Just had a resurfacing op

SusieG

Hi

I came out of hospital Tuesday, having had a hip resurfacing op last Friday and was wondering if anyone else out there can tell me how they felt a few days after the operation.

I know it's very early days yet, and a lot of it is probably due to the GA but I am feeling very up and down, and even at times questioning if I have done the right thing. The physios in hospital were all really positive, although my consultant did tell me that I'd have good days and bad days. I'm doing all my exercises and trying not to sit still for too long, but I am naturally a very active person and find I'm getting very bored and frustrated at not being able to do things. My wound is still quite sore, although looks healthy, just lots of bruising. In fact my whole leg is swollen, which the consultant did warn me about. Doing my exercises is still painful, even though I am taking my painkillers. (But not as much pain as I was in last week !!). It's probably not helped by me not sleeping too well.

Please can other people tell me their experiences after a resurfacing, as i'm sure I can't be alone.

Thank you, and sorry for the 'feeling sorry for myself' post.

sue

stickywicket

I've never had a resurfacing op, SusieG, but, as a veteran of THRs and TKRs, my considered opinion is that, after operations, there are two kinds of patient - those who put the surgeon's work at risk by doing too little and those who do likewise by doing too much. I suspect you fall into the latter category and I have every sympathy as that's where my own inclinations lie but.....

First off, the anaesthetic - someone once told me it takes 6-9 months to fully get out of your system. That could be absolute nonsense but I'm sure, from my own experiences, that it takes longer than two days.

Boredom and frustration - oh yes. Been there and 'not done' that. Sit on it. Curb it, however you can. (I used to find that mindless computer games kept me tied to the chair and also helped me to postpone the next lot of paindullers.) Don't be tempted to overdo things. Think long term.

Bruising and swelling - yes, the man has been very violent with you while you were sleeping. :roll: It needs rest and elevation as well as the exercises. (That's why you need to keep control of the boredom.) The exercises will be painful. (Another reason for saving your energy for these exercises which matter, rather than wasting it on stuff which, however satisfying, won't make you better.) They should gradually get less painful. If they get more so, get stuff checked out.

Sleeping? Do you take some paindullers before bedtime? Even if you don't normally, it's probably as well to do so for now. If they don't work your GP can prescribe something different.

You are not 'feeling sorry for yourself': you are recovering from an operation. It takes time and is very difficult if you are naturally active but it's so important to give your body this space to heal. It will pay dividends later. Go easy on yourself, SusieG and let's know how it goes.

valval

not had it done but living with arther teaches you some things and one is that there are lots of ups and downs on the whole you are doing great yes you are a little impatiant but well that not a bad thing if you control it if you had broken your leg how would you expect to feel ???? give your self some me time while you can read a good book play games watch mushy films what ever it takes nap when you can and see doc if sleeping does not improve good luck keep up good work val

barbara12

Hi Sue
I havent had a resurfacing, but I should imagine it is still early days, like SW has said they are quite rough with you when operating, you do seem to need more pain killers for the night time, if you could get some quality sleep then the days will seem easier.
You take care of yourself, and please let us know how you are getting on.xxx

SusieG

Thank you all, just feeling a bit sorry for myself and needed some reassurance. I will try to spend more time sitting in front of the computer and reading and less trying to work out how many sets of exercises I can fit into a day !!

It's not the pain stopping me sleeping, just can't get comfortable lying on my back, and then doze in the day which means I'm not tired at night, so a viscous circle.

Thnak you again, and will keep you posted.

xxxxx

dreamdaisy

I am so glad that you posted 'cos I remembered that SOMEONE was having a resurface op in early March but for the life of me I couldn't remember who! I am glad it's done and dusted but now the hard bit begins.

Stop and think for a moment about what has been done and how unnatural it is. Any form of surgery is a trauma for the WHOLE body, not just the bit that's been 'done'. GA takes a while to dissipate and yes, that can leave you tired, weepy and grumpy - and all at the same time. Healing takes time and the older you are the longer it takes. I'm sure you are very keen to get back onto the horse but no hon, you cannot, not yet. Surely it's best to be sensible for a good length of time to give the surgery the chance to really help - and by length of time I mean eight weeks minimum. I wish you well - and be a patient patient! DD

SusieG

Dreamdaisy

Yes it is me, thank you for posting. Don't worry about me getting on my horse for a bit, the consultant has drummed dislocation into me for at least 2 - 3 months.

Will keep you posted.

Sue
xxxx

mig

Not had anything like that myself ,i am glad its all over for you and wish you well in your recovery.(((()))) Mig

dreamdaisy

Good, twelve weeks is better than eight but may not be as good as sixteen. Seriously, if you want the most benefit you can gain (and I reckon you were in a fairly good physical shape beforehand which can only help) then be patient. Do the exercises with gentleness, gradually re-introduce normal activities (yup, the key word is gradually), rest when you feel tired (and even when you don't) and I hope that you soon start to feel the benefit. The teariness etc will pass, never fear. Take care and keep in touch, yes? DD

emsjane

Hi Susie,

I had a hip resurfacing op a few years ago now! Unfortunately, mine wasn't that great!

It took me about 5-6 weeks before i could walk properly. After 2 weeks i thought, oh ill be ok to walk 100 yards, i got out the car and only took a few steps and it went tight and painful and my OH had to run back to the car and get my crutches!! You do need to allow plenty of time to heal up inside, it may not look like you've had much surgery on the outside but inside it is major surgery!! My advise is dont overdo it, take things really slowly.

I think maybe my hip was too far gone with damage for the hip resurfacing to really help, so i hope they've caught yours early and it makes a difference for you.

Good Luck

emsjane

Ohhh, i also had a problem with the nerves in my thigh where they had my leg in traction! It went numb for a long time and i read afterwards that nerve damage takes a long, long time to heal!! It's still not quite right now!!!

frogmorton

Hi Sue

l have no personal experience of this op but can say that when l had my back op l serioulsy regretted it for - dare l say months??

S'ok now though

You take care of yourself and be gentle rest as much as you can - do your exercises and try to do stuff to distract yourself.

My fingers are crossed for a really good result sooner rather than later.

Love

Toni xx

SusieG

Hi

Just an update, Friday I managed to tweak a muscle in my back, not sure how, I suspect just because of the way I was moving, but it made life very uncomfotable. Anyway a lot of hot water bottles later it is feeling much better, and my hip is also getting a lot more mobile.

My appetite is coming back, and last night I actually managed to only wake up once, so felt loads better this morning.

So all in all feeling much happier and more positive today. Off for my first lot of physio since I came out of hospital on Wed.

Thanks again for the sympathy.

Sue
xxx

Folara

Hi Sue

I had a BIH right leg in 2009 and I'm glad I did. Took several years of pain and going back and forth till a very astute under-consultant (not sure what they are called) looked at an X-ray and was horrified that I had been trying to cope.

I got a DVT so was in hospital longer than I wanted to be but when I got home I thought I could do more than I was actually able at first and had to learn to just take it a bit easier for my own benefit. So I watched my friend struggle in the snow with the horses and no help, nearly drove me mad.

After 8 weeks I sat on my horse but it was too soon and I knew immediately. Left it 2 more weeks and tried again with more success so had a little plod. Unfortunately on my 6th ride out my stupid horse spooked and I came off quite heavily. Thought I must have done something but luckily all has been fine.

If it wasn't for this BIH I would be in a wheelchair now as my left hip and both knees need replacing and that poor right hip resurfacing is working overtime (and will need redoing as a consequence).

Stick to the exercises but only as often as they say, dont overdo things no matter how frustrating and you will soon be up and about doing all the things you have missed doing.

Fols x

stickywicket

SusieG wrote:

Hi

Just an update, Friday I managed to tweak a muscle in my back, not sure how, I suspect just because of the way I was moving, but it made life very uncomfotable. Sue
xxx

You are much fitter than I am, Sus, but I used to regularly tweak back muscles until I started riding (RDA). After that, it never happened unless I'd stopped for a long period eg new hip. I think it's easy to underestimate just how many muscles are kept in trim by regular gentle rides.