If your pain is impacting your day-to-day life, it’s probably time to see an orthopaedic surgeon for an assessment.
It means that you will be at the centre of every decision. To start with, I’ll go through all of your options — non-surgical and surgical. What’s right for you will depend on your mobility, the impact on your day-to-day life, your condition and what’s going on in your life more broadly. Once you have all of the information, we can work together to create a realistic plan.
Patients who are part of the decision-making process report greater trust in their surgeon and, six months postoperatively, greater confidence in the path they’ve chosen.1
Firstly, you should feel comfortable asking as many questions as you like. It’s important you understand everything about your upcoming surgery. Here are a few suggestions:
In Australia, surgical results are tracked by the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry.
As a patient, there’s reassurance knowing that an independent national group has been collecting data and comparing your surgeon’s results to surgical results nationally.2
In the post-op period, you’re likely to experience some low-grade swelling and pain at the surgery site. This is normal. It is important that you are applying R.I.C.E (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation) and taking your pain medication to manage the discomfort.
Bruising is also very common, and for some patients can be alarming. It will usually be worst around five to seven days and last for two to three weeks. Ice and compression can help.
Every patient’s experience with pain management will be different depending on their circumstances and their procedure. In the first few days you will likely experience some pain.
Anaesthesia has changed. We can now combine several medications to control your pain without the side effects you’d have had in the past.
You will leave hospital with all of the medication you need for the first 14 days. It’s a good idea to book a GP appointment ahead of time in case you need additional pain medication.
Managing your pain in the early weeks is going to allow you to be consistent with your rehab. Take your medication at the prescribed times to keep ahead of the pain. When you’re ready to start cutting back, keep taking your medication at the same times but reduce the dose rather than spacing your doses further apart.
Probably less than you’re expecting. What’s important is that you do something every day. Twenty minutes every day is going to be more beneficial than pushing yourself too hard and then not being able to move properly for the next couple of days.
Getting moving early makes a real difference. Patients who are up and walking within hours of surgery tend to recover faster and go home sooner, with no added risk. That’s why we’ll have you on your feet sooner than you might expect.
With recovery, you’re going to have some good days and some bad days. Going into surgery, it’s a benefit to have a positive attitude, but it’s also realistic to acknowledge that there are some days that are going to be more challenging than others.
It’s normal to feel flat around week two or three. You may feel like progress has slowed and you’ve had broken sleep for a few weeks. This is very common and it does pass.
Use this form to request an appointment. Our team will contact you shortly to confirm the details.
For urgent matters, please call us during office hours on 08 8267 8228 or email cabotadmin@sossa.com.au
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Use this form to request an appointment. Our team will contact you shortly to confirm the details.
For urgent matters, please call us during office hours on 08 8267 8228 or email cabotadmin@sossa.com.au
