Some discomfort is normal after surgery. You will receive regular background pain killers, but can take additional strong pain killers if really needed (they often have side effects such as nausea, constipation). Aim for 4 out of 10, so it is manageable; aiming for zero pain is unrealistic initially. If you need increasing doses of pain killers (typically a few days after going home from hospital) then you are doing too much activity too soon - reduce your activity levels.

Marked soft tissue swelling is a normal response to hip replacement surgery. Maximal swelling is usually on day 3 or 4, then it settles slowly over about 6 months (up to 12 months in many patients). As mentioned in the basic concepts of recovery overleaf, frequent REST, ICE and ELEVATION (foot must be above heart height or else it won’t help) are the keys to reducing the early peak of swelling. Bruising often affects the thigh and tracks down to the knee (which feels ‘tight’) due to the bruise travelling downstream with gravity. The bruising resolves over the first few weeks (of course rest, ice and elevation help it settle).

Most patients use a frame in hospital initially, then start using a stick when ready (physio helps with this advice). Cease using a stick when you can walk safely and correctly without a limp. Some patients obviously need to use a walking aid for longer than others if they have had very severe or longstanding joint disease or poor balance. Limps are often present before surgery and usually take months to correct after surgery.

The Australian joint replacement society recommends not driving for a minimum of 4 weeks. You can drive when you feel ready after this, as long as you can use the pedals appropriately.

These are hard to put on yourself - if it’s too hard, then cease using them. For swelling control, it is even better to do frequent rest, ice and elevation (above heart height).

Keep gently moving regularly as described, particularly the ‘ankle pumps’ to keep the calf muscles moving. Don’t spend all day in bed or prolonged periods in one position without moving. Take your blood thinners as prescribed.

You will see a physiotherapist every day while in hospital to check you are mobilising correctly and using a walking aid correctly. After leaving the hospital often patients do not require much physiotherapy. I often hear patients are very sore after a physio session of repetitive exercises, this should not be the case, as you should know from reading this handout and improving your mobility/walking style is the key. Gentle muscle activation exercises to make sure your muscles are ‘waking up’ after surgery are fine. Do not try repetitive strengthening exercises which make the swelling, tightness and pain worse. Typically, gentle strengthening exercises can be introduced from 6 weeks post-surgery, but the ‘too much too soon’ phenomenon of increased pain occurs for months after surgery if you overdo it.

Yes, as long as your waterproof clear dressing on your hip is intact. If the dressing is peeling off or water is getting onto your incision, this is bad for infection risk - phone the Ascent nurse to have a new dressing placed.  Delay soaking in a bath, pool or spa until 6 weeks after surgery.

Yes, with a pillow between your knees. Difficulty sleeping is common in the first 4-6 weeks and corrects with time. Practice good sleep habits if possible, take pain tablets at night if needed, use meditation, relaxing music or breathing exercises. Sleeping tablets tend not to work well.