This leaflet will give guidance and advice that you may find useful as you recover from your joint replacement surgery.
Wound
Your dressing may not need to be removed for 12 to 14 days after surgery.
It is normal for your dressing to show some signs of bleeding. Please do not attempt to change own dressing.
If your dressing leaks blood/ fluids, or the area becomes increasingly hot and painful, the wound is exposed OR you have a fever and feel unwell, please contact the ward for advice.
Swelling, Bruising and Heat
Swelling, bruising and some heat surrounding your new joint is to be expected after surgery. This may persist for weeks and sometimes months after surgery.
Symptoms of a blood clot in your leg- deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can include:
- Pain, swelling and tenderness in your legs (usually your calf).
- A heavy ache in your leg.
- Increased warmth and redness of your skin, particularly at the back of your leg below the knee.
IF you experience symptoms of a DVT or you notice a reduced sensation or colour change to your foot, please contact the ward immediately for advice.
Pain and Medication
You will have pain and discomfort for a few weeks following your surgery. This will improve over time.
Medication should be taken regularly for maximum benefit. Please follow instructions on your medication.
If you have had a knee replacement, the use of ice packs after exercise (for no longer than 20 minutes) will help reduce pain and swelling around the joint.
Moving regularly will help prevent joint stiffnesswhich will reduce pain.
Pain relief can cause constipation, please take your laxatives as directed.
Anti-embolic Stockings
If you are discharged wearing anti-embolic stockings, you are advised to wear these for six weeks after you surgery to prevent deep vein thrombosis.
Please ensure your stockings are pulled up sufficiently with NO wrinkles visible.
You may remove your stockings for up to 30 minutes per day. You will be given a second pair to change into.
Please check the condition of your skin regularly.
If your stockings feel too tight or are leaving deep red marks on your legs, you may need re-measured for a larger size.
Please contact the ward if this occurs.
Exercise and Physiotherapy
Please refer to your physio exercise booklet and follow guidance.
It is very important to be consistent with your exercises and not let your joint stiffen.
Regular exercise will help to strengthen and improve muscle healing.
Try to increase you levels of activity and mobility each week.
It is very important that you attend your Physiotherapy appointments so that you can be assessed and help you progress as you recover from your surgery.
If you are struggling and feel you are not progressing, please contact the ward for advice.
Follow up Appointments
You will receive separate appointments to be reviewed by your Consultant Surgeon and Physiotherapist.
If you have not received these appointments within 21 days of discharge, please contact the ward.
The Joint Care Coordinator may attempt to contact you via the telephone about 30 days after your surgery as part of surgical infection surveillance.
Your Consultant should be informed of any wound problems OR if anyone has commenced you on antibiotic therapy for a suspected wound infection.
If any problems occur or you need advice regarding your joint replacement please contact one of the following.
Contact information
Ward 28 Helpline – 0191 445 2028 (anytime)
Hospital Switchboard- 0191 482 0000 – ask for your Consultants team.
Joint Care Coordinator- 0191 445 8351