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Table 3 Patient subthemes and sample quotes*

From: Patient and health professional views on rehabilitation practices and outcomes following total hip and knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis:a focus group study

Subtheme 1: I wasn't expecting that.

   "I didn't realize the enormity of the procedure or the aftermath, I really didn't. So it was kind of hard on me because I didn't realize the pain I was going to have." [78 F, THA]

   "I asked everybody in physio. They slept an hour approximately a night for about 5 weeks. That was all. Like when you're in hospital you were doped up. As soon as you went home it was about an hour, and not just at a time. It was an hour in 24..." [46 F, TKA]

   "Has anybody else had a little bit of depression after the surgery? Am I the only one? I would cry over anything." [76 F, TKA]

   "It's exhausting for the spouse when this is going on. We've had a lot of tears and stress." [spouse of 65, M, TKA]

Subtheme 2: It takes all kinds of support

   "Physics that explain and explain are so invaluable because we're all going through such anxiety." [64 F, TKA]

   "My primary care doctor was a great support. The surgeon was motivating, believes in you..." [61 F, TKA]

   "...if I had this to go through again I would have somebody at home, because I certainly could have used a little help at home." [76 F, THA]

   "...the other patients. I mean I'm basically modeling myself on all their efforts too. I think it served to sort of propel me to become more motivated." [52 M, TKA]

Subtheme 3: My body, my responsibility

   "I think you really have to have a kind of a very positive attitude. It's not easy. It's not easy when you have a lot of pain." [75 M, TKA]

   "You really have to advocate strongly for yourself and the services. It's not something that is openly offered. It's a matter that you have to pursue [52 M, TKA]

   "If the surgeon does his part, I should do mine. I did exercises 8 to 9 months before surgery so felt confident going for surgery. I quit smoking and walked regularly [57 F, TKA]

Subtheme 4: Back to normal

   "...to not be able to do that job anymore would be the saddest thing in my life." [46 F, THA]

   "The biggest thing for me is getting my walking ability back to where it was say five years ago." [73 M, TKA]

   "Getting up and running, jogging, whatever, riding a bike. I didn't really talk to [my surgeon] about it. I really wanted to discuss playing ice hockey but that is totally out of the question, and that was my goal..." 51 M, TKA]

   "Being so happy that your personality has returned. Because I'm sure that we've all had varying degrees of changes over the years just in learning how to live and manage the pain. You can walk around with a smile on your face and probably all of us feel 10 to 20 years younger." [46 F, THA]

  1. * Findings based on 5 focus groups and 2 interviews. Legend: Panelists are identified by age, gender (M = male, F = female) and type of surgery (THA or TKA)