3 days post op THR

KC1
KC1 Member Posts: 116
in Hints and Tips

Hi everyone

Firstly thanks to everyone who provided hints, tips and support ahead of my operation.

I’m home and recovering well and thought I’d provide a bit of information while it’s still fresh in my mind.

My procedure went well. Posterior THR with spinal anaesthesia and a sedative to allow me to sleep throughout the procedure.

In recovery I was convinced my knees were bent, my feet on the bed and a pillow was between my legs - until I looked down and saw my legs were straight 😂. That feeling persisted for a few hours but gradually decreased as feeling returned.
I was a bit lightheaded initially with lowish blood pressure. I did feel nauseous and later in the night I was sick and a bit clammy. However I still managed to be helped out of bed and walk a few steps that evening and again overnight.

While I didn’t have much of an appetite for a couple of days I found ginger tea was brilliant. Now on day 3 my app is pretty mich back to normal.

Physio got me going properly the first day after my operation. I started my exercises and washed, dressed and out of bed for long periods during the day able to mobilise myself slowly but surely.
what I found extremely difficult was getting in and out of bed. My leg felt like a lead weight. I was given, what is known as ‘the dog lead’ which really helped. A crepe bandage can also do the trick it’s just more stretchy. After using it on Wednesday and Thursday, today, Friday, I haven’t needed it so far.

Exercises have been steadily building, along with walking. I managed 1000 steps outside today as well as the toing and froing within my home, plus stairs.
I have raised toilet seats which are a bit uncomfortable but necessary so I’m grateful.

I’ve cat napped when tired and am watching a fair amount of the Olympics 😂.

I’ve managed to wash dishes, find ways to move things around the kitchen and stoned damsons to make a dessert earlier today.
After a tricky first 12-24 hours I am beginning to feel much more like myself.

I hope this is helpful to anyone about to have a THR. Happy to answer any questions if I can.

Thanks again to everyone who provided such support.

Karen

Comments

  • Trish9556
    Trish9556 Member Posts: 740

    @KC1

    WOW! you're doing brilliantly! Far better than me and I thought my recovery was quick!

    I was taught to get in and out of bed without a "dog lead" and had it mastered after the first night home due to husbands moaning but well done!

    Please don't over do it, you will have good and bad days and we all recover differently.

    Well done and keep up the good work!

    Trish xx

  • KC1
    KC1 Member Posts: 116

    thanks Trish, have hit a tiredness brick wall today.

    Well done on getting in and out of bed without the dog lead. Glad to say mine is now redundant.

    I’ve used a folded sheet to keep my heel off the bed as it was a bit sore but last night it was fine as the leg is more mobile and less heavy.

    Managed to do a bit of cleaning and bake a cake as well as a walk and those all important exercises. Feeling less sore and much more mobile, which is great.
    I’ve got a small cross body bag which is great. I’ve used it to take cleaning stuff upstairs and move a few things around the kitchen.
    I am so astounded at how amazing our bodies are at healing. Just phenomenal really. Slow and steady is definitely a good approach.


    thanks for your ongoing encouragement and hope you’re going from strength to strength.


    karen x

  • Trish9556
    Trish9556 Member Posts: 740

    Hi Karen

    I am astounded at how well you're doing! Please make sure you get plenty of rest time in - my physio told me I should put my legs up for at least 2 hours a day. I must admit though I never had a problem with my heels and find it strange I seem to be the only person that didn't lol.

    I have managed to walk to our local shop without my walking stick today - I could probably have done it a couple of weeks ago but it's the confidence thing!

    Keep up the good work,

    trish xx

  • KC1
    KC1 Member Posts: 116

    wow Trish that’s fantastic! Bet that felt amazing.

    Don’t worry I am getting lots of rest and putting my feet up regularly. The Olympics have helped there 😂

    7 days post op and I’m feeling so much stronger and agile. But also tired and still a bit sore although the soreness decreases each day.
    it’s a sunny day here so will be going for a couple of short walks - one will include a slope - and hopefully a bit of potting up! I’ll see how I feel.

    Keep up the good work you are such an encouragement.

    Karen

  • Janlyn
    Janlyn Member Posts: 561

    @KC1 Wow you are doing amazingly well, I am so pleased for you. I wish I'd had a dog lead suggested as I really struggled getting in and out of bed for the first few days. You have described the heaviness so well it's brought back memories.

    Take care and let us know how you are going on.

  • KC1
    KC1 Member Posts: 116
    https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/comment/725575#Comment_725575

    Hiya, thank you.

    Seems what you get to aid recovery is a bit hit and miss. That lead weight feeling is strange though. I’d look at my leg and will it to move but it was having none of it 😂😂😂and I’d been practicing the lift and swing for a while before going into hospital 🤷‍♀️

    I should have said that I did the baking in 4 stages. Stage 1 - get everything I need out then rest. Stage 2 - weigh/measure, crack eggs, grate lemons etc - rest. Stage 3 - mix it all together and get it in the oven, rest. Stage 4 - out of the oven, syrup poured over, left to cool, cut, eat, rest.

    I’m definitely feeling more confident and getting more agile with each passing day. That said I did hit a tiredness brick wall earlier in the week so took it a bit easier for a day or two. I think, as others have said previously,there are good days and less good days. But overall things are really positive. No limp, no pain just a bit of tenderness around the wound site but otherwise such a huge difference.

    I hope you’re okay.

    Karen

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