When will I be able to have sexual intercourse after my surgery?
In most cases, sexual activities can be resumed when the patient feels comfortable enough to do so. If the patient has been cautioned to maintain certain position restrictions, these restrictions will need to be followed in this instance also. In general, most patients resume their normal sexual activities between 2-4 weeks following surgery.
When will I be able to participate in sports activities?
Depending upon what activity you want to participate in will determine when you can start these again. Swimming, walking distances (hiking), bicycle riding, golfing, and other low impact sports activities can likely be tried after 3-4 weeks.
Returning to high impact activities such as weight lifting, tennis, or aerobics exercises will probably not be recommended for quite some time. Your return to any of these activities should be discussed with your surgeon.
When will I be able to return to work?
This varies with each patient, occupation and type of procedure performed. In general, you should allow 4-6 weeks, but up to 2-3 months may be necessary, especially after knee replacement surgery.
Some patients do return to work earlier if they can do so safely. This should be discussed with your physician so that the best decision for your individual situation is made.
When can I drive?
Driving routinely is not permitted before 4 weeks from the time of your surgery. However, some physicians will allow the patient to drive earlier if they feel the patient can do so safely. The type of surgery, side of surgery (left vs. right leg), and the patient’s overall general condition plays a part in this decision.
If the hip or knee replacement was performed on the left side, then most patients feel comfortable driving in 2 weeks as long as they are not taking narcotics.
If your surgery involved your right hip of knee, then driving will not be recommended until you have good strength and function of your operated limb.