Hip replacement

Bones, joints and muscles
1

7 days ago I had a left hip replaced whilst I do have pain on walking this is lessening bye the day but my foot keeps swelling up no pain except tight skin feeling I just need to know if this is normal

2

Dear Terry

I suggest that you wear those stretch stockings for a couple of weeks or so day and night. In addition if needed try ice packs and elevating the leg when you can.

Cheers Richard

3

put your feet up and do plenty of foot pumps. Also ice packs are brilliant. Hope this helps 

Gill xx

4

Hi terry..yes this is absolutely normal. My swelling didn't go down for almost 2 weeks at least. Elevate when you can and lots of ice. Walking also helps.

Keep up the good healing!

5

It is very normal to have swelling during the first few weeks, as others have advised, putting your feet up, and using ice on the swelling is the best way to get over it.

Good to hear that the walking pain is subsiding.

Best wishes

Graham

6

Terry

I had swelling for months after my latest hip op. In fact the foot is still a little bit swollen now after 4 months. As others say: excercise and elevation are the keys. Sitting with your legs down is the worst thing for making it swell, though one needs to do that to work or eat.

Mike

7

many thanks for your tips michael

8

thank you for your tips and encouragement rocketman

9

many thanks caren

best wishes

terry

10

thank you for your tips gillcat

11

thanks for the tips my friend

12

Here is my experience so far.

I am 80 years old and have had 3 stents installed-no heart attack.  My only other hospital problem has been getting a new shoulder-good health otherwise.

Posterior procedure.

Day 1 & 2: in hospital 

In the following days cited. I have not taken any pain meds yet 

Day 3: Getting home no problem-just followed instructions-now that the hip was done tryng to understand how to organize the house needed changes. Which chair? How many pillows? What to use to get up out of chair? Where to sleep? These would all change as the days went by. I found out what better or worse means. My wife, always my hero, was awesome.

I did the basic therapy for the day and I felt fine. I am walking fine.

That night we got me into our bed which we thought would work well because it is like a hospital bed. The head and foot can be adjusted. No good. (I simply could not use the leg wedge provided in the hospital. It did not work in the hospital as I wound up in the chair every night.) So we decided to use the couch which would keep me on my back. We put some barriers next to the couch.  I slept for three hours and had to get up. Yes, she was there to help.  Anyway it was somewhat of a fitful night.

Day 4:Thanksgiving-The therapist showed up and we went through some extra exercises. I again felt fine.

Sleeping was about the same. I was sleeping during the day sitting up. I used an airplane pillow. I am still feeling only discomfort-not pain. Eating normal. No problem walking.

Day 5: My leg is swelled-the hip and calf about 11/2 /  2 inches larger. We were concerned because no where were we told to expect swelling. So we called the VNA visiting nurse association.A nurse was dispatched. We began icing and raising the leg.. In the meantime I looked on line and found this site which affirmed that some people had swelling-it was a relief. The nurse affirmed it was onl swelling and not a blood clot. Sleeping improved but still somewhat fitful

Day 6: Therapist shows up and we do some exercises and he also affirms swelling is just trauma.

Sleeping still fitful.Walking good. Struggling with swelling.

Day 7: Sunday       Walking well. Icing leg a lot-keeping elevated as much as possible. Doing exercises.

Struggling with swelling.

Day 8: Therapist show and we do our workout-helpful with ideas and knowledgeable about other folks problems. Struggling with swelling. Sleeping a little better but still getting up a few times at night. Sleeping during the day a lot.

Nurse took blood.

Day 9: Therapist showed. Walking getting better-went outside for a walk. Still no real pain just limping along.

While I still got up two times I slept much better-a good 8 hours.  Still struggling with swelling.

I have decided to do this chronologue because It might help. I will be glad to answer specific questions. I will do a complete update every few days.

Doctor office called and doubled my coumadin dose.

Good luck>

13

HiTerry,

I’m over 11 weeks out.  I have swollen feet while awake, and no swelling when I when i awake.  from tge otgers in tgis site, some experience the same.  Dont be terrified!!  

Regards,

Steve