Things You Need Before & After Hip Replacement Surgery

EVEN WHEN IT HURTS! And it will, but that is what will get you up and walking. Con't forget to add the Water Excercises - you don't feel nearly as much pain while excercising in the water.

AFTER Surgery: Ask them if you're walking correctly (toes pointed straight out in front), have them tell you if they notice anything other than correct posture, walking, etc so you can correct it BEFORE it becomes a habit.

Gather some CD's you enjoy and a small portable player to take to the hospital with you. The hospital will have to 'inspect' it and put a sticker on it - that takes only a short while - but the comfort and calming effect it will have on you is very worth the effort. Pick soothing music to sleep and rest by, and a little that just simply 'cheers' you.

Yes, do EXACTLY what he/she tells you to do! ALL of the excercises, ALL of the times she said to do them, and AS MANY times a day...

Exactly. What you are told to do - Before and After the surgery. He really does know more than you about this situation, besides you are paying him darn good money for the job, so DO WHAT HE TELLS YOU.

Weeks BEFORE, (as well as AFTER your surgery as soon as you can drag yourself to the pool!). BEFORE, it strengthens your muscles, your heart, your lungs, and relieves some of your pain - really good for you prior to surgery. AFTER, it does all of the above again, really beneficial and healing to the surgery area plus the great help with the pain of doing your leg excercises!

Now, to some of you, positive affirmations may sound 'too out there' for YOU! Believe me, positive affirmations will help you so very, very much. It's deffinately worth the time and effort, and you will come to enjoy that quiet time of saying wonderful, positive things to yourself - all about how wonderful your doctor is, how great a job he does on your surgery, how well everything goes for you, how fast you heal, etc. Just remember to say them as tho it has already taken place (I heal quickly, My surgery is done quickly & easily - I feel great - I am healthy,etc.) Write them for weeks BEFORE - make a CD, if possible, of you saying 40 or more affirmations and take it to the hospital with you - playing it over and over BEFORE & AFTER - go to sleep with it on.

After you have your Surgeon lined up, ask him which anaethesialogist he would have if any of his family were having this surgury - that's the one you want!! Most of the time the surgeon can arrange to have the one he wants!!

Don't 'settle' for less on any of the above points. You have to have the BEST of the above to obtain the BEST results.

Ask around, it's amazing how many people have either had, or know someone else that's had, hip surgery. Co-workers, a water excercise group, even the person behind you in the grocery store line - this is important - the more 'opinions' you get, the better for YOU.

If you haven't needed them before; A walker, either a chair potty, or a high cushioned seat for your regular toilet, someone to help with your showers, meals, and hopefully, to give you a little 'babying'!