Discharge Planning

You are about to be discharged from hospital.

What happens next ?

You will have chosen between inpatient and/or outpatient rehab at another hospital or rehabilitation at home. If you are unsure about these arrangements, please contact the rooms.

When is my follow-up appointment with Dr Ellis?

• If you are rehabilitating at home, Dr Ellis will see you for a wound review about 10 days after surgery.
• Dr Ellis will see all patients at a six week post-op review with a new x-ray.

How do I need to look after my new hip or knee?

• Keep wearing your compression stockings for six weeks.
• Continue on your medication as instructed to avoid deep vein thrombosis (clots) after surgery.
• After a knee replacement, usually you will be prescribed Xarelto/Rivaroxaban for 14 days post-surgery
• After a hip replacement, usually you will be prescribed Xarelto/Rivaroxaban for 30 days post-surgery
• Do not drive until instructed (between 4 – 6 weeks post-op).
• Follow Dr Ellis’ and your physiotherapist’s advice re. weight bearing.
• Generally, you will use crutches or a frame for the first six weeks to avoid falls.
• After six weeks, you may use a crutch or a walking stick in the opposite arm to your operated side to protect your operated limb.
• Hydrotherapy can be commenced on Day 7 after surgery with the dressing in situ.
• If you have had a hip replacement, it’s important to avoid placing high torque/twisting forces across your femur while your bone heals for the first six months. Avoid breaststroke for the duration and keep with freestyle/backstroke when swimming laps.

How do I look after my wound and dressing?

• Do not remove the dressing. Your GP, Dr Ellis or the rehabilitation doctors will remove it two weeks after the operation. Call us if you are concerned.
• You may go swimming with the dressing on. If the seal is compromised, see your rehab doctor, GP or Dr Ellis for a new waterproof dressing.
• Your stitches are dissolvable. Dr Ellis will inspect the wound when he sees you and make sure it is healing well.
• If you are worried about warmth, redness, are experiencing a fever or unexpected levels of pain, contact us straight away at the rooms or present to your local emergency department.