My THR recovery diary

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  • Janlyn
    Janlyn Member Posts: 348
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    @swimmer60 - that's the difference isn't it? And it does make sense - we degenerate so slowly, so we must recover slowly too.

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,429
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    Exactly!

    There's a difference if you have had a condition gradually damaging your joints and connective tissues compared to already healthy people who have had an injury and needed surgery.

    Obviously there are exceptions to the rule, but if you've been walking wonky like a lot of us for years you won't be biking in the Himalayas at 10 weeks post op🙄 No way.

    For some of us it might take months of rehabilitation and hard work as you guys are proving so brilliantly!

    @JPT you enjoy some 'me time' and do not let hubby send the world and his wife round to check in on you😉

    Toni x

  • JPT
    JPT Member Posts: 123
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    Day 15 21/3

    So I want to get on top of some household chores.. I end up poking myself in the eye with my grabber while trying to take jeans out of the laundry bin... now I have cut myself a bit and of course it won't stop bleeding for a while!!

    But I did manage a good walk further down the road. Some lovely neighbours came out to congratulate me on my progress, I felt like I had just finished the Marathon!

    At trip to the nurse later and she removed the dressing. The wound looks raggedy but ok to her. It feels strangely exposed to leave it uncovered now. The scar is 15cm / 6" long longer than I thought it would be.

    She removed plaster from blister and skin bled 😕 what with that my eye and my watch strap bleed what's going on with the blood thinners?

    I'll give it a few more days before a shower cos of the blister plasters I think.

    I asked about the compression socks and she said I do need to keep wearing them for the remaining four weeks but I can leave them off for longer periods and put them back on when I am less active.

    I then walked round to the pharmacy and over road in the village.


    A busy but overall successful day with lots of positive vibes from everyone 😊

  • Nurina
    Nurina Member Posts: 281
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    @JPT Nurses and physios have to follow the consultant prescriptions. I notice my physio sometimes is annoyed with the consultant rules. Maybe you have to wear them a little bit longer but that's alright because you'll be fine very soon and you'll forget about the tights, the tablets and everything.

    I knew my recovery it'd be difficult so I didn't have much expectations. I've had problems since I was a child. Everybody knows someone that recovered in two weeks. I suppose they only want to be sympathetic. I watched many videos on Social Media from influencers with thousands of followers showing everything they can do with a replacement and giving advice, and of course names and directions of their surgeons. They are just liars. They even pretended they were in the theatre waiting for the surgery with phone in hand taking selfies. So annoying and insulting. This group was the only place where I've found real people and I'm having the slow but hopeful recovery I was expecting.

    You are doing very well @JPT just a little bit of more time and patience. When you start walking, going out to have a coffee, meeting with friends, you'll feel great soon. X

  • Janlyn
    Janlyn Member Posts: 348
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    @JPT oh I do know what you mean about blood thinners - everything bleeds or bruises doesn't it? I did find I started to put a waterproof plaster on the dodgy end of my scar just to protect it from my clothes and to make sure I didn't scratch it in the night if I actually fell asleep! I avoided getting my scar/plaster wet in the shower too, just in case.

    It's good to hear you're being more realistic as I do think it is so harmful to have high expectations which either mean we try to do things too soon or get fed-up with ourselves because we can't and think we're not doing well when actually we're doing really well. I think people like to tell you how well you'll do to encourage you but all it did to me was make me worry that I wouldn't be able to do so well.

    Great to hear you're out and walking around and such positive vibes too - well done x

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,429
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    JPT enjoy your day alone today.

    Just don't try anything too adventurous while you are on your own🤭

    I was the same when I had my back op. As I arrived on the ward the lady opposite was just going home after I'm sure only a matter of hours. So I had stupid expectations. No-one knows exactly what has happened to each individual do they? My consultant found a fracture he wasn't expecting so things were much less straight forwards. My op also fell just before a bank holiday so I got trapped there for 3 extra days. I felt such a failure.

    Sorry about the ted stockings though I am convinced they are for when we are immobile (I think often people were pre-op too????? but no-one gave us them then did they?!) so hopefully as the nurse said you can wear them less when you are moving about more.

    As Nurina says nurses and physios have to tow the party line as far as consultant's orders are concerned.

    Take care and have a good day

    image.png


    Toni x

  • JPT
    JPT Member Posts: 123
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    Day 16 22/3

    Uneventful day but managed the same walk much easier this time which is good.

    Anyone have any tips on looking after the wound/scar site now it's exposed? Do I clean it, can I use bio oil on it etc? They don't seem to tell you much about this aspect ofpost op care. Thanks

    Julie x

  • Nurina
    Nurina Member Posts: 281
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    I started using bio oil when there wasn't any scab and it looked closed. I didn't have much instructions about it. I don't know how the scar should be in different stages.

  • KatLB
    KatLB Member Posts: 2
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    Hello @JPT and everyone else commenting. I have just recently been referred for a hip replacement and reading all your comments and suggestions is so helpful. Good to know that it will take time, the pain, how to manage it, being realistic about expectations, and the tips for helping ourselves after the op.

    I’m hopeful and positive about it as my quality of life right now is pretty poor, but it’s hard to know what the post-op picture will be like. It’s great to hear other people’s experiences, especially those that are realistic and not the rose-tinted world of social media! It’s good preparation.

    @JPT I’m so grateful to read your diary thank you, and I hope your recovery continues. Sounds to me like you're doing really well (especially focusing on you)🙌

    Kat x

  • Janlyn
    Janlyn Member Posts: 348
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    @JPT Hoping you've enjoyed today and all went well - good to hear same walk was easier this time - I'm sure you'll find that starts to happen a lot now.

    Regarding your scar - is it all healed now? If not completely I did put breathable plasters on to help stop any irritation or risk any damage/bleeding but now it's all healed I admit I ignore it. Probably I should put oil on it but as I can't see it without twisting round or looking in a mirror I'm leaving well alone😳

    Welcome @KatLB hope you're not waiting too long for your op. Keep on reading - we are all very honest here and tell it like it is😊

  • JPT
    JPT Member Posts: 123
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    Day 17 23/3 a day on my own

    So, on my own now for 24 hours while hubby goes off to the family wedding

    Sitting in the only chair downstairs, looking out at a hedge and my car I can't drive. will be able to drive it again?? Hmmm it's very low!

    Did some stuff on laptop

    Went to a neighbour for a cuppa. She escorted me up and down the road. She's the two hip replacement veteran and has all the comfy chairs at the appropriate height!

    Dinner, need to do better, jacket potato, tuna and cheese, bland but easy for me to do. Oh and big bar of chocolate hubby left me!

    Not a bad day but when you are on your own you do have to think more. I managed around downstairs with one crutch so I could carry something in the other hand.

    I found one of those insulated lidded mugs so managed to take tea upstairs, tea still tastes yucky in it but that's not the point!

    These are small but significant achievements which when you are waited on you don't think of doing.

    I managed to feed the cats, well they still have their previous bowls on the floor but I could pick up and move plastic bowls with the grabber without dropping any if the food. Cats are happy. Am leaving the litter tray until hubby returns as I cannot get down to do that.

    Overall a good day 😊

  • JPT
    JPT Member Posts: 123
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    @Janlyn scar is very lumpy and crusty but after three days of not being covered it appears to be dry - like you I can't see it without looking in a mirror and to be honest I don't like looking at it either!

    @KatLB hi! This place helped me to prepare for what was to come, without it it would have been so much more scary. Everyone's experiences are slightly different but generally the same, it does get better, just be prepared for the early days which are tough going but you are not on your own.

  • Janlyn
    Janlyn Member Posts: 348
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    @JPT yes, I'm sure you'll drive your car again. If you could do before, you can do again, but maybe not for a little while yet. At 14 weeks I'm finding I'm doing things without thinking, sometimes silly things and slipping down steps, twisting myself a bit. But my point is that a few weeks ago I had to think before I did anything. Getting into the bath for a shower took major planning. Getting in for a bath even more. Getting onto the floor for exercise was scary, getting back up even worse. But time makes it all easier and I feel I could get into any car now whereas at first they were all an ordeal.

    Your scar sounds good, especially as it is dry. Mine was lumpy and crusty, mainly at one end but the crusty stuff seems to disintegrate and go its own way bit by bit.

    Well done for coping so well on your own, x

  • JPT
    JPT Member Posts: 123
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    Day 18 24/3

    I wake up feeling so relieved that the wedding pressure is over. I can't believe how much it dominated my first two weeks recovery. Should have said a firm no at the very beginning. Everyone says now how it would have been a very uncomfortable day for me...

    I definitely think my operated leg is longer . I guess when I eventually need the other one done it will even out!

    Downstairs around on one crutch with cuppa in hand. I feel the stairs are easier with one crutch too. Definitely need both when going outside though.

    You're right, a longer walk isn't so good. That really hurts. Next time shorter walks twice a day.

    I've reduced my codeine to two a day.

    Had to cover end of scar with lint and tape as it was catching painfully. My big blister site is slowly healing but looks hideous. Other plaster seems to be stuck and won't come off without taking the skin with it🤔, will have to try soaking it off. I wonder if I am developing an allergy to plasters now.

    Still going to bed really early as leg gets so uncomfortable from 8pm onwards.

    Another better day overall 😊

  • swimmer60
    swimmer60 Member Posts: 202
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    @JPT

    Good news! Go at your own pace and "listen to your body" as they say. Wont your plaster come off of it's own accord eventually, if you keep it dry?

    I used a small rucksack to carry stuff up and down stairs. it was so infuriating not to be able to carry a number of small items. Of course forgetting stuff is another problem altogether!

  • Janlyn
    Janlyn Member Posts: 348
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    @JPT We spend a lot of time worrying - should we, shouldn't we, will we be okay, need more time - but a couple of weeks ago you couldn't have possibly known if you could have made the trip to the wedding, but in time you definitely made the right decision.

    Maybe ask your physio about your leg - I couldn't have known whether mine was longer, shorter or whatever at your stage, and when it is still swollen to some extent and your walking isn't back to your full potential.

    I found putting bits and pieces in a bag with long straps and then putting it round my neck was best for taking things upstairs and around the house, even outside too although I soon developed enough pride to stop that! But one crutch is so much easier than two.

    My scar definitely started to heal once I made sure it was covered even though I had to be off my blood thinners for it to properly heal.

    You're doing well!

  • JPT
    JPT Member Posts: 123
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    Day 19 25/3

    Not a great night, up and about to the chair, can't get comfortable anywhere.

    Hubby sorted out plaster with a bit of alcohol and a cotton bud managed to remove the rest of the plaster that was not budging. 

    Just walked half a kilometre, lovely to walk down hill with just one crutch, needed both to come back. Nice to be out and seeing friendly people to stop and natter with. Everyone seems amazed I am doing so well so soon.

    An hour later, I'm so tired....two hours nap later and still exhausted. Not going for a second walk today!

    Another achievement, Woohoo! Eating dinner at the dining table 🥳, different view at last and no more eating on my lap.

     Thanks to hubby buying a 4" booster cushion last week I can now sit on a dining chair and just about move it enough to be close to the table. Just as long as noone knocks my leg.

    The third week is definitely full of positive improvements.☺️

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,429
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    Well done you!

    Looks really like a lot is starting to come together @JPT 😊

    Your husband sounds really supportive getting that plaster off and a 3" cushion so you could have some normality back. Is he cooking too?

    The walk too have a Km is good on week 3 brilliant and seeing other people must feel so much less isolating too.

    Sorry your night wasn't so great. I do think post-op sleep is the hardest thing to settle back down to 'normal'.

    Toni x

  • JPT
    JPT Member Posts: 123
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    Day 20 26/3

    20 days wow! How did that happen?!

    Nothing to report today, just a few exercises, up and down stairs a lot. Dusting and light housework. Raining all day so not going to go for a walk. I do seem to nap a lot still oh well 😴

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,429
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    Nap away JPT I always think sleeping is when you heal.

    3 weeks tomorrow?! Wow where did that time go.

    Dry here oddly but rained most of yesterday.

    Take care

    Toni x

  • JPT
    JPT Member Posts: 123
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    Day 21 27/3 1st physio session

    I was quite nervous about the first physio session however the senior physiotherapist I saw was brilliant.

    She was really pleased with my progress, said Ihad an unusually bad start with the blisters and swelling etc but was really happy with where I am now. She lengthen my crutches to correct my posture more, confirmed I only need one crutch indoors and two outdoors. Definitely not ready for no crutches yet.

    Got some more good exercises to do. She got me to lay on my good side with a pillow between my legs and raise my operated leg a tiny bit. She says I can try to lay on my operated side if I want to 🤔 She was concerned about my poor sleeping and sleeping semi upright so let's see how tonight goes.

    My clicking hip is apparently normal thank heavens and will go once the cup has contracted more as the muscles knit and strength comes back. I am so relieved I can't tell you as that was my biggest concern.

    I feel so happy right now and to think it's just a few hours less than three weeks since my op. X

  • Janlyn
    Janlyn Member Posts: 348
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    @JPT - napping is good, that's recovery time, give in to it, once you get further down the road everyone sees you out and about and comments that you're 'better now', or at least that's what happened to me!

    A friend was told to sleep on her operated side and that it was safest in the early stages and won't 'go out of place' but I understand your hesitation. I found I laid on my side for a few minutes then found I could sleep on my back for a little while. It was the staying on my back all night I couldn't manage but to move around a little was almost bliss. Fortunately now I find my sleep is almost back to normal for me, something I never thought would happen.

    Wow, thank goodness your clicking hip is normal - the explanation makes sense.

    You've come such a long way in three weeks, well done, x

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,429
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    Sounds like a really good physio session JPT! I am very pleased that the physio is clearly very happy with your progress.

    Height of crutches/walking sticks is so often 'out' isn't it and it can really help. Amazing how much lower than you thing they should be. It will definitely make a difference.

    Sleeping on your back is just so uncomfortable maybe after time you'll brave at least lying on there for a short period.

    Well done you!

    Toni x

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