Managing post op pain

Hi @Lisbeth

The first few weeks post total hip replacement are hard - I had mine done 13 months ago.

What pain killers did the hospital give you?

Are you on blood thinners?

Were you given any antibiotics?

I had terrible diarrohea for about 10 days after my surgery and dosed up with immodium but I did also use pads for a bit more relief just in case. I also ate a very bland diet and drank plenty of water and sipped on lemonade. Lemonade is better flat but it does keep you hydrated. It was recommended to me many years ago when my toddler had really bad tummy at both ends and wouldn't have the sachets he was supposed to have. Works perfectly for hangovers as well lol. Don't drink it, just sip it.

I would also recommend you ring your hospital ward number (I presume you were given a number to ring?) and tell them about it just to reassure you. Sometimes the medication they give you in surgery can take a while to get out of your system and some stuff can cause reactions. I was taking PPI's at the time and when I looked them up they have a reputation for causing this side effect so I said no more. I now take Gaviscon liquid to help with reflux and to protect my tummy.

If you need painkillers then usually paracetamol helps but just take it regularly. If it's really not helping then ask your GP. I was already on prescription codiene so I continued with that with the paracetamol inbetween to keep myself topped up. After a while I weaned myself off the codeine then the paracetamol

A bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel will help with the swelling - I keep a bag of cheap and cheerful ones in mine just in case but those were a godsend in the early days.

I was lucky - I didn't have any bruising at all but witch hazel helps and feels very soothing. Keep it away from your scar though.

You're not a cry baby - we all feel the same in the early days - do you have a friend/relative that can pop in and give you a bit of tlc every day?

Please don't beat yourself up - it will get better, honestly and when you're down then just shout out

Trish xx

hi @ Lisbeth had rt hip op 9 th July home yest am. Was ok in hosp on strong painkiller but now home just on paracetamol and low dose codeine and am struggling to get into bed sit in a chair and even do exercises awake at 4 am and in heat have git cold pack which is helpful wrapped int towel 20 mins at time .hosp I went no longer provide high toilet seat but did purchase a toilet frame thanks to @ trish recommendation. Like you beating self up ciz if pain and can’t complete exercises! But am taking short walks with crutches inside only. We’re all in same boat and just pleased it’s over with and don’t feel ill . My bum is still numb so prob nerve damage . Worse thing getting in and out bed and shuffling around to lay flat if any tips ? Keep spirits up can only get better. PleSed trained my husband a bit ?!! X all best

Cocoa

@cocoa

Hi

You seem to be doing remarkably well in this heat - don't beat yourself up too much. Don't worry about completing each and every exercise in the early days, repeating them frequently is the key - you might do five reps of one and struggle to do the same exercise next time. Just keep trying, it will get better :)

Sleep will come - I rarely sleep through the night and find myself getting up and coming downstairs at 4 am to make a drink and move around, especially when it's hot.

My hospital physio taught me to get into bed using this method

Sit on the side of the bed you need to get into.

Shuffle your bottom back toward the centre of the mattress and keep doing it. I found that my leg got quite a way up (but I'm less than 5' lol)

Once you're as far back on the mattress as you can, shuffle your bottom around so you're facing the end of the bed and your leg should follow quite easily.

I found I was getting in and out of bed fairly easily about 24 hours after coming home. No leg lifter necessary. It was a relatively easy movement then to roll onto my unoperated side to lay down and reverse this to get up.

Remember how far you've come since going into hosital and remember that recovery is not a sprint race, it's a marathon and everyone recovers at their own pace.

Trish

Hi @cocoa

You'll be fine - the first few days are the worst but you're on the upside now.

I never used crutches when I got home - I had a stair rail on both sides and the physio agreed that I could use two walking sticks instead so maybe speak to your physio about this if you're struggling with the crutches? I have a problem with one of my wrists which means I can't weighbear easily but check first before ditching them please.

I didn't use a toilet seat or a frame - told them I didn't need them but I'm a stubborn taurean who likes her independence. The only thing I found useful were my grabber, which was useful for dressing as well, a long handled shoe horn and elastic laces in my trainers.

We are all usually discharged two days after surgery and I think that makes us move and not sit and mope.

Take your painkillers at strict intervals - even if it means setting an alarm. It also helps to time your physio about half an hour after you've topped up your painkillers.

Don't get paranoid about walking - lots of little trips to and from the bathroom, kitchen, bedroom etc all help in the early days. My husband put a dining chair in our bedroom so I could just sit upstairs and watch the telly in the bedroom in the first couple of days - soon put a stop to that though but it was handy for sitting on and getting dressed and just catching my breath after moving.

When you're in doubt, remember where you've come from leaving hospital and much more you can do since day one. You'll surpise yourself.

Trish

@cocoa

Hi there. We are both in the same boat as I had my Left Total Hip replacement done on Tuesday. As for getting in and out of bed I use a technique where I sit back on the bed, put my operated foot on top of my good foot then swing myself round legs straight onto the bed making sure I lean on my good side. I used this technique for my Right Hip replacement last year and it seems to work for me. I too am struggling with the heat and managing to do some exercises but earlier in the day when the heat is more bearable. Also the grabbers are a god send, I have 3 and would not be without them. It is very early days so just take things slowly and be kind to yourself. Keep positive as each day brings a little improvement. Take care.

Hi Cocoa i live alone too, so I understand it's a huge challenge when your ill. I hope things continue to improve, one day at a time is my mantra. I'm heading for a shoulder replacement, and stressing a lot about how I'll manage at home. Take care Xkaren

Hi @cocoa, I found the raised toilet seat so helpful in the first few weeks. Had to buy my own as the OT said they didn't have any that fit a square seat, but very glad I did. And took it off today as I now feel ready to go back to normal height. Just have to remember when I get up in the night that it's lower again!

You will find the leg swells for a while, although it's helped by the cold pad and raising it. Mine tends to go down overnight but then still swells a bit by the end of the day. But it's quite normal after the op and is all part of the healing process. You should have had some guidance on any symptoms to watch out for, but if in doubt do contact your doctor.

Having visitors can certainly raise the spirits. A friend today brought me some wicked cookies from the local cafe, so I suppose I will just have to walk them off tomorrow!

Sounds as if you're making steady progress, so hope it all continues to go well.

Jane x