24 | CMH-OHSU Health Orthopedic Clinic You can anticipate some type of pain medications. There are many non-drug treatments that can be used to treat pain. These non-drug options may help in reducing the amount of pain medicine needed to relieve your pain. Some of those non-drug options include: • Relaxation exercises • Applying heat or cold to muscles • Music • Massage • Meditation • Aromatherapy • Elevating the limb • Distraction Please ask your nurse if these are available to you following surgery. The most important thing to remember is not to ignore pain. Pain is your brain’s way of telling you there is a problem. Pain that is relieved will help you heal faster both emotionally and physically. Preventing blood clots Surgery and not moving for long periods of time can increase your risk of developing a blood clot in your veins (deep vein thrombosis or DVT). Getting out of bed and walking greatly helps to reduce this risk. Your surgeon may also recommend using ice, elevation, calf pump exercises, tight stockings (TED hose) or compression sleeves (SCDs) on your legs to help control swelling and increase circulation after surgery. Medicines are also often used to help prevent blood clots. Depending on your surgery and your medical history, you may have additional risk factors for clots and may require taking an additional anticoagulation (blood-thinning) medicine. This can include aspirin, Coumadin (warfarin) or Lovenox, among others. Rehabilitation and recovery Physical and occupational therapists will develop a rehabilitation plan with you, directed toward your goals. Your initial physical therapy plan is typically focused on the activities you need to be able to do to return home, including: • Safely and independently moving in bed, getting in and out of chairs. • Walking, going up and down stairs and getting into and out of the car. • Using a walker or other assistive devices. An occupational therapist will show you how to safely and independently perform activities of daily living, such as using the bathroom, dressing and cooking. Your occupational therapist will also show you how to use various long-handled devices, such as: • A reacher to help you dress and pick things up from the floor. • A sock-aid for putting on socks. • A long-handled sponge to wash your legs and feet. • A leg-lifting device to move the operated leg in and out of the car or bed. • An elevated toilet seat to limit bending when using the bathroom.
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