Orthopaedics
Total Joint Replacement Program
Answers to Common Postoperative Questions
After going home from the hospital or rehabilitation center, many patients have questions. Here are the
answers to some commonly asked questions.
- The white support stockings are to be worn for at least two weeks from the
date of surgery or longer if you are having swelling of the operated leg.
These are to be put on first thing in the morning after bathing and removed
at bedtime. They are used to help control edema and to help prevent
blood clot formation
- You need to call and schedule a follow-up appointment as instructed by the
doctor if one was not made for you upon your discharge.
- If you run out of pain medication, call your physician's office with your
pharmacy number and another prescription will be called in for you.
- You will be visited at home usually three times a week by a physical therapist,
who will continue your exercise program. Once you are independent, your home
therapy will be discontinued. You are to continue your exercise program daily.
Please contact your physician for a referral to our outpatient physical therapy
if needed.
- When bathing, make sure someone is with you for assistance. You may want
to use a shower chair. Pat your incision line dry.
- If you are taking warfarin (coumadin), a visiting nurse will come to your
house twice a week to draw blood. This is to monitor the effectiveness
of the blood thinner.
- If you have any further questions, please call your physician's office
- Call your doctor if you develop any of these symptoms:
- fever
- drainage from the incision
- redness or swelling around the incision
- calf pain or swelling
- chest pain, congestion, difficulty breathing
- increase in pain to the affected joint.
This page was last updated on: January 18, 2008.
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more information about UM Orthopaedics or to make
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