• Pace yourself and take regular break between activities
• Change position every 20 minutes or so to stop your joint getting stiff
• After surgery, practise your exercises everyday, 10 reps, at least 3 times a day, within limits of pain
• Continue to take pain medications as prescribed
• Pain and swelling can be related to over-activity
• Continue to take blood thinning medication as prescribed
• You must keep your wound clean and dry until it has fully healed
• You will have an appointment to see your surgeon at 6-8 weeks

Returning to normal life

• You may start driving after 4-6 weeks, once your pain is under control and you’re off strong pain medications
• You are advised to check with your insurance provider before you start driving
• You may return to work once your pain is under control and off strong pain medications, usually 6-8 weeks. You may have to plan how you can get to work in the early stages. It is recommended that you have a phased return to work.
• You may travel but make sure you can move your joint regularly.
• You must not travel by air for first six weeks and if the flight is for more than four hours, avoid the journey for three months after surgery

Warning Signs

Please contact your local emergency department, surgeon or your GP if you experience any of the following symptoms:
fever
increasing redness or oozing from your wound
increase in pain that does not respond to your medication
pain or swelling of your calf that is not relieved by elevation
trouble breathing or shortness of breath

For specific information refer to individual procedures.