Hi, I just had a THR 10 days ago. I think things are going ok but I just wanted to see if I'm doing ok or meeting the right milestones etc. I don't have a massive amount of pain, and I found that the NSAIDS were raising my bp so I cut them. Was this the right thing? I'm still taking normal/light painkillers, though I'm worried now about the anti-flammatory aspect. The thing is, how do I know there's inflammation? I do have swelling and bruising. The incisision site and around feels a little hard and tender but definitely not sore, so I think it's ok.
The only pain I ever feel is when I go from sitting/lying to standing, for about 4 seconds, I get an ache all the way down my leg, which then stops.
Another thing is I've been waking up with a slight headache every morning that usually goes as I get up. I'm thinking this is because of the stiff position on my back. Did anyone get this?
How much walking did you hippies do in the aftermath? I feel I could be doing more than I'm doing (which is 100m or so daily). Is this advisable?
Hi Jeanette sounds like you are doing absolutely fine to me. 10 days is very early days. Just listen to your body. It will soon let you know if you overdo things. For first 4 weeks just be kind to yourself. Rest rest and more rest. Read watch TV sleep.
I found the first 4 weeks were a real rollercoaster as none of us know what to expect.
I was told 6 weeks and back to normal. No way ! I am nearly 12 weeks post op. I'm getting there but still not back to normal. That can take up to a year and beyond.
Take your pain medication when required. Like you I stopped the hard drugs. Each day you will get stronger but remember sometimes it's 1 step forward then 2 back. This site is great. There is always someone around to help advise or just encourage. Come back anytime and let us know how you are doing. Don't try and rush your recovery. My physio said to me the other day that he wouldn't expect me to be totally pain free at 11 weeks. Recovery is hard and you will get all sorts of aches and pains and all quite common and normal.
Do all your exercises learned in hospital and remember your recovering from major surgery. Drink protein shakes for energy and calories needed for heeling.the body needs extra calories 2200 every day.
There are a lot of different issues we hippies have adjusted to along the way thru the heeling process.everyone is different in progress due to many individual factors.
its only been 10 days. Give bone and muscles time to heel & secure the implant.
also it takes the brain time too ! THR metal implant is replacing to normal bone sending messages to the brain. Now the brain too will adjust to new signals the longer the implant is in place .
once PT begins you will see daily progress. Stay with Ice, pain meds foot pumps and always do glute squeezes. The most important exercise to strengthen core muscles and the glute and the IT band .😃
Thanks for the answers everyone! Another thing I'm struggling with is feeling down. .. I didn't expect that. Maybe my expectations were too high? I'm fairly young for this (50) and worried now it won't make the difference I thought it would, and did I move too soon on it.
Anyone experience this? Any tips for staying positive?
Sounds great to me! Get someone to check the wound. I nearly flipped over when my daughter told me the bottom of an incision was green, but it was hard and just disappeared. Good luck! Doing well, I reckon!
I agree Sandra.I was also led to believe I should be fine by 6 weeks.Absolutely not!Slow and steady with lots of ups and downs.At 4 months I am good but not totally recovered.Go at your own pace.You will get there
hi jeanette, warm welcome to this hippies forum where we share our personal stories and experiences ...you are really doing great at 10 days post-op from this major invasive surgery .. during surgery your leg was severely manipulated and hip joint had to be forcefully removed ... hence the swelling and bruises (I had hand imprint on back of my thigh) -I am not sure what to tell you about the headache though -Are you walking 100 meters roundtrip? that is great ... I was told that it is better to do 2-3 small walks a day than one longer one early in recovery ..but it is individual - if you feel you can do more, go for it ... your body will let you know if it is too much ..you are doing good, girl big warm hugrenee
Hi Hazel. I wouldn't worry too much about the pain given what my PT told me. On getting out of bed in the morning I'm bent like an old woman of 90 😂
Takes a hot shower and a few exercises to heat up the old bones. I'm fine sitting and fine walking and driving. Getting in and out of car can be done but a bit uncomfortable at times. Getting up from a sitting position takes a few seconds to adjust.
As I say I have gone back to work but I have been quite firm explaining that I have to be careful how long I sit and how far I drive.
Don't think this weather helps either. Cold dark and damp here in North East England. We did the right thing and we will get there. Just takes longer than we were led to believe. Love and hugs xxxx
Thanks renee I know, the bruises on my leg are horrifying, but I bruise easily too. There were fingerprint bruises above my knee on the front which have now become angry purple skin, not to mention similar bruising all the way down my leg. My kids were horrified! I can live with that though... it's the low mood that gets to me. I'm usually very positive!
But it's great that everyone is in the same boat and so supportive. Glad I found the forum!
I know Hazel, I'm finding that thought very difficult. It's not something I expected to be feeling post op. But I guess the message from everyone is that we have to be patient and let ourselves heal... Looking forward to some warmer weather too!
Hi Jeanette, sounds like you're doing really well. I found that the nights were rubbish, but I was reasonably mobile during the day. Regarding walking, just do what feels right, everyone is different. I used to go for a walk every day, but I live by a park, and it was mid summer. It's so dark and gloomy at this time of year, I'm sure that will affect your mood too. Do you have anyone to pop in and see you? That always cheered me up. With the swelling and bruising, it's normal following the op. The bruising will gradually move down your leg. I had purple swollen ankles at one point! Put your feet up from time to time, and put something cold on the swelling. Best of luck with your recovery.
I know Jeanette not feeling the benefits yet but the weirdest thing ... Yesterday I did half hour walk and today 55 mins and my leg currently feels a lot better ! I mean I felt the positive ... Normally that walk resulted in pain on the way back but I realised that the old arthritic pain was gone ! It was stiff and awkward and limping but that pain had gone ... Sort of the first time I really appreciated it 10 weeks in !
Lol yes I am with you on the 90 angle .., can't really bend down a lot either . But did have an hour walk today and some of the pain gone ... Maybe that is the answer ? Plus I did not feel the old arthritic pain so kind of excited about that . Filthy grey wet day here in Wales .will carry on the daily walks to see if that improves it ...
Starting work in 4 weeks but going to take it slowly as I don't fancy the stiffness on getting out of office chair either ! Keep on
Judith I agree, the nights are awful. I'm stiff as a board from sleeping on my back and making sure I don't turn, and I think that's what has me waking up slightly headachey. I'm always better once I get out of bed, as hard as getting out of bed is.
I think the worst thing is that awful ache down through my leg for a few seconds every time I go from lying/sitting to standing. I really hope that goes.
As for walking, my favourite position is to be on my feet and the walking feels good overall. I think I walked about 500m round trip today and it felt fine, could do more perhaps.
Miss the driving like hell. No more stick shift for me after this! My next car will be an automatic. I think I could be back to the driving sooner if I had one.
Yes, not driving is a complete nuisance. After about 3 weeks, I was ok getting on and off the bus, which gave me a lot more freedom. But maybe you don't have a bus stop nearby. I also was really stiff each morning. Good luck!