What will I need to know about postoperative recovery in the hospital?
What will I need to know about postoperative recovery in the hospital?
Following joint replacement surgery, hospital stays vary depending on insurance coverage and individual medical status; a total of 7 days (including the day of the surgery) is typical. The surgery may take from 1 to 2 hours; you’ll spend about the same amount of time in the recovery room. On the first day after your surgery, expect to begin physical and occupational therapy, typically several brief sessions a day — first steps on your way to getting back into your life and activities! When you’re ready for discharge, the decision will be made concerning whether you can best continue to recover at home (the usual procedure) or in another facility (Nursing Home) where you can receive specialized rehabilitation help. If you do go to another facility, the goal will be to return you to your home, able to move about with a safe level of independence, within 3 to 5 days.