What should I be aware of following a total joint replacement?

Posted on November 11, 2011

Nutrition

Following your surgery, you may have less of an appetite both due to pain and the medications you are taking to manage your pain. Some patients benefit from drinking meal replacment shakes like Ensure or homemade smoothies. Poor nutritional intake can contribute to general fatigue, headaches, and low energy. Proper nutritions is also crucial to the healing process.

Medications

It is important for pain to be well-managed following surgery as this is necessary for completing the proper therapy. If pain is not controlled, it could limit your ability to make faster gains in strength and mobility. People often try to discontinue their pain medications too early because they don't like the way it makes them feel, or they are having too many side effects. If this is the case, please discuss alternatives with your physician or therapist. Sometimes just altering the dosage or trying a different medication altogether can have a large impact.

Constipation

It is very common to experience irregular bowel movements following any joint replacement, or surgery for that matter, as narcotics for pain management can slow peristalsis (the rippling motion of the intestine as it passes food). This is compounded by diminished activity and altered appetite. These issues can be addressed by being sure to drink plenty of water. You may also benefit from taking an over-the-counter fiber supplement or stool softner. Even moderate constipation can contribute to increased pain and feeling poor in general.

Kneeling

Whether or not you may kneel on your knee is up to your doctor. This decision is based on many factors including bone quality, body weight, overall health, type of prosthetic joint, and additional surgeries on that extremity. Each physician has his or her idea as to whether or not kneeling on a prosthetic knee will be acceptable. If your physician allows you to kneel afterward, consider the use of a piece of foam or other cushion to make it more comfortable.

Travel

Some people plan on a vacation within a month or two of having a joint replacement. The recommendation is to discuss your plans with your physician. Even if you are feeling well enough to travel a month after surgery, there are other considerations to be mindful of such as the risk of blood clots and the degree of physical demand needed for your trip.

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