Another thing that i am worried about besides not sleeping is how long should I have theses support socks on for? Now 8 days post op. and feel scared to take them off!!
We were told at the pre op to wear them for 6 weeks.
I was told I had to wear the socks for four weeks and inject some blood thinner into my stomach for 4 weeks.
I havent bothered with blood thinner as i have low have low blood pressure normally and didn't like the idea and I only wear the socks in bed now. I'm three weeks post op and I'd say keep them on for as long as you are not mobile much. If you get to point where you are walking a fair bit even if slow then you can perhaps consider cutting down wearing them as blood clots are to do with lack of movement.
I never had to wear those! I was told that their use has been discontinued at least in that hospital. During my one night stay in the hospital I did have that compression pump thing going, but that was it. And I took two aspirin a day as a blood thinner. I am assuming that people wearing support socks are in the UK?
For me it was for 6 weeks, then 4 weeks later after my revision I had them for another 6 weeks !
Thanks to everyone on this, so it seems I have to keep going!
Sorry you had to have a revision Gary, too bad.
I had to wear them for 6 weeks and I’m in the US. Haven’t heard of anyone here not having to wear them. I can’t stand them and was so glad to be done with them.
I'm so glad that my doctor does not require them. I don't know how anyone can even get them on, especially after hip surgery!
They're so tight! At the end of week 1 my leg was swelling above my sock and I was told just to wear them at night. I wore them in bed until the end of week 4. Good luck!
Jan it was 6 weeks for me changed every two days and was told I could leave them off for an hour a day. So when I had my wash I used to enjoy the bliss of freedom. Xx
I never had to wear them either and I am in the UK. Like you I had the compression pump on my feet for my 2 nights in hospital only. I did hAve to inject blood thinners into my stomach for 4 weeks. I was told this was enough. I was also advised not to wear them on my forthcoming 4.5 hr flight when I will be 11 weeks post op. They certainly were not used at all at the Orthopaedic Hospital I was at.
hi jan,
I never had to wear them either (in Holland) - I can imagine how uncomfortable it must be ---
I had to self-inject Fragmin for 6 weeks , twice - that is 12 weeks of puncturing ample belly (THR s 6 months apart)
Are you on bloodthinners?
It'll be alright, darling
big warm hug
renee
Hi Jan, I've been told it's 6 weeks. How on earth are you supposed to be independent when you can't get them on and off by yourself without breaking the 90 degree rule? I'm also on Enoxaparin injections for 4 weeks. Just a little point I would like to make however as a nurse who works in emergency medicine, and treated by the trust I work for - I see people daily in my department with blood clots either from immobility or other serious illnesses. The risks are there, and we could end up on treatment for much longer than 4 weeks. This treatment for clots itself comes with risks which none of us want. I see on the forum people have / have not been treated or worn stockings as advised by their surgeon. If we are advised - please conform!
PS - a little tip to get the stockings on (with a helper) - put the plastic bag they come in over the end of your toes and slide the stocking over it, removing the bag thereafter and straightening up.
Jan
It looks like some of us got different advice. My surgeon said I need not wear them when I went home if I was reasonably active. Since I could never put one on my operated leg I was quite pleased so just wore them while I was in the hospital. (But I did inject blood thinners for what seemed to be ages - 4 weeks I think)
Mike
Hi Jan,
Do you mean take them off at all?
I took mine off every day to wash and left them off for an hour or so while I washed and dried them, only having been given one pair.
I kept them on overall for about 5 weeks instead if the recommended 6 weeks. I also had the blood thinning injections.
Cels Xx
Thanks again Renee, yes i am also doing the injections.
How long post option are you and are you now fully mobile?
Love, Jan
Thanks jools, yes I am injecting as well and am feeling calmer about it all now. I think I am still in shock after the accident, a feel angry too.
Must learn to accept. How many days post op are you?
The 90 degree rule is terrible! How long does that last ??
Jan
Hi Jan, I'm not surprised that you feel angry, you were very unlucky to break your hip. For most of us we've had osteoarthritis, and we are pleased to have the op!
I was told at my 6 week appointment that most restrictions were lifted. I was still really careful though for 3 months.
All the best, Judith
Hi Jan, I'm 2 weeks today!! I really feel for you as like the others have said we are all pretty much desperate to get rid of a joint that is no longer useful to us, and just causes pain. You have every right to feel angry, but I'm glad you are calming now. We have a big, daft dog who is constantly under your feet and likely to knock you down too, so I'm constantly negotiating which way I am going to step - she is terrified of the crutches though, which is good! On the plus side for you it sounds like you are fit and healthy, so should hopefully have a problem free recovery. I'm finding it more difficult to jab myself every day ( which is weird as a nurse), as my tummy looks like a dartboard. In terms of the 90 degree rule, my physio hasn't specified as I'm not making the angle yet - although I thought I was, but again from the forum I think the time varies. I am worried I'm going to go over it though, as the pain is completely different in the hip now and I guess I know it's capable of so much more than the old one! You will continue to improve rapidly every day and soon the only reminder will be your scar (or exclusive hippies membership badge! )
So, we are very close as I am 10 days today. It was great to read your message because i had forgotten my injection!!
I too am a nurse, but respiratory specialist and always like to keep quiet when i am on the patient side because I am such a wuzz!
I am now on one crutch and physio returns on Tuesday, but I find it hard to get comfortable in bed or in a chair.
I look forward to comparing