Pre Surgical Information
Wound Care post operatively
Once your dressing and Steri-Strips have been removed, Mr Farrington recommends applying one of the following to your incision to help keep the scar moisturised:
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Vitamin E cream
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Bio-Oil
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Bepanthen Antiseptic Cream
Apply a small amount to the healed incision as directed. Do not apply any creams or oils until the wound is fully closed and your dressing and Steri-Strips have been removed.
Driving After Hip or Knee Replacement Surgery
When you can safely return to driving depends on several factors, including which hip or knee has been operated on, whether you drive a manual or automatic vehicle, and your individual recovery.
As a general guide, many insurance companies may not provide cover if you are involved in an accident within the first six weeks following a hip or knee replacement. You should check your individual policy with your insurer before returning to driving.
By around six weeks after surgery, most patients have regained sufficient strength and mobility to safely perform an emergency stop. This involves more than simply pressing the brake pedal—it also requires good reaction time, judgement, coordination, and the ability to move comfortably in and out of the vehicle.
It is also important that you are no longer taking pain medication that could impair your concentration, judgement, or reaction times.
Most patients are able to drive to their first post-operative appointment, which is typically scheduled around 6–8 weeks after surgery. Before driving longer distances, we recommend taking a short practice drive close to home a few days beforehand to ensure you feel comfortable and confident behind the wheel.
Equipment Required After Your Hip Replacement or Hip Resurfacing Surgery
Please arrange the following equipment before your surgery, as you will need it when you return home.
If your surgery has been approved by ACC, please contact ACC to arrange the supply of this equipment.
The following items are recommended following hip replacement surgery:
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Shower stool
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Over-toilet frame or raised toilet seat
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Orthopaedic chair
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Long-handled reacher
Most patients require this equipment for approximately 6 weeks after surgery.
From 2 weeks after surgery, Mr Farrington strongly recommends using an exercise bike (exercycle) as part of your rehabilitation. If you do not already have one, you may wish to consider hiring one for your recovery.
If you live in the Auckland region, please contact Liberty Healthcare on 0800 233 769 to arrange your equipment. Let them know you are a Mr Bill Farrington patient, as they may be able to offer a discounted hire rate.
If you live outside Auckland, we recommend speaking with your GP or local
pharmacy, who may be able to advise you on equipment hire services available in your area.
Iceman Cold Therapy
Iceman Cold Therapy is designed for post-operative after knee or hip surgery and is a product that Bill highly recommends. This unit can also be used pre-operatively.
The Iceman Cold Therapy Unit helps reduce pain and swelling, which can assist in speeding up rehabilitation and recovery. The recirculation system helps deliver consistent cold therapy throughout the cold pad, eliminating freezing inlet temperatures.
Clear cooler design for easy refill indication, Self-priming, plug-n-play operation, Designed for easy portability and storage. A complete line of cold pads to help deliver cold therapy to where it is needed the most
The unit is intended for use after you have been discharged from hospital, as the hospital uses its own cold therapy (ice pack) system that they are required to adhere to.
The total cost of the unit is $380, which includes the Iceman unit, power cords, pad, and freight (rural delivery additional $5.70).
If you would like to purchase this product, please contact me (Melody).
The unit is yours to keep, and if you require additional pads in the future, these can be purchased through me.
