieve better pain control, which can help overall patient wellbeing and improve patient compliance with therapy sessions. Observe compliance with intake of pain medications, as ordered. Do not overuse or abuse the narcotic pain medications, as they have a very high potential for addiction. Keep a count of your narcotic pain medications to prevent any misuse by family and friends. Do not share your narcotic pain medications with any family members or friends.
