My hip op recovery diary
Hi everyone
Thanks again to so many of you for your encouragement pre and post surgery.
I posted previously - 3 days post hip op (under hints and tips) and in response to other members posts. Here's a round up of how things have progressed over the last couple of weeks.
Others have mentioned the journey home. Getting in and out of the car the first couple of times is a bit awkward, can put pressure on the wound site and should not be rushed! Going around corners feels rather strange as you don’t brace in quite the same way. 2 weeks on this is improving and getting easier with practice.
Having arrived home, always an emotional experience after surgery, (just sheer relief I think) the first couple of days were slow and steady. A couple of short walks outside each day, lots of walking around indoors, doing a few chores - washing dishes, tidying up, making the bed (well pulling the duvet up) etc plus the physio exercises. I also made sure I rested and put my feet up but never really stayed in the same position for more that 30-45 minutes (except at night). That said for some reason I visited the bathroom more often at night for the first week. I also noticed a lot of popping noises which I guess is the air that gets inside your body during the operation finding a route out! For these couple of days I took 1 codeine in the morning and one with my evening meal.
I got a bit more adventurous as the first week progressed. Walking slightly further by adding 100 steps each time I went out for a walk. I managed a bit of potting up (MC put everything in the shed for me), I did a bit of cleaning (just surfaces I could easily reach), I made a cake (4 steps each with a rest in between) and I sorted out the garlic which I’d dig up before my operation.
When I pushed myself e.g. the day I made the cake, I did feel tired and I did rest making the most of the Olympics. On occasion my leg felt sore and/or tender - all part of the healing process. But I didn’t feel I was in pain and I stopped taking codeine. I did continue with paracetamol.
Week 2 has been really interesting. MC took me out for a coffee which felt like such a treat. A bit of a walk from the car park, negotiated some steps and sat in a different chair - all fine. Walked back to the car and felt good enough to go to the local garden centre. Not for long, but long enough to feel great.
I upped my exercises slightly each day either adding an extra few reps or holding for extra seconds. I changed it about a bit each day - stops me getting bored tbh. I was managing at least 2000 steps outside including going up an incline at the start of week 2 and ended it on 3000 steps outside and going up the incline (approx 80 steps)at least twice a day. I have also walked on different surfaces where possible- grass, gravel, road, paving etc
I’ve carried on with potting up and also sorting cuttings (again MC helped set things up for me). I managed to do some ironing, sat at my office chair for a while and completed some admin and made another cake without needing to rest until it was out of the oven. I managed to get into my jeans using the helping hand - hilarious, and today I used the sock thing to put socks on and the helping hand to take them off again (although technically today is the start of week 3).
On a few occasions I have made a wrong move and my hip has let me know about it. As the week has progressed so has the healing process. On different days I’ve felt different things. Sometimes a tightness in my thigh, sometimes a twinge in my knee, sometimes discomfort in my groin, sometimes tenderness around the site of the wound but nothing that’s made me feel I’m not making progress.in fact it’s made me realise just how amazing our body’s are at healing themselves.
I have been really surprised at what my body has sort of decided for itself. On day 11 I started to find it awkward to use the 2 crutches I felt like I was lumbering and jolting myself. I started relying less on one of the crutches (I was carrying it but not using it) and felt so much better. By day 12 I used 1 crutch around the house but took the 2 out with me when walking outside. And I’ve continued to do that, although now I am finding I can walk unaided around the kitchen and bathroom. The other thing that took me completely by surprise yesterday was I suddenly realised I was walking downstairs as if I hadn’t had an operation at all. Going up is a different matter and still one step 2 feet at a time - if you get my drift.
Today is the start of week 3. I’m seeing the physio later today and having my dressing removed - can’t wait although a little apprehensive not to have the wound covered and cushioned a little bit!
I’ve had a gentle day today - mastering the sock device felt like a triumph 😂.
I hope you are all making progress either towards your operation or in terms of your post op recovery. Thanks again for being so supportive.
Comments
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Quick update. Dressing removed and wound is looking pretty good. It feels a bit bumpy and lumpy so any suggestions on how to sooth and smooth would be greatly appreciated.
Physio has changed my exercises making them a little harder and introducing a resistance band! I can walk around the house (indoors) without crutches unless I’m feeling really tired. Outdoors 1 crutch unless I’m feeling a bit vulnerable and 2 walks of up to 20 minutes, again depending on how I feel. Key is not to overdo it etc. I am also free of those awful stockings - not sure who was happier seeing those put in the bin me or MC 🤣. I’m sure he skipped out of the clinic!Had a bit of cramp in my non op leg last night so know I need to be very sensible - tricky one that 😂
Just back from a walk and sitting with my feet up.
So definitely making progress but recognising it’s still very early days.Hope you’re all doing well.
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@KC1 You're doing so well, and thank you for posting. It's amazing how far you've come in such a short time - definitely progress.
My wound sorted itself out. To be honest I can't really see it without looking in the mirror but initially it was lumpy and bumpy but is nice and smooth now.
And yes, you're right - the key is not to overdo your exercise. It's hard to know what is enough and not too much, but we soon learn to listen to our bodies.
Take care.
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That's good to read you are doing very well. My wound was lumpy due to the internal stitches but when they dissolve, your scar will be flat and soft. Don't rush your exercises because whatever you do, you will be recovered and fine very soon. I'm 8 months from my surgery and it's now history, like anything ever happened. My leg feels better than ever. Take care x
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thanks for the advice and assurance re the scar Janlyn, much appreciated
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Thanks Nurina good to know the scar sorts itself out - I am in awe of what our bodies do. Thanks for the advice and encouragement. Amazing that 8 months on your legs feels so good. Thanks again
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Hi @KC1
You are doing brilliantly :) If your wound is fully dry try rubbing some E45 cream (the stuff in the jar, not in the bottle) into it as often as you like. I was given this tip years ago by a brilliant surgeon and it definitely works. Please don't use Bio Oil for a few more weeks, E45 is better and cheaper!
Keep up the good work
Trish xx
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Thanks Trish
I bought some today.
Progress continues although I hit a tiredness brick wall and my calves were really aching yesterday, I think I stood for too long when I was cooking.
So I’m nearly 3 weeks post op. I have mastered the sock helper after a few attempts. Socks did fly in a few directions and I soon learned to do this over the bed so I didn’t keep dropping socks onto the floor - thank goodness for the grabber!I’m balancing exercises, walking and doing other things - mostly ( see above re tiredness brick wall). As a keen gardener I am finding not being able to do all the jobs that need doing a bit frustrating. However, I am trying to find ways around this again using the trusty grabber. I’ve moved plants in pots, managed to pot up a few cuttings, used long handled shears to chop back plants going to seed and used the grabber to pick up the cuttings and place them in a large pot - MC has taken the pot to the compost heap. I’ve been able to harvest tomatoes and blueberries and am looking forward to the runner beans.
I’ve managed some more ironing (joy!). With the grabber I can get washing in and out of the washing machine and I managed to hang some things on the line today - lifting and carrying large/heavy items is something I'm not able to do at the moment but I know that will come in due course, although I’m not rushing that.I’ve been to the shops etc a few times now. I take one of the crutches with me as I’m a little nervous around other people at this stage. I had to use a public loo the other day - hilarious and a bit awkward but somehow I managed 😂.
walking is between 20 - 30 mins twice a day (although yesterday I only did one walk because I’d been doing a lot of standing and got v tired). I take one of the crutches with me but don’t use it unless a vehicle is coming. The lanes here are a bit narrow so it’s more to encourage drivers to go a bit slower past me.I had a glass of wine with my evening meal at the weekend - v nice.
I’ve reduced the paracetamol to once a day and hope to be off it completely in the next few days as long as I’m not in discomfort.
And today I went out and in the front door for the first time - there’s quite a step up and down so I’ve been using the back door. It felt good. I’m also going up and down stairs normally for me.
I’m still sleeping on my back which is mostly fine. I did nearly try to turn onto my side the other day but fortunately didn’t! Getting in and out of bed is much easier now thankfully.
so lots of progress, a few frustrations and tears and a bit of a way to go yet.
thankss to everyone for your support2 -
Hello all. Im 8 days post op and just looking for advice. Still black and blue down to below the knee. But the weirdest feeling is the pain in the buttock. Best way to describe it is a very hard cricket ball lodged there. Apart from that in very little pain. I know its very early days but no-one else i know has experienced this. Thanks
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Hello @streakymick
Congratulations on your operation I am very glad to see you have very little pain post op.
We have several 'hippies' using the online community at the moment who have had their hips replaced I am sure you will get some great and very useful advice from them.
There's @Nurina, @Trish9556 @alwayssewing @Janlyn as well as @KC1 of course to name but a few! They have been incredibly supportive of each other and will i am certain help you in any way they can.
Best wishes with your recovery
Ellen.
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Hi
@streakymick I too had the cricket ball and it's very stubborn to go but it is, be it slowly. Makes sitting down very uncomfortable. My shiny new hip day was 20th May so give it time.
I never had a sock helper apart from my husband lol. It's still the one thing I find difficult on my operated side. Hope the e45 is helping?
Trish xx
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Yes. Cant sit longer than 20 minutes. But dont want to lie down. So trying to do more walking. Reached 1500 steps yesterday with 1 stick. Just looking for comparisons. Normally active 6 hours a day as im a windowcleaner. Sometimes think im too impatient. T
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Hi, could someone tell me when you stop limping post hip replacement. I am four weeks post op and saw the physio yesterday. He said I could move from two crutches to one outside and could walk inside with no aids. He had me walk around his room unaided but I was still limping. He said it was because I had got so used to walking like that before my op. However it's not that. It's that I cannot walk "normally" yet unaided. I can stand perfectly well unaided and do jobs stood at the sink, but not walking. With one crutch I don't limp at all. My hip pre op was very bad. Stage 4 arthritis. Would appreciate any comments from fellow hip replacers!
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Try using a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel through the day at regular intervals. You can also try a hot water bottle between times too. Heat and cold do help get the blood flowing and aid recovery.
Trish
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I still limp a bit when tired or first thing. I visualise my physio telling me to think about my feet and heel first.
Trish
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You’re doing great but don’t rush things - I think most hippies on here would tell you that. I don’t have what you’re experiencing I just have a lumpy wound which others have said should smooth out in due course. It’s all about letting your body heal, allowing it to rest and enjoying finding those little work arounds while you can’t do everything you want to quite yet.
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thanks Trish. It’s very soothing which is making me feel like it’s doing me some good, which I like.
your husband sounds like a gem btw. I’m hoping I’ll eventually be able to get my socks on without the helper and do my shoelaces up but as I’m still not allowed to bend yet slip-ons it is!1 -
you can’t rush the healing process @streakymick. It’s the stuff we can’t see that is so important- how the muscles are reattaching, how the sinew, cells etc are all reconnecting, how your body is dealing with all that it’s been through- it’s incredible when you think about it. While not a window cleaner I’m usually incredibly active- exercising every day, gym twice a week, gardening (not just deadheading but heavy stuff including carrying bags of compost and grit etc) pretty much daily, etc. while I wouldn’t usually lie down for the first couple of weeks I found a short rest, sometimes with a pillow under my operated leg, really helped. My physio suggested little and often rather than one thing for an extended period- so 20 mins of sitting, a 10 minute walk, a short lie down, doing the dishes, doing my exercises etc and then a sort of cycle of that type of thing. Listen to your body, take pain relief as needed and be kind to yourself
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Hi @shacklock25 interesting. I chatted about body realignment with my physio. I’m not sure how long you were waiting for your THR but it’ sounds like your body compensated with your limp. I limped pretty badly for along time and my body was really on the skew as I call it. I was getting problems with my knee, thigh and pains down my shin. While pre-op exercises helped it really changed post op. My brain and body are now playing catch up. My walking was a bit wooden to begin with, then started to loosen up a bit indoors. I tried to ensure I stood up straight when using crutches and gradually reduced the amount I lent on them and then how much I used them. I stopped using crutches indoors last week and used 1 outdoors for a while. Mostly I’ve been fine but today I noticed I was walking with a bit of a hitch rather than a limp, MC noticed too, so I stopped and took time to adjust my stance and my gait. I took myself for a slow and steady walk (about 30 mins) and really concentrated on each step. I carried 1 crutch but only used it if a car is coming along the lane. My thigh had to work really hard, especially on the return part of the walk. I think it’s part of the healing journey. Take time over your walking and be kind to yourself while listening to your physio.
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I have used elastic shoelaces ever since my hip went. They are brilliant, never need to do them up or undo them. Just a long handled shoehorn to help. They also come in lots of different colours.
Trish xx
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oooh good call. I’ll look into that thanks Trish
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@shacklock25
I am 8 weeks post hip replacement and still use my walking stick when I go outside and indoors when I am feeling tired. Before my hip op. I was diagnosed with the Trendelenburg Gait where I was walking with a rolling gait as my right hip was out of alignment with my left hip. I had gradually got worse over the last year and a half and needed a stick when walking outside.
At my last physio appointment I was advised to leave the crutch I had been given on discharge and use my walking stick indoors if needed and outside. This being that my muscles have suffered considerably over this time and will take a while to recover and be strong enough to support my hip. My point being that everyone has different recovery times and importantly stick to the advice given by your Dr/Nurse/Physio. Also listen to your body and be kind to yourself you will get there eventually!
Take care.🙂
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@streakymick I didn't have the tennis ball feeling but I know some who have and it does go - it is very early days for you and you are doing so well.
We all heal at different rates but the first two weeks are generally the hardest. We need to take as long as it takes to make the best recovery. I'm eight months post op and I'm back to averaging over 10,000 steps a day without problems, but it took time. Initially I had a limp/aches/pains if I walked for more than a few minutes but was told that I should exercise/walk in short, sharp bursts for most effect.
Be guided by your physio who I assume you will see in the next couple of weeks or so? Wishing you all the very best for a full recovery and back to full health and mobility.
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@shacklock25 it is early days for you but the advice I had at your stage from my physio was to walk by putting my heel down, then outside of foot, and finally go onto my toes for each step. I did find this helped me concentrate on not walking awkwardly but it may be way too soon for you to walk without a limp. It does take time.
Another bit of advice from my physio was to only walk until I felt a little tired then, rest a few minutes and start again. He said if I carried on walking when I was tired I would walk as I did pre-op and not recover properly. He also kept giving me different exercises as I progressed and now after eight months I can feel the benefit of his advice.
Take care and take your time but make sure your exercises are working for you.
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