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It is normal to drift in and out of sleep until the anesthesia completely wears off. Because it’s important to rest as much as possible, we encourage friends and family to limit their visits.

While in your hospital room, your nurse will:

• Monitor your vital signs frequently.

• Check your incision.

• Give IV fluids and antibiotics.

• Check your urinary catheter (if one is present).

• Check your oxygen level.

• Help you use an incentive spirometer (this breathing device helps keep your lungs clear and helps prevent pneumonia).

• Check your compression devices (special stockings) that help prevent blood clots.

• Assess blood clot prevention, administer oral blood-thinning drugs, and assist with getting out of bed and starting to walk.

REMEMBER: Do not get out of your bed without assistance. Although getting up on the day of surgery aids in your recovery and helps prevent complications. You MUST not do so without assistance.

Within 24 hours after arriving to your hospital room you will receive a visit from a physical and/or occupational therapist to begin mobility exercises. You may also receive a visit from:

• Your surgeon, resident, fellow or physician’s assistant

• A medical doctor

• An anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist

• Your Specialty Care Coordinator

A physical therapist or nurse will help with bedside activities. Also, remember to perform the circulation exercises at the end of this guide.

Recovery/Rehabilitation Process

Physical therapy and occupational therapy after your joint replacement surgery are critical parts of your recovery, as well as to help you regain range of motion and strength. Although you may feel significant pain during and after your therapy sessions, it is necessary for your recovery.

Your physical therapist will teach you how to:

• Lay in your bed in comfortable positions.

• Move from sitting to standing

• Walk with an assistive device (a walker, crutches, a cane).

• Comply with hip and knee precautions.

• Perform a home exercise program on your own.

• Walk up and down stairs with an appropriate assistive device.

Your occupational therapist will teach you how to:

• Comply with hip or knee precautions while performing functional activities

• Perform transfer techniques, such as getting on and off toilet seat with and without assistance or getting into and out of a car.

• Perform self-care activities, such as dressing with adaptive equipment and assistance if needed. See Adaptive or Durable Medical Equipment section.

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