Discharge From the Center:
You will be discharged from the center 4-6 hours after surgery.
Prior to Going Home:
You will be given detailed instructions for your care at home and what to expect, as well as phone numbers to call if needed. Please call your surgeon’s office if you have any questions or concerns that are not addressed in the instructions. We don’t want you to worry and wonder at home.
Post-Surgery Follow-up:
A nurse from our surgery center will contact you the following day to see how you are doing and answer any questions.
Your first post-operative visit to your surgeon’s office will generally occur about 2 weeks after your procedure. This appointment will be scheduled prior to surgery.
What to Expect the Day After Surgery
Showering: Please refer to the instructions provided to you by the Total Joint Nurse Navigator and the Total Joint patient booklet. (The booklet is provided to the patient at the Education Class/Boot Camp.)
Walking: You will begin walking the day of surgery. Each day, the distance you walk will be increased. You will learn how to walk to the bathroom, in the hallway, and climb stairs. Always avoid over-exertion. DO NOT walk on uneven surfaces such as lawns or gravel.
We recommend that you avoid extreme positions of your joint following surgery. Please discuss any limitations on specific movements with your surgeon prior to surgery. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your surgeon after your surgery.