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It's very important that you follow your surgeon's instructions.
Additionally, here are some suggestions that may make life a little
easier at home. Please discuss these with your surgeon before you are
discharged from the hospital:
If you'll be using a walker or crutches to assist with
walking, ask your doctor how much weight you may put on your
recovering leg.
Remember that you'll probably tire more
easily than usual. You may want to plan a rest period of 30 to 60
minutes midmorning and mid-afternoon.
It's safer and easier
to get in and out of chairs using both arms, and you should avoid
low or overstuffed furniture. To increase your comfort, use a
cushion or pillow to raise your body while seated.
An
elevated toilet seat may reduce stress to your knees as you sit and
stand.
A shelf placed in the shower at chest height may help
you avoid bending to retrieve items while in the shower.
A
bathtub seat (bench) allows you to sit while bathing for increased
safety and comfort.
A long-handled bath sponge may be used
to reach lower legs. Women can also purchase razor extenders for
shaving their legs.
Avoid sweeping, mopping, and running
the vacuum cleaner. Use long-handled feather dusters for dusting
high and low items. Your doctor will tell you when it is okay to
sweep, mop, and vacuum.
You may ride in a car, but you must
follow your doctor's instructions for how to get in and out of the
vehicle. You can raise the height of the car seat with pillows to
protect your hips and knees as well. Your doctor will talk with you
about when you can drive, typically within four to six weeks after
surgery. If you have a car with manual transmission, talk with your
doctor about driving limitations. Make sure you can use the brake
without discomfort before you attempt to drive in traffic.
Constipation is a common problem following surgery. This is
usually due to your limited activity and any pain medications you
may be taking. Discuss your diet with your doctor. It may include
fresh fruits and vegetables as well as eight full glasses of liquid
each day, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Your
doctor will probably give you a prescription for pain pills. Please
follow your doctor's instructions concerning these medications.
Some swelling around the incision is normal. You'll find it more
comfortable to wear loose clothing to avoid pressure on the
incision. Ask your doctor or other qualified health professional
about appropriate wound care.
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