8 wks after op

Hi

I had my hip replacement 8 weeks ago and things have been good. Think I overdid walking up the stairs, as my muscle in back of leg burns. My scar also scabs and it I painful, it is sometimes difficult laying on it.

Is this normal?

I am being asked when I'm going back to work, but I work with autistic children, so don't feel ready yet. They makes me feel like I should be back, but I also have to drive half an hour which can also make my leg hurt.

Have any hippies got any advice.

Thanks guys xx

Hi, I don't know about the scab, but my incision still hurts and it's been 8 months. Your leg is weak any weight put on the leg causes our muscles to react, nerve pain burning is a reaction, give it time it will get better. Probably 12 weeks for work. Good Luck!

Glad you are recovering well, Teresa!

In my opinion, 8 weeks is too soon for going back to work full-time after THR, especially when working with children, although people vary wildly in their recovery times. I could never have done that at 8 weeks!

I would check with your doctor about the scar that is still scabbing. Does that mean it is still bleeding? I didn't have anything resembling a scab after about 2 weeks. I still don't lie on the side of the surgical leg. 

I'm a teacher of 3rd graders and I stayed off work 12 weeks. My scar was healed well after about 3 weeks- maybe 4- but it still itches I do get some pain still when I overdo it- but mainly I'm feeling good. Take as long as you want or need! Work with kids is exhausting!

Hi Teresa I'm 7 weeks post op tomorrow and I still have a few scabs on my incision line and it is still tender and sore to touch - but apparently that's quite normal!!!! 

I still can't lie on that side at all, so looking forward to the day when I can lie on any side lol!!! 

As as for work I would definitely wait until you feel ready, my manager thinks I will be back in 2 weeks, no chance, I feel it will be another 2 months or so don't think they understand what we hippies have been through .....

 

I'd say at least 12 weeks for work, and a phased return at that point over another 2-4 weeks. That's what I did. I have an hours drive and work in a hospital microbiology lab. Had to persuade the GP to let me back, he wanted another 2 weeks

sorry, no comments about the scabs, one thing I did not get

Hiya, like you i a, 8 weeks and doing good, getting better every day i also get toothache in the bum if i over do it.  My scar is a reddish colour, tried laying on that side but couldn't.  I am hoping to go back after 12 week check up, I have to get 2 buses so have to try to learn how to get on and off with a crutch. Bit daunting.

suexx

Thankyou. That's a great help. Xx

Thanks Annie.

Couple of little scabs but pain is increasing a bit.

One of the teachers had it done few years back and was back at work quickly. But she only worked week or so then it was holiday! Feel like I'm being compared but she didn't have to drive.

Thanks for your help xx

Thankyou! That makes me feel so much better coming from a teacher lol. That's what worries me aswell, cos my one to ones are autistic and behavioural so it is stressful AND energetic.

I think I will think of ME and not work.

Appreciate it. Glad your doing well x

They don't do they Carol lol.

I was allowed on my side 2 weeks ago.... Thank god. Couldn't stand being on my back lol.

Take care xx

Thanks Maggie. I did suggest phasing and perhaps even doing admin but was told it would have to be full time in TA role.

Think I'll try and get the occupational health to agree with phasing, as think driving and sitting in class 5 days a week I too much.

Thanks xx

Thanks Sue. Glad to hear you are doing well! Think I'm doing better than some then.

Hope you have speedy recovery and get rid of your crutches soon.

Take care xx

my surgeon told me to wait 3 months before sleeping on operated side, scar is stil abit tender in one spot but not painfull. was perfectly healed in 3 weeks never did have any scabs,  massaging after shower everyday with baby oil guess i am just lucky.  chin up. Lyn68075

Good morning Teresa, 

I agree with all the responses posted - scabs on my incisions disappeared but still are making their presence known with stabs and tightness - 

I would definitely wait with going back to work - at least until 12 weeks post op ..

seems like you are doing great otherwise!

big warm hug

renee

 

Good idea. My boss and I worked out what were the best times for me to be at work and also tied it in as much as possible, so that my husband, who worked shifts elsewhere in the hospital, could do the driving for most of the first week. Even then my colleagues carried cultures for me, but perhaps the thought of me dropping a bucket load of salmonella or MRSA plates filled them with horror! Seriously they did look after me.

I was told 12 weeks, and to then have a phased return, just a couple of days a week, and build as I found my feet again.  Returning to work is very tiring even just working in an office.

Graham - 🚀💃