Hi...I apologize if this has already been covered; however there is so much info to read I though it easier just to ask the question.
Details:
I am a little over 3 weeks since my surgery. I have had 6 in-home PT's, my leg was very swollen after surgery; however now is good, but a little weak. I am on a cane but can walk without it. I do 2 sets of exercises daily given to me by PT. I am sleeping on my back and only taking Narco in order to sleep, nothing throughout the day. I am 57 years old.
Question:
I still have a little swelling at the incision, I can kind of feel that I have a new hip...not sure that is the best explanation; however when I do some exercises it feels like a band or mechanical as I move my hip. I have trouble sitting in a chair for more that 5-10 minutes. Basically my leg hurts more than I expected. I understand that everyone heals differently; however just checking on others to see if my sitting and mechanical hip feeling has been felt by other folks and any suggestions, thoughts they may have.
Hi Michael:
I have done a lot of research on what to expect before annd after surgery, I responded to another post aboout muscle ache. I am wondering if some of what yu are experiencing is down to the muscles = calf and thigh, having to readjust to the nee hip. Mine are quite atrophied, so I am expecting to have to do a lot of work. I am pre op, so cannot go further into your question. the one thing that I have found in the research is that your sitting position needs to be such that your knees are lower than your hips so that there is no strain on the new hip.. If they are not, this maybe the cause of discomfort.
Probably best to raise this with your physio, though.
Hi michael
It all sounds very familiar to me so do not worry.
Three weeks post op is early days.
You are doing really well. Believe me.
Take care
Shirley.
I found my first hip used to click in the first month, I have been told that this usual by physio it's just settling in you will get used to just go with the flow lol I had my 2nd one done yesterday and yes i have found it more painful the 2nd time round I just make sure soon as I find uncmfortable I ask for pain killers and yes sitting down gets again uncomfortable as for the use of crutches canes I get on well with crutches better than a frame hope all goes well for you xx
Hi Michael
Welcome to the hippie forum! As you say we all heal differently and recover at different rates but by the sound of things you are doing really well at three weeks post op. It is still very early days yet so everything still feels a bit strange but this should settle down as your new hip embeds.
Try using an icepack (frozen peas (?) but not directly on skin) for 15 mins where it hurts / is swollen. No longer though. And make sure you sure you get plenty of rest as it really does help the healing process.
If you are going to see your physio again why not tell them how your leg is feeling.
Im sure your leg will soon be feeling less "mechanical" and more normal soon. Are you going back to see your consultant for a six week check up?
Take care
Linnet x
Hi Michael,
Welcome to the forum. I also joined the forum at about 3 weeks. It has been a great place to hear about people's experiences and share concerns. Three weeks is very early, I am now at 10 weeks and can look back at my progress since then. It's been very helpful to throw out questions to other hippies. And although we are all very different and progress at different rates, we share many similar experiences. It's comforting to know that others understand our physical and emotional challenges both before and after surgery.
Just remember you have had major surgery, be extra kind and patient with yourself. You will definitely have ups and downs. Measure your progress more on week to week rather than day to day. And monitor this forum, it's really helpful.
Good luck!
I'm now 5 days post op from second hip replacement. We all seem to have different stories. I'm finding this time so much easier. I feel like I'm about two weeks ahead of last time. This forum is is amazing. It keeps us in touch with folks who are having the same issues and we can share our little victories an set backs. Best of luck to you as you recover.
dear michael,
how are you this morning ?
It seems that you are doing very well - just a word of caution here - at 3-4 weeks it is very easy to overdo it - walking without aids is one of them - I did that (twice) when I thought I was ready, but really was not - Now, at 9 weeks post-op of 2nd THR, I am learning how to walk correctly and still use my cane when going outside ....
as for yor scar still being swollen, well, that is normal - it might also start to itch or feel as if little stabs are taking place - both my scars are sooooooooo sensitive -
maybe the location of your scar makes sitting uncomfortable - my first, righ hip, scar is a little more outward than the left one - it feels as if I am sitting on my scar and thusly, uncomfortable -
sometimes I feel as if I am wearing one of those iron panties- feels tight and as you said: metallic - ...
what kind of pain do you feel in your leg? is it cramp-like or restless -
lot of healing is going on ...
if you have not wached this surgery on you tube and are up to it, please have a look - I had such a better understanding of what was involved ...
keep up the good work and attitude
big warm hug
renee
Are you walking each day, and lying flat to rest each day?
Be sure your new hip is fully weightbearing before you
ditch the cane, or you will develop a limp. It is still early
in your recovery from op.
Cathie
Hi Marilyn,
I also found it more painful in the beginning days
of the second hip. However after the first two weeks
everything seemed easier.
I guess you will soon be home and healing well.
love Cathie