Your doctor may want you to take calcium supplements and eat foods high in calcium, such as milk, cheese, ice cream, and salmon with bones.If you have not had a bowel movement after a couple of days, ask your doctor about taking a mild laxative. You may want to take a fibre supplement every day. Try to avoid constipation and straining with bowel movements. You may notice that your bowel movements are not regular right after your surgery.Too much weight puts more stress on your hip joint. Eat healthy foods, and watch your portion sizes.Your doctor may recommend that you take iron and vitamin supplements. If your stomach is upset, try bland, low-fat foods like plain rice, broiled chicken, toast, and yogurt. By the time you leave the hospital, you will probably be eating your normal diet.This may include heavy grocery bags and milk containers, a heavy briefcase or backpack, cat litter or dog food bags, a vacuum cleaner, or a child. Do not lift anything that would make you strain.Ask your doctor when it is okay for you to have sex.Most people are able to return to work 4 weeks to 4 months after surgery.
Sleep on your back with your legs slightly apart or on your side with a pillow between your knees for about 6 weeks or as your doctor tells you.When you sit, use chairs with arms, and don't sit in low chairs. Do not sit for longer than 30 to 45 minutes at a time.After that, you may need to use a cane to help you walk. You will probably have to use crutches or a walker for at least 4 to 6 weeks. You may be able to take frequent, short walks using crutches or a walker. Work with your physiotherapist to learn the best way to exercise.You may take a nap, but don't stay in bed all day. Eat a variety of healthy foods, and don't smoke. You heal best when you take good care of yourself. Some people, especially older people, are never able to move quite as well as they used to. But it may take 6 months to 1 year for you to fully recover. Most people are able to return to work 4 weeks to 4 months after surgery. The better you do with your rehab exercises, the quicker you will get your strength and movement back. You will continue the rehabilitation program (rehab) you started in the hospital. Your doctor will give you medicine for the pain.
You may still have some mild pain, and the area may be swollen for 3 to 4 months after surgery. Your doctor will remove your stitches or staples 10 days to 3 weeks after your surgery. You can remove the bandage when your doctor tells you to. You will go home with a bandage and stitches or staples. If there is no one to help you at home, you may go to a rehabilitation centre or long-term care centre. But you will need someone to help you at home for the next few weeks or until you have more energy and can move around better.
You may be able to climb a few stairs and get in and out of bed and chairs. When you leave the hospital after surgery, you will probably be walking with crutches or a walker. Surgery for a hip fracture repairs a broken hip bone.