Do you have trouble with pain in your knees and hips? Do you believe you have a condition that limits your mobility? Do you feel dysfunctional and disturbed every day? Have you considered having knee or hip surgery recently? When something as frightening as surgery is on your thoughts, it’s only normal to have questions.
We’ve answered some questions for you to help you feel more comfortable and informed about knee or hip replacement surgery.
What is hip or knee replacement surgery?
A hip or knee replacement operation necessitates replacing components of a damaged or arthritic joint with an implant or prosthesis (made of ceramic, metal, or plastic).
What are the benefits of hip or knee replacement surgery?
By enhancing overall mobility, hip or knee replacement surgery can help you in correcting any irregularities which may be causing you discomfort or pain. Knee or hip replacement surgery boosts your quality of life and lets you go about your regular activities without trouble.
How long does it take to recover after knee or hip surgery?
Your recovery is influenced by a multitude of factors, including your age, pre-existing ailments, allergies, habits, diet, and level of activity before surgery. However, recovery following the surgery might take between four months to a year.
Can you have hip and knee surgery at the same time? Why?
No, you won’t be able to have both procedures done at the same time. They should be planned months apart, often across two separate in-patient hospitalizations. The time between two procedures is also determined by your mental and physical health. The recovery from one surgery influences the recovery from the other.
How should I prepare for my surgery?
Begin by organizing your house while keeping surgical and post-operative situations in mind. This will assist you and your family in adjusting to, accepting, and settling into the notion of your impending operation. Make a home routine, hire help for daily errands, and seek the support of your neighbours, family, and friends. Continue to educate yourselves with credible materials and exercises to prepare your mind and body. Request assistance from your doctor using these resources. Mental health specialists can assist you in your planning by assisting you and your family in coping with concern, suffering, caregiver support, and stress.
What should you do after your surgery?
You must adhere to your doctors’ instructions and advice. Usually, your doctor might prescribe a healthy diet, exercises, short distance walks, the use of assistive devices for mobility, outpatient therapy, and precautions to avoid any mishaps with the knee or hip. Your post-operative care can also involve pain management exercises and mental wellbeing exercises such as meditation and breathing exercises.
Post-operative care in the knee and hip replacement surgery involves the gradual easing of an individual into their everyday life to ensure healthy and complete recovery. During this process, you may experience a temporary decrease in mobility, pain or discomfort, dependency on caregivers, side effects from medications, and sleep difficulties which might affect your overall mental wellbeing.
Can my mental health have a role in my surgery?
Yes, your mental health can have a part to play in your surgery. Firstly, the thought of surgery can be scary. This can induce excessive fear and worry. Science has proved that your body’s health depends on your mental wellbeing. Therefore, when the mind is under stress your body can be more susceptible to disease, illness, slower recovery, low immunity, and low pain tolerance. A healthy mood is highly correlated with comfort. Mental health professionals such as psychologists help with pain management, management of distress, thoughts, difficult moods, and emotions and can aid caregivers in supporting your recovery.
