Surgery and Hospital Stay

Your Surgery Day

Pre-op
Once your paperwork is completed, you will be directed to the preoperative area. You will change into a hospital gown. A nurse will start an IV (intravenous) line and take your blood pressure and temperature. One family member can be with you during this time.

The anesthesiologist will meet with you and review your health history. He or she will discuss the types of anesthesia that can be used. Once a decision is made, you will be asked to sign a surgery and anesthesia consent form.

Surgery
Your surgery will typically take between 40 minutes to 1 hour. Family may wait in the surgery waiting room. The surgeon will talk with your family after surgery.

PACU (Recovery)
After surgery is completed, you will be moved to the recovery or PACU area. This is where you will wake from anesthesia. You may have a dry mouth, nausea, itching, or chills, or feel confused. Tell your nurse if you experience any of these. Also tell your nurse if you awaken with pain.

You may be given pain and nausea medications. An X-ray will be taken of your new joint. You will be in recovery for 1 to 2 hours. Your family is not allowed to be with you at this time.

Orthopaedic Unit
Once you have recovered from anesthesia, you will be moved to an orthopaedic unit where your family can see you. Your care will continue here for the rest of your hospital stay. You will begin your therapy and make progress toward your discharge.

Hospital Stay

Your recovery begins the moment you arrive on the orthopedic unit.

Activity
Your first step in getting active again will be sitting on the side of the bed followed by standing. Depending upon when you return to your room from surgery, you may be seen by the therapist that afternoon. The therapist will work with you on exercises, getting in and out of bed, walking and using stairs safely, and caring for yourself.

Medications
You will resume your regular medications once you are able to take them. You may also receive antibiotics, blood thinning medication, stool softeners, and pain and nausea medications as ordered.

Treatments
You will wear compression hose and have foot pumps throughout your stay. Both help to prevent blood clots from forming in the legs. Foot pumps are worn while you are in bed. They have a small sleeve that wraps around your foot, which squeezes the foot at regular intervals.

A Foley catheter will be in your bladder when you awake from surgery. Once this is removed, you will be helped to the bathroom.

You will have a dressing (bandage) over your incision, which will be changed 1–2 days after surgery.

You will have ice packs to help relieve swelling and pain.

Be sure to ask the staff any questions you have throughout your stay.

Managing Your Pain After Surgery

Some pain is to be expected while your joint is healing. It is important that your pain is well managed. Although we may not be able to keep you pain-free, we will make every effort to keep you comfortable.

If your pain is not managed, your recovery will take longer. You will be ask about any pain you may have. You are the only one who knows how you are feeling. To help your nurse understand your pain, you will be asked to rate it on a scale like the one below. A "0" means no pain and a "10" means the worst possible pain.

Your pain medication may cause side effects such as nausea, itching, and confusion. Ask your nurse any questions you may have about side effects.

Other pain relief methods such as changing your position in bed and getting up and moving are helpful. Rest is not always the best solution for painful stiff joints. Taking your mind off the pain by listening to music, watching TV, reading, or visiting with family and friends is also very helpful.

Your pain management is a key part of your care. You and your healthcare team can work together to manage your pain for a smoother recovery. As you heal, your need for pain medication should decrease. Talk with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about your pain management at any time during your recovery.