Patient Resources

Antibiotics

• If prescribed antibiotics after surgery, take them exactly as prescribed and do not stop early.
• Eat yogurt or take a probiotic supplement with your antibiotics to help prevent diarrhea.

Pain Management

• You may take acetaminophen (Tylenol) in addition to prescribed medications. Do not exceed 3 grams (3,000 mg) of acetaminophen per day — remember that Norco already contains Tylenol, so count it toward your daily total.
• Gabapentin (Neurontin), if prescribed, can cause grogginess — consider starting it at night.
• Discontinue a prescribed anti-inflammatory if you notice any GI/stomach issues.
• Take narcotic pain medication only as directed. Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or make important decisions while taking it, and avoid alcohol or other drugs. It may cause constipation, itching, or nausea. Long-term use is not typically required after surgery.
• Ice the surgical area for pain control: 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, while awake (wrap the ice pack in a towel).

Stool Softeners

• Narcotic pain medication and anesthesia can both cause constipation. If needed, take polyethylene glycol (Miralax) or senna (Senokot) per the bottle's instructions.
• Eat at least 25 grams of fiber daily and drink at least 64 oz of water. Magnesium citrate can help if constipation persists.

Blood Thinners

• If prescribed aspirin to prevent blood clots, take it exactly as directed and do not stop early. Call our clinic if you notice excessive bruising or bleeding.

Home Medications

• Resume your regular home medications unless your care team directs otherwise.

First 2 Weeks After Surgery

• No strenuous activity, exercise, or yoga. Do not lift anything heavier than 5 lbs.
• No housework, yardwork, dishwashing, mowing, shoveling, sweeping, gardening, dog-walking, swimming, or Pilates.
• Walking is encouraged — gentle walks are good, but avoid power-walking.
• Weight-bearing as tolerated on the operative extremity, unless your care team tells you otherwise.

Long Term

These restrictions are temporary. Once you've healed, most patients have no long-term restrictions on their new joint and can return to walking, exercise, and the activities they enjoy without limitation.

• You may resume a normal diet with no food restrictions. A high-protein diet supports recovery and wound healing — lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, and tofu are good choices.
• High-protein drinks such as Boost or Ensure can help (Glucerna is a good option if you have diabetes).
• An over-the-counter multivitamin containing vitamin C and zinc may help support wound healing.

Showering & Bathing

• You may shower starting postoperative day 3. Don't scrub the area or remove your dressing.
• No submerging under water — no baths, hot tubs, pools, lakes, rivers, or oceans. This significantly increases infection risk.

Incisions & Dressings

• Your incision uses absorbable stitches that dissolve on their own — no removal needed.
• The "Aquacel" dressing over your surgical site will be removed by your surgeon in clinic. Do not remove it yourself.
• If the dressing starts to peel up, you can reinforce it with a clear film dressing (e.g., Tegaderm).

• Your follow-up appointment is typically scheduled for around 2 weeks after surgery, unless discussed otherwise.
• Check your Patient Portal to confirm your follow-up appointment is on the calendar.
• Questions about appointments or your surgical care? Call our clinic, Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–4:30 pm.

We recommend that all total joint replacement patients receive antibiotic prophylaxis for life before any dental procedure — including cleanings, extractions, periodontal work, implants, and root canals. Please inform every healthcare provider you see that you've had joint replacement surgery.

If Not Allergic to Penicillin

• Amoxicillin: 2 grams, taken 30 minutes before the dental procedure.

If Allergic to Penicillin (choose one)

• Clindamycin: 600 mg, 30 minutes before the procedure
• Erythromycin: 750 mg, 30 minutes before the procedure
• Keflex: 1000 mg, 30 minutes before the procedure