Get out of bed

Usually the day after your operation

Go home

Usually within three to five days after your operation. You will feel very tired at first.

Shower

Two weeks after your operation, much earlier if you have a waterproof dressing - as early as the day after the operation is possible but only with permission from your nurses.

Stop using crutches

Usually within four to six weeks after your operation

Take off my TED (thromboembolism-deterrent) stockings

Usually six weeks after your operation

Sleep on my side

Usually six weeks after your operation

Drive a car

Not before six weeks after your operation, ask your consultant, however I have heard of one person being allowed to drive after just 2 weeks. Most consultants are happy to let you drive if you can perform an emergency stop. [Hogtog]

My own consultant said that I could drive once I could walk without a walking stick. He explained that the problem is not the pressure you can put on the pedals, but how long it takes to move the foot from wherever it is to the pedal that you want it to be on. It is amazing how many leg movements we make when driving a car. Just try and count the number of gear changes you make, it will astound you.

Enjoy sexual relations

Usually about six to eight weeks after your operation, confirm with your consultant and/or physio, but still obey the 90° rule. Avoid vigorous sex and more extreme positions.

Bend to put on my socks

At least twelve weeks after your operation

Relax the 90° rule

At least twelve weeks after your operation, confirm with your consultant

Walk outside

About 3 days after your operation, confirm with your physiotherapist. Stand up straight, relax, and walk heel to toe. If you still use a stick or cane, try not to lean on it too much. [renee01952]

Fly - Short haul (less than 2 hours)

Between three and six weeks after your operation, confirm with your physio or consultant. Use your TED stockings.

Fly - Medium length (2 to 4 hours)

Between six and nine weeks after your operation, confirm with your physio or consultant. Use your TED stockings for the flight.

Fly - Long haul (over 4 hours)

Over twelve weeks after your operation, confirm with your physio or consultant. Consider using your TED stockings for the flight.

Swim

About six weeks after your operation, confirm with your physio who will probably recommend you do not use the breast stroke because of a high risk of dislocation with the leg movements.

Aerobics

Light aerobics can probably be started after six weeks after your operation, but do confirm this with your physio.

Go back to work

This depends on your job, but you can usually return to work six to twelve weeks after your operation

Golf

Golf can probably be started after twelve weeks after your operation, but confirm this with your physio.

Horse riding

Probably not before a year after your operation, confirm with your physio or consultant. [Hailea]