Hip Surgery experience on 1/31/18

Bones, joints and muscles
1

I had left hip anterior replacement on Wednesday. Everything went great. I had a little pain my first night, but it was not bad. Last night, I had my best sleep in years, since I no longer have arthritis. I would keep me awake all night. The only pain I have now is in the surgical area. My leg feels very stiff and hard to move. If anyone has advice please let me know.

Cliff

2

Hi Cliff,

Great to hear surgery went well and post-op pain is minimal with additional relief from the arthritic pain. Yay!! I had left hip replacement surgery a week ago, Jan 26. I have to say I continue to be amazed at recovery progression in only a week.

My operative leg felt the same first day afterwards. Very stiff. The most pain I felt so far was that initial move getting out of bed and into the walker. It eases every time after and you will be amazed with the progress you make in initial healing. Don't rush it. Rest. Elevate. Exercise with ankle pumps and deep breathing. More exercises will be introduced shortly. I was discharged after three days and home now doing well.

One more thing, keeping the pain managed is important. Post op pain has been minimal but was also well managed.

Best wishes on your recovery.

Lori

3

Hi Lori. I am not used to taking so many pills. I have famotidine, Tramadol, and meloxicam and a baby aspirin. I left a message with the pharmacy about taking all at the same time. I don't want to overdose taking so many pills. They also gave me stool softeners and miralax for constipation. This is also a issue I am dealing with.

Thanks, Cliff

4

Hi Cliff,

All the different meds can be overwhelming and a bit daunting. And unfortunately can cause a few side effects like headaches and constipation being the most common especially fom pain medication. So totally normal. Drink lots of water, avoid caffeine.

I was prescribed morphine, an anti inflammatory (can't recall the name of that one), regular tylenol and senokot (a natural laxative) that I still take daily. As well, a daily injection of blood thinner to avoid clotting that will continue for another 2 weeks.

The pharmacist or pain management doctor should be able to give you some peace of mind with your concerns.

5

Thanks.

6

I’m 12 weeks post-op & my best advice coming from a previously active person who couldn’t make myself slow down. I did too much too early & ended up with a nearly a 2-3 week’s setback early on. Dr’s advice was to stop the exercises, return to them later only if pain gets better & only do 1/2 of them & only if they aren’t painful, stop overdoing everything else, rest, ice & elevate. This really helped me. My other advice is don’t compare yourself with any other person’s THR. I was definitely guilty of this & learned it doesn’t work. Everyone’s body makeup is so different, I do however appreciate this forum as there are some tips from others & support we can learn from and have to add the terrible pain before the surgery is truly gone! Best of luck to you and your recovery! 

7

Hi Sue. Thank you for your advice. I just looked at my incision.  There is a lot of black and blue and redness around it.  Is this cause for concern?

Thanks, Cliff

 

8

My bandage was left on for 2 weeks so I didn’t have any idea what my incision looked like before then so I can’t help you there! I’d call my dr & at least talk to his nurse. I called about 3x in the first weeks when I had concerns. That’s what they’re there for! 

9

I also had left anterior THR. Mine was January 8 and I did take pain pills for the first 2 weeks. It was suggested that I "stay ahead of the pain" which we're not always aware of at first. Constipation happens and the miralax and stool softener helps. You don't want to strain in the beginning of recovery.

10

After my surgery I also had leg stiffness. Difficulty moving it onto the bed so I bought a leg lifter which helped a lot.  It was same for me with not having hip pain anymore. Remember that healing can take time.

11

I spoke with RN yesterday she said it is very normal to black/blue, redness and swelling. I walked 1/3 mile twice yesterday. Everything felt good. I am sleeping so much better since the surgery. Since I don,t have any pain, I am going off all pain mediation’s today. Good luck!

12

Thanks for your comments.  I noticed the post op pain is much less than before the surgery. And I can’t believe how well I am sleeping.

13

You’re very welcome! Glad to hear the incision was normal & that you’re doing pretty well, sleeping good and even walking 1/3 mike! Keep up the good work!

14

Thank you.