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Living With Your New Hip

Mastering Daily Tasks (Recovering at Home)
While recovering from hip replacement surgery, you may need the help of certain "assistive devices" to perform daily tasks or participate in normal activities. Don't think of this as a loss of independence, but as an aid to recovery. All of the tools listed on the "Aids to Assist" page will help you protect your new hip from potentially damaging movements and reduce pain. Practice using these devices before your surgery in order to become comfortable with their function.

Getting into Vehicles
Always make sure that the passenger seat is pushed all the way back. Lower yourself carefully onto the seat, keeping your operated leg forward and allowing the seat to support you. Next, slide back onto the seat in a semi-reclining position and pivot your body so that you're facing the front of the vehicle. Pull your legs into the vehicle one at a time to avoid subjecting your new hip to any extreme positions or movement.

Diet
It's not unusual to experience some loss of appetite for up to several weeks after hip replacement surgery. Even if you're eating less, though, try to eat a healthy, balanced diet. It's also advisable to take an iron supplement or eat iron-rich foods to help restore muscle strength and promote tissue healing. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids.

Walking Back to Health
Make walking around your home part of your daily routine, gradually increasing the amount of time you spend doing it. Even simple tasks, like getting a glass of water or going outside to get the mail, are good practice.

Focus on walking heel to toe with a smooth motion, spending equal weight and time on each foot. As your recovery progresses, you'll move on to more advanced activities like using the stairs.

Next: Aids to Assist