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• The patient's appetite may be poor. Make sure they drink plenty of fluids to keep them from getting dehydrated. Their desire for solid food should return.
• Joint replacement patients may have difficulty sleeping, which is normal. Do not let the patient sleep or nap too much during the day.
• The patient's energy level will be decreased for the first month.
• Pain medication that contains narcotics promotes constipation. Follow the surgeon's recommendations for using stool softeners or laxatives such as milk of magnesia if necessary.

Patient Education information provided by Biomet, Inc. - Advanced Science for Real Living™