What to Pack for Your Hospital Stay
Most hip replacement surgeries involve a one- to two-night hospital stay. Packing light and smart makes the experience easier for you and your support person.
Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
Shorts or loose pants that fit over a bandaged hip. Avoid tight waistbands.
Slip-on shoes or non-slip socks
You will be walking within hours of surgery. Laces are difficult to manage early on.
Phone charger and headphones
Long stretches of rest go faster with entertainment and easy communication.
Personal toiletries
Toothbrush, toothpaste, lip balm, dry shampoo. Hospitals provide basics but your own feel better.
A small pillow from home
Familiar comfort matters. Some people use it between their knees for positioning.
Reading material or a tablet
Downtime between therapy sessions and check-ins adds up.
Insurance card and photo ID
Even if pre-registered, keep these accessible.
A list of all current medications
Include dosages and the prescribing doctor for each. Your surgical team will review these.
Emergency contact information
Written down, not just in your phone.
Glasses, hearing aids, or other devices
And their cases. Label everything.
Before You Leave the Hospital: Questions to Ask
Discharge can feel rushed. Having your questions written down in advance means you leave with the information you actually need.
What are my hip precautions?
Depending on your surgical approach, you may have specific movement restrictions. Know them before you go home.
When can I bear full weight?
Most patients can, but confirm with your surgeon.
What does my wound look like right now, and what should I watch for?
Ask to see it. Know the signs of infection: increasing redness, warmth, swelling, discharge, or fever.
When is my first follow-up appointment?
Get the date, time, and location before discharge.
Who do I call if I have a concern after hours?
Get the after-hours number for your surgeon's practice.
When can I shower or bathe?
Instructions vary by wound closure type. Confirm before you leave.
What activities are restricted, and for how long?
Driving, stairs, bending, lifting — get specifics.
When does physical therapy begin?
Some patients start outpatient PT within days. Others have home PT first. Know your plan.
What are the signs of a blood clot?
Calf pain, swelling, redness, or warmth in the leg. Know when to call and when to go to the ER.
Are there any dietary restrictions?
Especially relevant if you are on blood thinners or have other conditions.
Medications to Review Before Discharge
Medication management after hip replacement is important and sometimes confusing. Before you leave, make sure you understand your full medication plan.
Pain management medications
What are you being sent home with? How often can you take them? What is the plan for stepping down?
Blood thinners (anticoagulants)
Most patients go home on a blood thinner to prevent clots. Know the name, dose, and duration.
Stool softeners
Opioid pain medications cause constipation. Ask if a stool softener is recommended and for how long.
Anti-nausea medications
If you experienced nausea from anesthesia, ask whether you should have something on hand at home.
Your regular medications
Which of your pre-surgery medications should you resume, and when? Some are paused around surgery.
Antibiotics
Some patients go home with a short course. Know if this applies to you.
Medication interactions
If you take multiple medications, ask the pharmacist or your care team to review for interactions.
Refill plan
Do you have enough of each medication to last until your follow-up? Who do you call for refills?
Arrangements for Getting Home Safely
Getting home after surgery requires more planning than most people expect. Think through these logistics before your surgery date.
Arrange a driver in advance
You cannot drive yourself home after general or spinal anesthesia. This is non-negotiable.
Confirm your helper's availability
You will need someone with you for at least the first 24–48 hours, and ideally the first week.
Plan the vehicle
A higher vehicle (SUV, truck) is easier to get in and out of than a low sedan. Practice the motion before surgery if possible.
Prepare your home before you leave for surgery
Your recovery space should be ready before you go in. You will not want to set it up when you return.
Have your walker or cane ready at the door
You will use it from the moment you arrive home.
Clear a path from the car to your recovery area
Remove rugs, cords, and anything you might trip over.
Stock the kitchen before surgery
Easy-to-prepare foods, plenty of water, and anything you need for your first few days.
Have your medications filled before surgery
Your post-op prescriptions can often be sent to the pharmacy in advance. Ask your surgeon's office.
Confirm your first PT appointment
If outpatient, know the address and how you will get there.