My first hip replacement was entirely different to the one that I having on the 17th August. Op 1, no TEDS, no uncomfortable block between my legs, other than a soft pillow. By the 11th day, I was able to sleep on the operated hip. However, this time around, I have been told that I have to wear TEDS for six weeks and sleep on my back with some sort of block to keep me from moving around and the operated hip in place, which I can understand.
First surgery was lateral, this time it is posterior lateral. I have been told that the surgeon is very picky and rigid about what he expects of the patient.
I understand that the Teds can cause unbelievable discomfort, if not pain. I am unsure as to whether they come off at night, or not. I have been asked to buy a gadget to hel with taking them on and off, As I have arthritis in both hands, I have concerns about whether or not I will have a strong enough grip to use the gadget, anyway, and am thinking that I shall have to live with the same pair for the entire six weeks as a result.
I don't have anyone to help me, and the local social services team, or whatever they are, are pretty rough and ready. Sensitivity is sadly lacking, so I don't really want them in my home.
Does anyone have any ideas as to how I can manage in this six week ordeal, please?
Many thanks,
TEDs should not cause huge discomfort and certainly not pain, they should be snug, but not too tight.
I have been through this three times now, and had TEDs each time.
The new thinner TEDS are much better and easier than the old thick ones.
To give some relief, I just roll mine down for an hour or so every evening, as even with the help of my wife I am unable to get them off and back on.
I have even showered with them on, then used a hairdryer to dry them out afterwards!
Hi Tallulah please don't fret about the Ted's I know plenty of people who have had to wear them and had absolutely no problems but I do understand your reluctance after not having to wear them the first time round but things change to make things safer
As for the types of hip replacement you could talk to your surgeon and ask if you can have it done the way you want it
Whichever way so long as it's ok then that's all that matters, as for the sleeping position I love using a pillow it helps me but I have a fractured hip and pelvis.
Hi tallulah,
Please do not worry about all the restrictions after the op as I do not think it will be as bad as you are building it up in your head. I slept with a pillow between my legs, it was nice and comfy, with enough pillows around you sleeping on your back is managable.
As you are on your own they might keep you in hospital longer to make sure you can manage, ask about the possibility. You may have a district nurse come more often. Good luck with the op.
My surgery was lateral posterior. No TEDS, never heard of blocks between my legs, no one mentioned them even, I was told I could touch my toes if I wanted, very little pain, although I was incredibly sick from the morphine. Otherwise all very easy. I think it depends very much on the surgeon and the hospital. It is no skin off their nose asking for everyone to follow certain rules even if they may be over the top.
Teds are only worn in the daytime. They are not uncomfortable but you should get one of the assist devices to help you get them on.
Advice varies so much. I didn’t have to wear them during the day because I was very active, but I was told to wear them at night.
The whole point is they stop blood pooling and then clotting when you are inactive- so wear them at night definitely. Risks of clots are significant following thr. Risk depends on lots of factors but can be 1 in 40. Will be riskier for this who don’t follow instructions Having met someone at the weekend who spent 3 weeks in ICU coronary care due to a massive clot (and then had ptsd) I would strongly advocate following the advice. Mine stay on 23.5/24 hours a day. And my other half thankfully is there to help put them on. We’ve had temps of 35 degrees and no air con, so I resorted to wetting them.
NHS guidelines say 6 weeks or until you are fully active.
Hi Frances,
I got a clot in the lung between week 7/8, there was nothing in the legs, it appeared to come from hip debris, went to the stomach, then the lung. I would recommend being aware of developing clots beyond the 6 week NHS guideline. A doctor I saw was going to write to my hip surgeon recommending giving blood clotting injections for 3 months instead of the 28 days I was given them.
I agree that TED stockings are used to prevent DVTs. You may receive injections on your stomach area to prevent blood clotting following the opportunity. Speak to your surgeon about this and the alternatives he wishes you to take. Good luck with your recovery. I am waiting for my initial meeting with my surgeon at the end of the month.
I developed two clots in my leg 3 months to the day after my second (revision) surgery. I did follow all the instructions, had injections while in the hospital, wore TEDS until I was told not to, was realtivly active, but still developed clots. Had to take Eliquis for three months. Now I am only taking 2 81 mg of aspirin daily but warned to keep active.
I do not mean this nastily but, I am glad I was not the only one firststannie to have blood clot(s) as I feel quite lonely here 😕. The fact I was active and walked quite a bit everyday hurt the most I think. As the eliquis (apixaban) made me ill after a month I decided to go with natural anticoagulants instead.