After a hemi-pelvic replacement, you will be seen by different members of the rehabilitation team to ensure all your needs are met.
Your rehabilitation will usually start the day after surgery. The physiotherapist will see you and teach you the appropriate exercises to do and also tell you about your rehabilitation plan. They will inform you when you can start walking with either crutches or another walking aid. It is very important you do the exercises to make sure you get the best possible function from your new joint. If you require to climb stairs at home you will also be taught how to do these correctly.
You will have some restrictions after surgery and may be required to wear a brace. If you do require a brace you will be seen by the orthotist who will measure and fit it for you. Please click on the link to your individual hospital at the end of this section to see what restrictions you may have after surgery.
You will also be seen by an occupational therapist whilst in hospital who will discuss how you will manage your activities of daily living after discharge. They will suggest any methods that will enable you to continue with as many of your normal daily living activities as possible and will assess you for any equipment that you may require. They may also refer you to your local social services for further assessment.
You will be given exercises to do at home after your discharge and it is extremely important that you do these regularly to make sure you get the best possible outcome after your surgery. You will also be referred for ongoing physiotherapy as an outpatient at a location that is most convenient for you.
If you feel that assessment by any of the other team members may be beneficial to you, please speak to either your physiotherapist, Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) or medical team who will be able to refer you.
You may be able to obtain more specific information about rehabilitation after hemi-pelvic replacement from the hospital where you are having/have had surgery.
Disclaimer: As surgery for sarcoma is individual for each patient, rehabilitation will be tailored to each patient accordingly. The information given in this section is a general guide and individual cases should be discussed with your rehabilitation team.