Menu
Following surgery, you will stay in the recovery room before being discharged home if you had an arthroscopic procedure. If you have had an arthroplasty procedure, you may stay in hospital overnight, and be discharged home the next morning.
Nurses will monitor your responsiveness and provide pain medication, if needed. You will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least the first night.
At Home
At home, you can expect some pain and discomfort for a number of days after surgery. If you have had a more extensive surgery, however, it may take longer before your pain subsides. Ice will help relieve pain and swelling. Your doctor may prescribe pain medicine, if needed.
Always make sure to follow your post-operative instructions to ensure the best path to recovery.
Many types of pain medication are available to help control pain, including opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and local anesthetics. Treating pain with medications can help you feel more comfortable, which will help your body heal faster and recover from surgery faster.
Opioids can provide excellent pain relief, however, they are a narcotic and can be addictive. It is important to use opioids only as directed by your doctor. You should stop taking these medications as soon as your pain starts to improve.
A few days after surgery, you may be able to replace your large bandages with simple Band-Aids, however check with your surgeon before doing so. Keep your dressing clean and dry. You may shower once your surgeon gives you the go-ahead.
You will most likely need a sling or special immobilizer to protect your joint. Your surgeon will discuss with you how long the sling or immobilizer will be needed.
Rehabilitation plays an important role in getting you back to your daily activities. An exercise program will help you regain strength and motion. Your surgeon will develop a rehabilitation plan based on the surgical procedures you required.
It is important that you make a strong effort at rehabilitation in order for your surgery to succeed. Specifics – please discuss with your surgeon.
