How do I take care of myself after broken femur surgery?

How do I take care of myself after broken femur surgery?

You will need someone at home to help you during the first two weeks. (Your healthcare provider can help you find trained in-home care.)

You should sleep lying flat on your back with your broken femur elevated above the level of your heart. Sleeping like this can keep your broken femur from swelling.

As you recover, you’ll likely want to move around your home on your own. Ask your healthcare provider how much weight you can put on your leg. You may need to use a cane, crutches or a walker to get around. Your physical therapist will help you learn how to use them.

Be careful not to fall as you could reinjure your femur. Take the following precautions to decrease your risk of falling:

• If your bedroom and bathroom are on the upper floor, set up a temporary sleeping space and portable commode on the first floor so you don’t need to climb steps.
• Eliminate things you might trip over, such as loose cords and throw rugs.
• Install handrails in your bathtub or shower and near your toilet.
• Put railings on both sides of the stairs.
• Make sure your home has lots of light by adding more or brighter light bulbs.
• Keep items you use often in cabinets you can reach easily without using a step stool.
• Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors.