Left Total Hip Replacement - question

cazaline

Hey everyone,

Just to let you know, had my left THR last Thursday 10th Dec, it went well although had a rocky time in hospital what with a bad reaction to one of the meds they put me on which kept making me sick all the time, also completely lost my appetite as well, anyone else have that problem? It's slowly starting to come back. Well I've been home since Monday afternoon, a tough first couple days back, as I still felt so sick all I really did was sleep and as I wasn't eating I had zero energy, but been drinking a LOT of lucazade and that seems to have done the trick, getting used to the whole walking on crutches now too .

Anyway, main question, something got me a tad worried. I just saw the air tight dressing they put on, blue bandage dressing and an airtight clear plastic sticky thing all over the top, but around the blue dressing (but still under the sticky bit), I have noticed a fair bit of red, could possibly be blood or bruise maybe, but I just want to make sure that is normal so if anyone who has had a THR or also in the know could let me know, I'd be so so grateful! I would be so upset if this turns out to be an infection or something, but also if it does turn out to be normal I'll feel silly calling the surgeons Sec as I already called her about another thing that got me worried the other day.

Much love.

Caroline xXx

penfactor

Hi Caroline!
Don't worry, the wound sounds absolutely normal to me. They use this antiseptic which stains the area pink for quite a while - and it will also feel a little bit sore as it heals. Do expect some ankle swelling but get this checked out by a doctor to make sure. However ankle swelling is normal too for couple of weeks.
I also was very sick due to meds & low blood pressure all normal.
You are right to stay on your crutches until you see physios next. The dressing can come off soon actually, so it will heal faster - just clean area with anti bacterial lotion.
Love Pennie X

cazaline

Hey Penfactor, just tried to examine it a bit closer (as close as I can get without breaking the twisting/bending rules anyway!), looks like a fair bit of red but only on one side of the dressing and then a few small red blotches underneath, but all still within the clear plastic cover, and then also a bit of greenish, wonder if that bit could maybe be a bruise. But you definitely think it is normal then? If you are certain I'll take your word for it, although my Mum does know a nurse who could maybe shed some light? Rather that than disturb the surgeon with every tiny little thing, I think I'm a hypochondriac or something!

I believe you said you were 2 months post op, am I right? How is everything going for you?

Much love,

Caroline xXx

miss_l

I'm four months post op and up until a few weeks ago the skin surrounding my scar was pink. I also had huge bruising from radiating upto 30m from the original wound.

If it's worrying you could you go and see your GP? I ended up going to mine for several things and she was lovely!

Good luck with your continued recovery.
x

ikesother

Hi, well done on your op so near to xmas! It sounds normal to me, but arent you due to visit your health centre/nurse for a follow up on your scar? I went at just under a week after my THR and she was like "go have a shower without the dressing" yuk, said I Id also recommend bio oil, worked wonders on my bumpy bits! take care jk

cazaline

Hey Miss L, yeah I remember waking up from the op finding that lovely pink stuff all over my left leg, foot and in places where pink should not be coming out of . What DO they do to you in the theatre after they've knocked you out :shock:, lol . I asked my Mum to take a look at the mark, she says it's just a bruise so I'm more relieved now it's no sign of infection. I also have a lovely big green bruise on my inner thigh, and one on my hand where they took a blood test before the op, lovely.

Ikesother, I'm due to have the dressing off on Xmas eve, good times. Just wondering also, how soon did you guys decide to sleep on your operated side? I'm finding it so difficult sleeping on just my back as it also makes my other joints lock up. The physio says its ok to sleep on my operated side with a pillow between my legs but haven't braved it yet, although really want to!

Caroline xXx

skezier

Hi Caroline,

Just wanted to say I'm glad its gone well and hope you have a really good and speedy recover. Mine are pending s I am always glad you people come and Say how it goes for you. It gives me hope so thank you. Cris x

Hi JK,

Not seen you for a while, hope 2010 will be good year for you. Cris x

trisher

Hi Caroline

I have not had it done. I just wanted to say I'm glad it has gone well for you.

Keep up the good progress

Trisher xxx

ikesother

Hi Caroline, Im still not wanting to sleep on my operated leg :roll: Still feels uncomfortable 4 months on, although i do sleep on the other leg with a pillow. Better get used to sleeping on your back, it does take some getting used to, although i didnt get much sleep before I had the op, so I was used to broken nights sleep after it.

Chris, Hi from me, I hope your op goes well and youre taking notes! Im doing very well since my op, cant believe how well! I usually go swimming on Sunday mornings but weve had snow over night , so the roads arent so good, Im giving it a miss The swimming has really helped my muscle strength in my operated leg, I attribute that with helping me to walk as well as I do, all the best jk