4 weeks post op. Feel like I've stopped healing

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hi all

I’m 47 and had my right hip done 4 weeks ago.

I thought my recovery was going great guns, but I feel like I’ve hit a brick wall and seem to be getting nowhere for the last week or so.

I’m managing to get round the house without my crutches (albeit waddling like a duck), need one just for back up if I’m out on a walk. I can do all my exercises fine.. but …

The outside of my hip is really sore, around the wound area still. I have a whacking long scar and the whole area is numb and hot to touch and feels lumpy too.

They did say after the op that there was a lot of muscle, tendon etc to get through to reach my joint.

I know I’ve got to give it time, but I’m terribly impatient.
The pain is worse if I sit in a chair. After a couple of mins it becomes really tender, so I’m constantly having to move about.

I occasionally take a codeine tablet still when its bad. I also use a hip gel pack out of the freezer to ease it. (if you haven’t used one I can highly recommend) Have finished my course of Predaxa and won’t take anymore morphine tablets.

Because of this I don’t feel I’m ready to go back to work yet.

I’ve read lots of posts about people having pain in groin area and back, but mine is literally just along the scar line right down the outside from my hip to knee. My groin and back only hurt if I overdo the exercise.

Anyone else had this. Just need to know I’m still on the right road and there is light at the end of the tunnel ! :slightly_smiling_face:

2

4 weeks isn’t very far into your recovery period

I’m 12 weeks post op and my scar area is still a bit tender. I couldn’t lie comfortably on my right side until a few weeks ago.
Are you massaging your scar with vaseline or moisturising cream ?

3

Hi,

You will feel various aches and pains around the scar area, it is healing, it was a big op and it can take time.

If you are waddling when walking around the house use a crutch, you are doing your hip no good at all, probably cause more problems . You need to walk as tall and straight as possible, heel to toe

You will have set backs at times but, in a few weeks it will get better. Don’t forget use your crutch and walk tall and straight.

4

im coming up to 8 weeks post op and have only just started pottering without a crutch in the house. its too early to try to rush it. take a step back use two crutches for a few days and allow yourself to heal. you will be fine