post op hip operation

dizzylizzy

marion1952 wrote:

Hi dizzylizzy

I think you are doing really well .. It's still 'early days' for you and it has been a big operation ,so it will take quite a few weeks for your body to settle down. .......................... actually 23 days - wow - already have six week appointment at the end of this month...........

I had really bad swelling in my lower leg/foot for about 12 weeks post op actually - even though I was doing those basic foot paddling exercises constantly. I had to buy new shoes as none of my old ones would fit, and even then I had to cut the elastic on the new shoes! I went to see my GP and he said the swelling would go down eventually (and it has).......................... am so glad to hear this

Don't get disheartened if you have the odd 'bad day' when you feel you are not improving. That seems par for the course.................. of course today was a sunny hot day and my achy leg was much more flexible which in turn made me feel better... am glad of the good weather - I have a large decking area which I get out on and walk around several times a day and then stand looking over the garden while I do some exercises...................... on a lighter note - imagine me with crutches chasing a very large tropical like spider... this has happened 3 times recently !

thanks again Dizzy x

speedalong

Hi Dizzylizzy, the pain in the other leg will definitely ease and you will walk much better. Losing the crutch (and walking well without it) takes a bit of time and it is easy to get impatient especially because the pain is so much better.

Speedy

sharonspearstalk21com

dizzylizzy wrote:

Hello I would love to hear from any of you who have had a hip op - mine was just two weeks ago - what type of pain did you have and how did you get on feeling wise - how long was it before you could do various things etc... Love dizzylizzy

Had my THR on 18th August, non-cemented, ceramic on plastic. First few weeks scary, swollen and sleepless! Improving fairly quickly now, but am bed resting lots as no suitable height chair comfortable enough to sit for more than 30 mins. Hip has just started to feel less alien and 'clunky feeling' gone almost. Pain is not a problem, but take paracetamol and diclophenac and 2mg diazepam to help with restless legs at night. Vitamin 12 helped with nerve damage caused by epidural. Cannot find information on how long 90 degrees and low chair restriction apply and if I have to sleep on my back for much longer, will need spine surgery as well! Today started to use only one stick and am planning first trip outside, which is quite scary. Swelling has almost completely gone and I am sure all the laying about helped!

speedalong

Hi Sharon,

sounds like you are doing great. Resting plenty on the bed is a good idea for elevation. I found bed the most comfy place too (which was novel as pre-op I was comfy nowhere.)

That is interesting about vitamin b12 for nerve damage, I did not know that, I had nerve damage first time round.


Re hip restrictions - every hospital and consultant seems to be different!! Some orthos are happy for patients to sleep on their side (with a pillow between the legs) from 6 weeks, some want you to wait for 12 weeks. Re 90 degree rule - varies 6 weeks/12 weeks/ for ever!! When do you go back for your check up?

Ceramic and poly is a good prosethis and reported to have a low incidence of dislocation and be hard wearing - so I think you will have the 6 or 12 week limit on sleeping on side and restrictions, but you need to check with your ortho and/or physio.

Hope you enjoy your trip outside, I used to call it distance training - as I tried to walk a little bit further each day.

Keep us updated with your progress.

Speedy

marion1952

Hi Sharon

It does sound like you are doing really well..

I had to keep to the 90 degree rule and other restrictions until I had my 13 week out-patient appointment - but as Speedy says, it does seem to vary according to the surgeon.

Please keep posting and let us know how your recovery progresses.


Marion

dizzylizzy

Hi Sharon - snap ! my op was on 18 Aug too - Got over the worry of getting into the car on Fri when went out for family dinner to daughters also had to negotiate steep - but wide steps but found them easy - just didnt have anything to drink as didnt fancy negotiting the stairs to the loo ! - dont mind going down - not so keen on going up! My chair at home has been highered by the OT but to be honest am more comfortable on my 'benches' on the decking - with a cushion on, even nicer when sun is out - like today - staying longer in bed sounds like a good idea.. Mind you today my left wrist feels a little 'sprained' and if gets any worse it will be fun trying to get into bed ! so I might just stay there longer too !! I was told must use crutches at least until 6 week check up and am happy to do this... Still have to pinch myself that I no longer have those horrendous arthritis pains! - and all of a sudden I am copying with all the exercises so things are on the up keep up the good work ladies Luv Dizzy x x

sharonspearstalk21com

dizzylizzy wrote:

Hi Sharon - snap ! my op was on 18 Aug too - Got over the worry of getting into the car on Fri when went out for family dinner to daughters also had to negotiate steep - but wide steps but found them easy - just didnt have anything to drink as didnt fancy negotiting the stairs to the loo ! - dont mind going down - not so keen on going up! My chair at home has been highered by the OT but to be honest am more comfortable on my 'benches' on the decking - with a cushion on, even nicer when sun is out - like today - staying longer in bed sounds like a good idea.. Mind you today my left wrist feels a little 'sprained' and if gets any worse it will be fun trying to get into bed ! so I might just stay there longer too !! I was told must use crutches at least until 6 week check up and am happy to do this... Still have to pinch myself that I no longer have those horrendous arthritis pains! - and all of a sudden I am copying with all the exercises so things are on the up keep up the good work ladies Luv Dizzy x x

Hi, Congrats on your car journey Dizzy, I'm too scared to try that yet! Only car available to me is a people carrier and as I had my right hip replaced, the instructions just seem a complication too far!
I also have had hand and wrist pain, I'm thinking that I am gripping the crutches for dear life and need to ease off a bit. Had my first walk out yesterday, ok, but started to get a little sore on the return journey, though it might have helped if I had remembered to take my analgesia on time, DOH. I guess this is a sign of progress as I no longer live from dose to dose. Am expected back at work in 3 weeks and at the moment this seems like an impossibility- and terrifying. I am having my post op appointment 15th Oct, but surgeon has said I can go back two weeks before this, yikes!!! My biggest problem now is back pain from sleeping supine for sooooo long. Anyone have any tips? love Sharon x

dreamdaisy

Can't help on the back thing but I can help on the crutches, as I'm on them all the time. You don't need to grip too hard - when you do you end up hunching your shoulders too and getting neck ache! Make a concious decision to relax your neck, shoulders and grip - the crutches are there to balance and support, they don't need to be wrestled with! Do you swing both forward together at the same time, or do you use them alternately? The latter is a better option, if you can get the co-ordination together. I wish you well. DD

speedalong

HI Sharon,

I agree with DD, you don't need to grip those crutches for dear life. I had some memory foam pads on mine when I was taking a lot of weight through my hands which helped as I was getting callouses - or like Marion used, pipe foam lagging is good alternative.

When you are up for experimenting, it would be possible to do the people carrier - with the seat back down and a broad wide step/bench/stool to stand on first. In your own time though.

What job do you do? I wouldn't have been ready to go back to work even at a sedentary job at 6 weeks. I'm sure your GP would give you more time. There is no point going back before you are ready or you will end of being off again as you have over done it.

Re sleeping on your back - I hated it. Having less pillows under my head whilst sleeping on my back helped - you don't need them as high as you do on your back. Also a pillow under your knees might help. Otherwise sorry no other suggestions.

Speedy

sharonspearstalk21com

speedalong wrote:

HI Sharon,

I agree with DD, you don't need to grip those crutches for dear life. I had some memory foam pads on mine when I was taking a lot of weight through my hands which helped as I was getting callouses - or like Marion used, pipe foam lagging is good alternative.

When you are up for experimenting, it would be possible to do the people carrier - with the seat back down and a broad wide step/bench/stool to stand on first. In your own time though.

What job do you do? I wouldn't have been ready to go back to work even at a sedentary job at 6 weeks. I'm sure your GP would give you more time. There is no point going back before you are ready or you will end of being off again as you have over done it.

Thanks for tips, I'm a teaching assistant in a secondary school, so work involves a bit of everything really, sitting at PC, standing in class and a fair bit of walking around busy corridors, hence the fear! My colleagues are understanding and kind, but need help with their workload, so I do feel really pressured to get back asap. I'm also anxious about my job - what with all the cuts looming large in the public sector, support staff are usually the first to go and I do not want to give them any reason to think of putting me out to pasture! Stories about Wayne Sleep performing ballet on stage after 6 weeks of having exactly the same procedure have not helped my case! My GP has had virtually no involvement with my operation, other than to refer me to hospital, and I haven't seen/spoken to the same doctor twice throughout the whole period of diagnosis and referral. They do not seem to be very knowledgeable about my predicament and, to be frank, I have very little faith in them as I was mis-diagnosed for at least 2 years. I guess I'll have to play it by ear. Sleeping has become a lot better last few nights - 5 hours solid last night -hooray! Stick padding sounds like a great idea. Many thanks all x

Re sleeping on your back - I hated it. Having less pillows under my head whilst sleeping on my back helped - you don't need them as high as you do on your back. Also a pillow under your knees might help. Otherwise sorry no other suggestions.

Speedy

sharonspearstalk21com

dreamdaisy wrote:

Can't help on the back thing but I can help on the crutches, as I'm on them all the time. You don't need to grip too hard - when you do you end up hunching your shoulders too and getting neck ache! Make a concious decision to relax your neck, shoulders and grip - the crutches are there to balance and support, they don't need to be wrestled with! Do you swing both forward together at the same time, or do you use them alternately? The latter is a better option, if you can get the co-ordination together. I wish you well. DD

Thanks for tip, I tend to start out relaxed, but get more tense and I focus on where I'm going - not too good at multi-tasking! I use them alternately, and You're right, it is much less painful now I'm able to do this. Many thanks

sharonspearstalk21com

dizzylizzy wrote:

Hi Sharon - snap ! my op was on 18 Aug too - Got over the worry of getting into the car on Fri when went out for family dinner to daughters also had to negotiate steep - but wide steps but found them easy - just didnt have anything to drink as didnt fancy negotiting the stairs to the loo ! - dont mind going down - not so keen on going up! My chair at home has been highered by the OT but to be honest am more comfortable on my 'benches' on the decking - with a cushion on, even nicer when sun is out - like today - staying longer in bed sounds like a good idea.. Mind you today my left wrist feels a little 'sprained' and if gets any worse it will be fun trying to get into bed ! so I might just stay there longer too !! I was told must use crutches at least until 6 week check up and am happy to do this... Still have to pinch myself that I no longer have those horrendous arthritis pains! - and all of a sudden I am copying with all the exercises so things are on the up keep up the good work ladies Luv Dizzy x x

Well done with the exercise regime, I tend to have a busy day followed by a sore day when I ease off a bit. Since walking outside I have developed groin pain, wonder if this is 'normal'? x

speedalong

Hi Sharon,

the busy corridors would be rather a problem. Would it be possible for you to head to your next room just before or after the end of the lesson - so that you miss the rush/crush?

I had all sorts of different aches and pains as I started to do more again - maybe you need to decrease the distance/speed of walking a bit - find out what you can do without aching and take that as you baseline to work from and build on.

Speedy

dizzylizzy

Well done with the exercise regime, I tend to have a busy day followed by a sore day when I ease off a bit. Since walking outside I have developed groin pain, wonder if this is 'normal'? x[/quote]
...............Hi Sharon thanks for your reply - I still keep getting a swollen leg - foot - one day swollen one down gone down - I too have been getting a slight groin pain in op side..... so you are not alone - only slight but nevertheless a pain.. in fact its with me now sitting at comp ...(and the night time 'Ps' - last two nights its got down to 3 ea night from 4 - hope this is a good sign and am not speaking too soon....) That Wayne Sleep is something else isnt he ?! trust a man to set us an awkward precedent - luckily I am retired so I dont have the back to work prob but going on how I feel now I think 6 wks wd be a little soon if it were me. Must admit I find it useful to put both crutches forward together ea time I walk - but suppose its just what everyone gets used to... Must admit I also get very emotional on some days - the slightest thought or something on tv sets me off in floods of tears but other than that I feel much better now am over the first 3 weeks.... You're all doing great ladies keep it up Luv Dizzy x

marion1952

Hi Sharon

I get that groin pain too, when I've been overdoing it (and I had my hip op in May).

You should get some grey foam pipe lagging to cushion the handles on your crutches(62 p a length from b and q). Just cut a length of it to fit the handle, cut down the side, fit it over the crutch handle and keep it in place with either an elastic band or, better still, one of those stiff plastic tapes (that you can use to stop peope stealing wheel trims on cars!)

Gosh, I'm amazed that you could be back in work so soon! I went back at 13 weeks post-op and that was a bit of a struggle.

Marion x

dizzylizzy

Hi Sharon/everybody - changed my bed into winter mode last night except am hanging on a bit longer putting on elec blanket - I have a nice sheepskin fitted blanket under the sheet I lie on - doesnt feel too comfortable at the moment - anyone got any ideas - I can sorta feel all the curls of the sheepskin blanket.... thanks in advance. Luv Dizzy x

speedalong

Hi Dizzylizzy, try an old duvet under your bottom sheet. After a really difficult night at a friend's house - missing my memory foam mattress topper - she put a duvet under my bottom sheet - it really did the trick. It will be cosy too.

Speedy

dizzylizzy

speedalong wrote:

Hi Dizzylizzy, try an old duvet under your bottom sheet. After a really difficult night at a friend's house - missing my memory foam mattress topper - she put a duvet under my bottom sheet - it really did the trick. It will be cosy too.

Speedy

Hi Speedy - thankyou will give it a try. Do you know what they check out at the 6 week check up ? do we have another x ray ? Luv Dizzy x

speedalong

HI Dizzy, it really depends on the consultant and hospital (no change there then?!) Some just watch you walk and ask a few questions, some request x rays, some jiggle your leg about a bit. I took a big list of "When can I?" questions to my appointment ...

Speedy

hileena111

Hi, I didnt get an x ray at my 6 weeks post op.....He made another appt about 3 or 4 weeks after that and the x ray was done then.
Most of it was...how are you? pain ? etc and me asking questions and him saying.....right no tramadol anymore....just paracetamol....hes good but I wasnt very happy about that..I still have OA in other hip {due to be done in less than 3 weeks} and OA in spine and oA in ankle and that was it.
Love
Hileena

sharonspearstalk21com

dizzylizzy wrote:

Well done with the exercise regime, I tend to have a busy day followed by a sore day when I ease off a bit. Since walking outside I have developed groin pain, wonder if this is 'normal'? x

...............Hi Sharon thanks for your reply - I still keep getting a swollen leg - foot - one day swollen one down gone down - I too have been getting a slight groin pain in op side..... so you are not alone - only slight but nevertheless a pain.. in fact its with me now sitting at comp ...(and the night time 'Ps' - last two nights its got down to 3 ea night from 4 - hope this is a good sign and am not speaking too soon....) That Wayne Sleep is something else isnt he ?! trust a man to set us an awkward precedent - luckily I am retired so I dont have the back to work prob but going on how I feel now I think 6 wks wd be a little soon if it were me. Must admit I find it useful to put both crutches forward together ea time I walk - but suppose its just what everyone gets used to... Must admit I also get very emotional on some days - the slightest thought or something on tv sets me off in floods of tears but other than that I feel much better now am over the first 3 weeks.... You're all doing great ladies keep it up Luv Dizzy x[/quote]

Sorry not answered for a bit, have had a moody few days. You sound in good spirits, apart from the weeping, I'm like that all the time, but I quite enjoy a good weep! Despite resting loads, groin pain is worse and I can hardly move my operated leg sideways enough to get off the bed,( had to ask my daughter to pick it up and slide it off the bed this am) speaking to the GP later today. The pain is almost absent when walking, but hurts like hell when I try to slide my foot forwards to sit. It also feels heavy and sluggish. I wonder if laying in bed with my un-operated leg bent up (to rest my book/paper) could have caused it. I have also finished my course of abdominal jabs,( last one should have been Saturday, but no-one came to administer it), does anyone know if the lack of blood thinning drugs could be a factor? I don't feel that the amount I did on Saturday warrants this awful level of pain. Help!!! You are right there's no way that I'm going to be ready for work in just over a weeks time, Oh dear, I've hit a sticky patch!
Love, sharon x :?

sharonspearstalk21com

marion1952 wrote:

Hi Sharon

I get that groin pain too, when I've been overdoing it (and I had my hip op in May).

You should get some grey foam pipe lagging to cushion the handles on your crutches(62 p a length from b and q). Just cut a length of it to fit the handle, cut down the side, fit it over the crutch handle and keep it in place with either an elastic band or, better still, one of those stiff plastic tapes (that you can use to stop peope stealing wheel trims on cars!)

Gosh, I'm amazed that you could be back in work so soon! I went back at 13 weeks post-op and that was a bit of a struggle.
Thanks for tips. I am slowly realising that you are right, there is not a hope that I'll be back in a weeks time. I am going to find it really difficult to let everyone know, as I was so sure that I would bounce back like I always have in the past, but this is so much harder than I thought it would be. If I had known, would I have had it done????. Sharon x

Marion x

dizzylizzy

speedalong wrote:

HI Dizzy, it really depends on the consultant and hospital (no change there then?!) Some just watch you walk and ask a few questions, some request x rays, some jiggle your leg about a bit. I took a big list of "When can I?" questions to my appointment ...

Thanks Speedy - the list of ... when can I .... sounds a very good idea..
I think it was a ....one step backwards day for me this morning ! up four times during the night and then mainly ankle swollen again now but it does make my leg stiff and achey when I get up although it seems to improve when walking out in the sunshine later. My lower back on the goodside is like a dull ache at times especially going up steps - did have it before op so do hope do it will go... at the moment nothing seems comfortable sitting wise - my chair or lying in my bed ! these odd aches - I am never sure whether it is just the norm or if I am doing too much walkin !?

Dizzy

dizzylizzy

Hi Sharon - sorry never replied to your last para - didnt scroll down enough ! I too have been bending good leg up in bed so dont know if this is reason for aches... I have now fin Pradaxa - so am now finally free from all tablets... didnt know whether to just use paracetamol for aches ?!! - am not sure if we are supposed to remain 'unidentifiable' !!?? to each other but I have just noticed your surname - I used to work with a Sharon Spears - in Paignton - could you be the one ? probably just someone with the same name... hope you feel better soon ..Dizzy

sharonspearstalk21com

dizzylizzy wrote:

Hi Sharon - sorry never replied to your last para - didnt scroll down enough ! I too have been bending good leg up in bed so dont know if this is reason for aches... I have now fin Pradaxa - so am now finally free from all tablets... didnt know whether to just use paracetamol for aches ?!! - am not sure if we are supposed to remain 'unidentifiable' !!?? to each other but I have just noticed your surname - I used to work with a Sharon Spears - in Paignton - could you be the one ? probably just someone with the same name... hope you feel better soon ..Dizzy

Groin pain gets worse by the day. Dr just said take co-codamol but no help. Will have to call hospital in the morning as can barely move. I think it's my psoas nerve or muscle and I am really worried could end up back in hospital. Pain is worse than at any time pre or post op, am really regretting whole thing. love sharon x