Your Guide to Joint Replacement
Frequently Asked Questions
Following joint replacement surgery how long will I be in the hospital?
Usually three to five days.
How much pain will I have after surgery?
Your comfort is important to the staff. You will be asked to "rate" your pain. The hospital uses a pain scale of 0-10 with 0 = no pain and 10 = the worst pain possible. Rating your pain gives the staff a basis of how you feel and how to alleviate your pain.
How can I succeed following my total joint replacement while in the hospital?
During the first few days, you must rely on the hospital staff to assist you with your activities of daily living. However, you can assist with your recovery in the following ways:
How long will it be before I can return to my normal lifestyle?
If you choose to go to a rehabilitation center after discharge, you will typically need to stay there until you can independently dress yourself, bathe, and go up and down steps. If you've had a total knee replacement, you will also need to learn how to get in and out of a car. If you go home after discharge, the Home Care Coordinator at Cooper will arrange for you to have home nursing visits and physical therapy-provided your insurance covers these services. Although full recovery requires a year, you can expect to perform most of your pre-surgery leisure activities with less pain after six months.
How long do I have to follow hip precautions?
Six (6) weeks.
What is rehab and would I benefit?
A short time stay in a rehab setting provides added safety for home and more longterm function.
How long do I have to use a walker?
Until your muscles recover and you have no limp.
Does insurance cover the equipment I will need?
Contacting your insurance company before surgery is both helpful and advisable. Call the 1-800 phone number on the back of your insurance card for an explanation of your available coverage.
Does the hardware in my new joint ever come out?
No.
Will I set off metal detectors?
Yes. A card is available to attest to the fact that you have had joint replacement surgery.
Will I need to take a blood thinner after my surgery?
You will need to be on Coumadin (blood thinner) for six (6) weeks after your joint replacement surgery. Attached is a patient information sheet to familiarize you with Coumadin therapy. You will be followed closely by your family doctor while on this therapy.
Will I need to take antibiotics before going to the dentist?
All patients having dental or urological procedures should have antibiotics to prevent infection in the new joint for at least two (2) years. Please call our office (856) 342-2468 with further questions. Below is protocol for your dentist/urologist to follow.
Antibiotic Protocol After Joint Replacement:
All patients having dental work must take antibiotics to prevent any infection in the prosthetic joint for at least two years following their surgery. Please call our office to obtain a prescription or have your dentist follow this protocol.
The recommended antibiotics are:
Patients not allergic to Penicillin: Amoxicillin 2 grams (4 x 500mg) 1 hour prior to dental work
For patients allergic to Penicillin: Clindamycin 300 mg, 2 by mouth, 1 hour prior to dental work
Coumadin, What You Should Know:
Why Coumadin?
Coumadin is used to prevent harmful blood clots from forming. Harmful blood clots can cause a stroke ("brain attack") or a heart attack, among other conditions.
What does Coumadin do?
Coumadin lowers the body's ability to make blood clots.
What do I need to do?
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Take regular blood tests (PT/INR tests) to check how quickly your blood is clotting.
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Discuss all medicines you are taking, even cold medicines or aspirin, with your doctor and pharmacist because many drugs interact with Coumadin.
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Keep your diet well balanced and avoid alcohol. Alcohol and vitamin K in foods interact with Coumadin.
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Always tell your doctor, dentist, pharmacist, or nurse that you are taking Coumadin.
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If you forget to take a pill, tell your doctor. Take the missed dose as soon as possible on the same day. DO NOT take a double dose of Coumadin the next day to make up for the missed dose.
What should I watch out for?
The most common side effect associated with Coumadin therapy is bleeding. Watch for the following warning signs or events and call your doctor immediately if you experience:
- Serious fall or trauma
- Fever or developing illness, including vomiting, diarrhea, infection, pain, swelling, discomfort, or other unusual symptoms
- Prolonged bleeding from cuts, nose bleeds, unusual bleeding from gums when brushing teeth, increased menstrual flow or vaginal bleeding
- Red or dark brown urine, red or tarry black stools
- Unusual bruising for unknown reasons
- Pregnancy or planned pregnancy
If you have any questions, contact your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Coumadin belongs to a very specific category of drugs that requires frequent blood tests, careful monitoring, and dosage adjustments.