BOPDHB Patient Resources Hip and Knee joint replacement book - June 2016 | Page 40

In hospital

The day after your operation – Day 1
We encourage you to be as independent as possible after
your surgery. You will receive help with tasks such as washing,
dressing and walking to the toilet, but the aim is to wean off this
help as soon as it is safe to do so.

On day one after your operation you can expect the following to
happen:
• You will be seen by a doctor from the Orthopaedic Team.
• Your urinary catheter will be removed.
• Your pain pump (patient controlled analgesia) may be stopped.
• You will receive regular oral medication to minimise your pain,
nausea and help prevent constipation.
• Your oxygen will be stopped if you no longer require it.
• Your wound drain (if you have one) will be removed.
• A simple blood test will be taken to check you are not anaemic
(have low red blood cells or haemoglobin) after your operation.
• Some of your bandages, if you have had a knee replacement,
will be removed to reduce bulk and size.
• Your IV fluids will stop if you are able to drink.
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