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Reaching Everyday Items

Keep everyday items at a reachable height. Avoid bending or stretching to reach things - use the aids provided or use the following method.

• Put one hand on a firm support (which will not move)

• Keep your operated leg out behind you

• Bend to reach the item

Use the same principle when bending down to low electric sockets, gas / electric fire switches.

Returning to Work

Following your hip replacement you may be able to return to work. This will of course depend on the type of job you have. Please remember the hip precautions (see page 8).

We advise that you permanently avoid any activity that involves either heavy lifting, carrying or extremes of hip movement (e.g. squatting).

Your consultant and/or occupational therapist can give individual advice.

Walking and its progression

It is important that you gradually build up the distance you walk. This distance will vary from patient to patient.

• Never push yourself beyond your capabilities

• If walking outdoors, always make sure you can walk the same distance back

• If you lack confidence at first, have someone to walk with you. You should continue to use your
• walking aid until advised by your physiotherapist, as the tissue around your new joint is still
• healing

• Your physiotherapist will advise you on the correct walking aid for you.

Pain

Most people will have suffered the burning and constant pain associated with their diseased hip for many years. Pain is the main reason why your joint has been replaced. However, you may still experience discomfort after your operation as all your muscles and tissues continue to repair themselves. When you leave hospital you may be provided with painkillers or advised to take some simple over the counter drug like paracetamol.

Infections

If, at any time in the future, you develop signs of infection anywhere on your body, it is important you seek advice from your GP straight away as some infections could enter your new joint and cause problems.

Leisure Activities

Before returning to any leisure activities, you should seek individual advice from your consultant, occupational therapist or physiotherapist. You may have to change your technique. We advise you to avoid any activity that involves either heavy lifting / carrying, extremes of hip movement e.g. kneeling or squatting, or high impact activities.

Sexual Intercourse

Unless advised otherwise this can be resumed when you feel comfortable but you must remember the restrictions to movement in your hip. Remember your hip precautions (see page 8).