Good morning, I am on day 2 post op, and wanted advice on it all please! I've got my first hydrotherapy session this morning, and just the thought of putting on my swimsuit is bringing me out in a sweat. I know the Nurses will help me, but there's only so much they can do. I was up and walking up the corridor yesterday using a frame, and only realised last night that I must have still been under the effect of the spinal as when I walked to the bathroom last night I was in agony! I managed to sleep last night by putting a pillow under my knees, which was definitely more comfortable than without. As I say, any advice on how to proceed and progress from you people that have experienced it, would be gratefully received.
Hi Kathy
It sounds like you are still in hospital so do ask the Nurses for all the help you need and especially ask for adequate pain relief. This is so important for speedy recovery and for all your therapies. I know it's strange to ask but that is why the Nurses are there.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery. A XX
Thank you Annie. I am in hospital until Friday so will do as you suggest. I'm a very independent person normally, so finding that I need to ask people for help doesn't come naturally. Thanks again for your response. Best wishes, Kathy x
Hi Kathy
I know how hard it is but they are also there to teach you coping techniques for when you go home.
It's better to get in a good pattern from Day 1.
Wishing you well and a speedy recovery. A XX
Gosh I'm shocked you are able to have hydrotherapy so soon! I thought you had to wait for your wound to heal before you can go into a pool? Perhaps ask for ordinary physio until you feel ready. Good luck
Ann
They said it's a gentle way of exercising the hip and associated area. The pool is checked for bacteria every day so is clean. I'm actually looking forward to it, more so than normal physio which I have this afternoon. 😔
Think it sounds like your doing great to be on ya feet as yet kathy. How was the spinal . Would you advise that rather than general ?
I had spinal and general, as recommended by my anaesthetist. It made sense as it gave me time to get on my feet before the effects wore off and gave me the confidence to do it. Good luck! X
hi kathy,
WOW ... hydrotherapy 2 days post-op ???? is your scar closed and dry ??? Are you sure??
2 days post-op is a big day - you might experience more pain (narcotics wearing off), physical therapy was scheduled for morning and afternoon - walking the hall way and negotiating going to the bathroom independently - sitting in a chair - and I haven't yet washed or dressed my self ...
I had staples and was not even allowed to take a shower for 14 days with 1st THR until staples were removed - 2nd THR however (6 months later) it was OK to shower as long as the incision was covered -
good luck and let them know if you are not ready okay ?
please come back here any time
big warm hug
renee
Bit surprised about hydrotherapy so early on. As each person gets in the pool their normal skin bacteria will get in the water. Chlorine level would have to be quite high to keep count down by the end of the day. I had hydrotherapy but was only allowed after wound had healed.
As to the painkillers and pain, we are all different and hospital staff need feedback to get the right combinations. Best get it done whilst you are in hospital
Morning Kathy! Welcome to the hip forum! I didn't think getting water on the incision was allowed until the stitches/staples were removed. I know for me I wasn't able to shower until I got my staples removed. Double check with your dr. Best advice I can give is get plenty of rest, take it easy these first few weeks do only the exercises given by your dr. Walk as much as you can. Eat well. And just give your body time to heal. Remember no twisting. No bending over, and there's one more precaution but I remember it. Maybe one of these other hipsters knows. It's usually for the first 6 weeks. Did you have an anterior or posterior surgery? There are different precautions with those two and healing can be different. But know we all heal at different levels. So just let your body heal at its own pace. Take care of yourself because before you know it you will be feeling better!! Best of luck to you for a speedy recovery and healing. Hugs 🤗 Linda
Hi Linda, my surgeon recommended the hydrotherapy and having had my first session this morning, it was uplifting and made me feel so much better. I don't have staples. I have dissolving interior stitches and the outside is glued with a waterproof dressing over the top. Having an emotional day today, so the hydrotherapy really lifted my spirits, plus I was able to have a shower afterwards. I've got more physio this afternoon to get me onto crutches. Feeling exhausted so will rest up for now. Thanks for your response and best wishes to you. Xx
Oh wow that sounds awesome! Oh the other thing was don't go past 90 degrees when sitting! 😀 Well I hope all continues to go well for you!!
Wow Kathy, that is amazing, glad you enjoyed it. Hydro was not an option for me at my local hospital even though they had a hydrotherapy pool. I know I would not have been ready at 2 days though, but good on you. Its important to celebrate each milestone to keep your spirits up. xx
It did really make a difference to my outlook on moving forward today. I've just been given my crutches and had a go up and down the stairs too. Enough for today now though. I'm absolutely exhausted! Best wishes xx
Lucky you. I have an old swimsuit which is pretty loose, it looks rather faded but is easy to put on rather than my other slim look ones. I suppose one of those split top and bottom swimsuits may be easier. I notice the hydrotherapy pool at my hospital is closed at the moment, probably forever!
I was dreading putting on my swimsuit, but the Nurses are so helpful and helped me - it was tight to pull up too which made it even more difficult. X
I am so glad it worked. I am a water baby. I know my newer swimsuits are quite tight and difficult to get on. I am glad I did not throw away my old one.
Glad the hydrotherapy was good, I can't imagine getting into a swimming costume on day 2! (No mention of hydrotherapy at my hospital...) I had plastic over my incision too, really useful when you're in the shower. I do remember day 2 clearly though, I came home and sat outside enjoying the fresh air, wonderful!
I wish you a really good recovery, do your exercises, take your meds....
All the best, Judith
You went home on day 2 Judith?! I've got another 2 days before I go home. I'm hoping to feel more mobile again tomorrow, each day has to be better than the last. Best wishes x