It had hip replacement!

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hi

My name is Linda and I'm 63 years old. 

I came home last evening after my left hip replacement on Monday evening. Everyone in the hospital were really kind and helpful. 

Previous conversations with other post op patients were very encouraging , I was informed many times that the pain I've been experiencing would disappear afterwards, I'd just be left with the normal pain from the wound, more or less!

The first epidural didn't work so I had to have another. As a result of this, I think the muscles in my leg have taken longer to relax, repair?  All I know is I have dreadful cramp like pain when I stand.  Has anyone else  experienced anything like this?

I find my left leg is very heavy and I find it difficult to move. Is this normal?

 I know we all experience things  differently. Should I be doing the exercises recommended already? Perhaps just a little to begin with? I don't want to start too soon or leave it too late. What would you all suggest?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. 

Thanks

Linda 😃

2

Hi linda i am 7 weeks post op like you i thought the same but i have dull ache in my hip but nothing to what it was like take it easy it does get easier i just expected a miracle to quickly

3

Hi Christine....thanks for your encouragement. I'll take each day as it comes!

 

4

Linda,

 It takes about a week for the anesthesia to wear off. You will notice the difference right away. They cut your bone during this surgery so you will need time to recover. Also most of my pain was upon standing. The more I walked the better it felt. If you just had your surgery, you must be patient and relax, take one day at a time. It's long road to recovery but every day gets better.

Good luck!

5

Hi Linda. I'm 5 weeks post op but I didn't get home from hospital til day 5. They had me doing exercises before I left & although it's painful they are really necessary to aid recovery. Are you taking pain relief? My leg still feels heavy & sore but getting better every day. Stick with it & you'll soon find it gets easier.

6

Dear Linda,

   What you are feeling is normal!  You had your op on Monday and it's only Thursday!

the leg on the operated side will feel heavy and uncomfortable for a while, it varies from person to person.  It's a big operation and there can be extensive bruising which takes a while to come out.  The sciatic nerve may be stretched during surgery, which can cause pain all down the leg.    Most consultants advise starting the exercises straight away, little and often seems popular.  If you find it hurts, leave it for a bit.  It's really important that you don,t over do it!  I hope you were given post op advice before you left hospital?  I hope you are using your crutches and taking the weight off the leg!

i wish you all the best and a quick (not too quick!) recovery.

love and hugs

Sue

ps.  I,m a nurse and if I can help with anything else, please contact me.

7

I just had rt thr on Monday as well and home now.  My rt leg is heavy and very stiff to move, and painfull too. I do the exercises slowly and carefull not to over do it, im taking my pain meds as perscribed, using a walker to get around house. I had my lft. thr on Dec.5 and know what to expect, but it takes time, rest often and take it easy for the first couple weeks worked for me, every day you will find  gets easier 

8

Hi linda i had both mine done together and it was best thing ever for me because i was in alot pain before and couldnt walk or stand for a year before my opp...when i did have it finally done the pain i had for so long had gone wow it was great...i was home after two days ...i still have ache in right leg now and then but i just plod along...its important to do exercise justnot too much and it will hurt for bit longer stick with it you be ok hun .....deb

9

i came out on monday and my muscle ache and i feel them very heavy  still at the  hospital till tomorrow by choice everithing wen ok

10

The Horrible heavy feeling will go with time. I would try doing the exercises, only what you can manage but when Istarted I couldnt move my leg sideways at all, just to bear with it and you will progress. 

11

the only thing i need to really improve its getting in and out of bed , its very hard also cause i am afraid of moving the leg

as i am just 3 day post op

12

Hi moi 3days is early yet give your self a little bit of time i found after 2 weeks i could get in and out of bed with no problem but everyone is different you will be fine take care

13

Hi Linda. I am 5 weeks post op and everything you describe is quite normal. My leg was very heavy in the beginning too. With regard to exercises, do them every day but only what you can manage. Your muscles are weak and have to be strengthened. Your body will tell you if you have pushed too hard. Good luck with your recovery, it's a long road but well worth it x. Ps I am 64 

14

Do what exercises you can but take it easy and don't overdo it.  Walk about the house gently, have a rest then walk a bit more.  Sitting for too long makes you stiff and walking too much can be painful, so just do what you can, a bit at a time.  Don't worry, it will get better and after 6 weeks you should be feeling much more mobile.  I am 71 and now I feel great.

15

Hi Linda, I had my thr in October and have the same problem with my leg. The muscle from the knee to the hip is painful whenever I put weight on it so walking is quite painful even now.  Doctor has given me Neproxen which is helping but I hope I don't have to take them for too long.  You should do the exercises every day as much or as little as you can as this helps the muscles strengthen. Hope this helps, Valerie

16

Pain is bad straight away- dont hold back on pain killers- there no point as things will improve quickly and you wont get hooked

cramps are wierd and awful but go away!

all the best

Julia