When you sleep you should keep a pillow between your legs and not lie on either side, unless there are two pillows between your legs and you have been instructed how to roll safely toward your unoperated side. You may shower and get your incision wet 1-2 days after the stitches or staples are removed but do not soak in a bathtub. If the incision becomes red or starts to drain, you should immediately contact your physician. The initial exercises should be gentle and low impact. Perform only the exercises taught to you twice a day.
Assistance is needed to get in and out of the pool.
At the fourth month you will generally be re-evaluated and weight bearing further increased depending on your strength. A cane is recommended until you can walk without a limp. A bone densitometry study may be performed. Bicycling may be instituted in certain cases, but pressure is carefully regulated on the operated side during the first postoperative year. At about 6-10 months, as long as you can walk without support and a limp, you may do light recreational activities, such as playing golf and ballroom dancing.