Preparing for Total Joint Replacement | 31 When sleeping: • When lying on your back, do not put a pillow under your knee. This may cause you to develop stiffness in your hip and knee, making it difficult to straighten your leg. • When lying on your side, you may find it more comfortable to place a pillow between your legs. When sitting: • Sitting may be easier on a chair that allows your hips to be higher than your knees. • Sit with your operated leg elevated. When standing up: • Scoot to the edge of the bed or chair before trying to rise. • Place your operated leg in front of you, push yourself up to standing with your arms. • Use your walker and grab bars to help. (Use accessible toilets in public restrooms.) Caring for yourself: • Get dressed while sitting with the thigh of your operated side supported. • You are encouraged to dress without any dressing aids to promote knee bending. If necessary, use a dressing stick, sock reacher and/or shoe horn. Sexual activity: • It is generally safe to resume sexual intercourse 4-6 weeks after surgery, but avoid kneeling in the early stages of recovery. • Use pillows to pad or support your knee as needed. • Many couples find sidelying positions to be comfortable. Shoulder replacement precautions • Your arm will be in a sling when you leave the hospital. Wear it as directed by your doctor, nurse and/or physical therapist. • Continue to do the range of motion exercises you were taught to increase your mobility and endurance. A formal physical therapy program may also be recommended to strengthen your shoulder and improve flexibility. • You should be able to care for yourself within a few weeks after surgery. • Avoid moving your arm in strenuous ways for the first 6 weeks, such as behind your body or straight out to the side. ; Don’t lift anything heavier than 5 lbs. for the first 6 weeks after surgery. ; Don’t push yourself up out of a chair or bed, and don’t do repetitive heavy lifting.
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