BOPDHB Patient Resources Hip and Knee joint replacement book - June 2016 | Page 50

At home
It is important not to wait too long before you seek assistance with constipation . If your symptoms persist for 3 days , please contact your GP .
Treatment You should talk to your GP about your constipation to ensure you are taking the most suitable bowel medication for you . These include :
• Stool softeners
• Bowel stimulants
• Osmotic laxatives
• Bulk formers
• Suppositories and enemas
Exercise It is important you continue to regularly undertake the exercises you were given by your physiotherapist .
Surgical Stockings Please wear your surgical stockings for six weeks following your surgery .
Wound care You should keep your wound covered with the waterproof dressing applied during your hospital stay , for 5-7 days following surgery .
Wounds can take about 10 days to heal and you may notice some oozing for a few days .
After 7 days no dressing is required if the wound has healed and you may remove the dressing . If the wound is red , or oozing longer than a week after surgery , or is very swollen and painful then you should seek advice from your GP . Your GP may decide to inform your surgeon by phone call or send you to the hospital for review .
The wound and skin around the wound will be warm to touch for
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