My hip op is done

Billy85

Hi everyone, I finally received my total right hip replacement surgery on the 8th April. The surgery itself was uneventful, opting for the spinal and sedation. I did wake up in recovery spewing black vomit. But that quickly passed, thing it was down to all the drugs and stuff.

I spent one night in hospital, passed the physio the next morning, had a shower then got home later in the afternoon.

The question i wanted to ask was did anyone experience stinging around the wound area when sitting? It becomes unbearable where I need to lie on the couch then it goes away.

Thanks,

Billy

PeterJ

Hello @Billy85 the following mentions stinging around the scar - might be of help

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/comment/730045#Comment_730045

Billy85

Hi @PeterJ I will have a look, thanks.

Janlyn

@Billy85 It's such good news to hear you've finally had your surgery - it's been such a long wait for you. And great that you are home, it should be a little bit of improvement each day until you are back to living a good life.

I am sorry I don't recall stinging around my wound area. I guess much depends on the exact position of the scar and especially when sitting it would seem this could happen. Can you please to the hospital staff for reassurance/advice?

Billy85

Hi @Janlyn thank you, it has been a long wait and I'm thankful I've had it done.

I did mention it to the hospital when they phoned me for a follow up, it seems normal and it's actually eased off a bit now.

It's early days yet but I know I will get back on my feet in time.

Thanks

frogmorton

How are you doing now @Billy85 ? I'm glad you've mentioned the stinging because it's a first here and it might help someone else in future.

Fingers crossed all is going really well🤞

Toni x

Janlyn

@Billy85 it's good news it's normal and that it's eased off. And yes, early days but you're now on the other side and hopefully getting a little bit better each day. You'll not believe it but I'm sure you'll be down on the floor playing with your little son soon. Take care.

Billy85

Hi @frogmorton my wound area seems fine now, it's my knee to my ankle that is swollen a bit. Went my first walk outside yesterday and maybe went a bit too far. Some days are better than others, the physio exercises are easier some days too. I can already feel an improvement from when I came out of hospital. I know it will just take a bit of time, thanks.

alwayssewing

Hello @Billy85 I had stinging like little electric shocks on both hips. I decided it was the nerves healing and a year or more on I rarely get it now.

It does take time for everything to heal. Remember to elevate your legs as much as possible when you are sitting. Ice packs help with swelling and so does staying hydrated. Drink plenty of water. I know it's a pain but it really does help your body to get rid of the excess water and swelling.

You are doing well, keep up the good work.

frogmorton

Hi @Billy85

Sounds as though you are doing really well. swelling is so normal after surgery like you've had give it time the more you are able to move around the sooner it will shift.

You are doing everything right😊

Toni x

Janlyn

@Billy85 It sounds as though you're doing well. It does take time, and seems to take forever, for the swelling to go down, but eventually it does. Elevating it, using ice, doing enough exercise but not too much, drinking plenty of water all helps but it helps to try to be patient too. Eventually it all works out but initially it's hard to know how much exercise is enough and how much is too much.

By the time your little boy is wanting you to play football with him I'm sure you'll be able to!

Billy85

@alwayssewing @frogmorton @Janlyn thanks everyone for the words of encouragement. Another week on and I feel ive taking another step forward. I have my stitches out, the wound is looking good.

I've also been walking around the house without crutches, but only a little at a time. Still wary on the stairs and stuff and don't want to overdo it.

My son, who is now 10 months has even took a few steps on his own. Exciting times, or is it lol.

The only thing I can't get to grips with and I don't think I will is sleeping on my back. I've always slept on my stomach but I know it's not forever. Anyway that's me 3 weeks from surgery and I'm so glad I got it done and I'm looking forward to this summer holidays in July with my family.

Thanks

Billy

Janlyn

@Billy85 All sounds good - exciting times - you'll soon be playing football with your little boy!

You're right to be a little cautious - one day you'll realise you're not being as cautious and that you feel stronger and that's when you realise how far you've come on your journey back to full strength.

I never got used to sleeping on my back but you're right it's not forever. I gave up struggling and worrying about it, and spent more time propped up in a chair or having naps during the day. I was actually given permission to try going on to my side for a short time at around three weeks. But I was a little scared although I did cautiously try a few minutes, if only for a break from the relentless strain of trying to sleep on my back.

Your holidays with your family will be great!