I had my op two weeks ago and am home, using crutches and managing generally well. BUT .. my whole leg is swollen, stiff and feels (and looks!) bruised, and is causing a lot of pain. Is it normal for it to be like this .. and if so, how long will this go on for? Any helpful advice would be very welcome!
(ps Ive checked that its not caused by a blood clot!)
Hello rosalee. Swelling is normal. Keep the foot raised when ever you can. Just remember that hip replaxcement is a very invasive op, you should expect some bruising. But if your doctor is monitering it, you should be OK. Good luck, And have patience ! Pamela
Thanks Pamela.
Hi Rosalee. My husband has the same problem and he is now just over 5 weeks post op. It is really restricting too as he cant really bend the leg. I am massaging it everyday and trying to do given exercises stretching etc. but nothing seems to be happening. He is going to phone the hospital today though rather than wait for his 6 week check up next Monday. He too said it's painful and very tender. Hope you get some relief soon
Please give my sympathy to your husband... its so frustrating and upsetting.
I hope he gets some useful advice from the hospital ...and I'd be really interested to hear what they say.
Hi RosaLee. I wouldn't worry, it sounds perfectly normal. Keep doing the exercises whenever you can & take painkillers when you need them. The swelling & stiffness gets better with time. It's a major op & our bodies take quite a battering! Rest with your leg up when you can & an ice pack helps too.
I'm 6 weeks post op now & only get swelling if I overdo it.
Hi RosaLee
You're only 2 weeks post op so don't be hard on yourself
A friend of mine had her op 2 days before me (different surgeon) and she had massive bruising on the inside of her thigh - I had none. We're all different. It's good that you've had it checked already so you know there's nothing nasty going on. as has been said the THR is a hugely invasive op (watch the youtube video if you can - very interesting) and after 2 weeks your body is still in shock.
Lots of love from all us Hippies, and keep us posted xx
Hi Rosalee yes swelling is normal rest as much as poss don't overdo things I used to measure parts of my leg every couple of weeks compared to other leg so I knew swelling was reducing which gave me hope all ok
Yes, its quite normal. It will go down eventually, with some people its quicker than others. Mine was swollen and then some bruising came out round my knee and calf and ankle. To help with the feeling of stiffness, I put baby lotion on them and that made them feel softer. My ankles swelled up if I had been walking around a lot, but it does go down. A lot of patience is needed.
A big thanks to you all for you reassurance and advice .. it has helped me a lot!
It seems that I just wasn't prepared for the 'after effects' ~ perhaps I should have joined this forum BEFORE the op!
Thanks again
Rosa
Dear RosaLee, I remember, too, how bruised and swollen I was into my groin, back side and down the leg. About week three that began to clear up and now at week 6, there is no sign of either. So just need to give it time. You body is normally respond in the way it does on the defensive mode when having such an invasive and traumatic surgery, but it does improve over time. The last swelling I noticed was with my feet, but after walking more. Good luck with your recovery and after the initial things you are describing, I hope your new life goes well.
My leg swelled all the way down to my toes.
I used ice to help.are you still using the white lovely stockings?
Dear RosaLee,
It is normal unfortunately. I am 30 days post op and my leg swelled up so big it felt like it could burst! My foot looked huge too. I felt I did not recognize my own leg! The pain made me cry. All I could do was elevate it all the time except during physical therapy where they told me to keep moving it around. Mine lasted for three days and then one night I had to keep emptying my bladder many times and after that the swelling way down.
If I had been at home, I would have drank a cup of hot water with half a real lemon squeezed into it because it is a natural diuretic.
Hope it lets up soon.
💛 Dawn, USA
Well, again thanks for the replies ~ they have really reassured me!
Ive to wear the lovely white stockings for 6 weeks in total... I dont mind wearing them, but changing them is a real performance!
I'm now resting my leg with it up much more which is helping with the swelling too.
To cheer me up, some friends are taking me out for a meal this weekend and have borrowed a wheelchair with a raised seat pad. I'm just wondering who is going to offer to push it!
Thanks again!
Rosa Lee
Hi rosa lee. My husband called the hospital yesterday. They said it is normal and to rest on the bed for an hour each day. Bit concerned about his gait but they said that would all be checked next Monday when he goes for his 6 week check. We will ask about physio then too. I actually think the hip is swelling again
Hiya
I'm pleased that youve got some advice from the hospital, but it must be very frustrating for your husband. Ive started resting on the bed with my leg raised each afternoon ~ and invariably end up asleep for a couple of hours!
Take care .. hope the hip swelling settles.
Rosa
Thanks rosa lee hope you recovery is good too. Try not to rush things I find it really hard to know how much is too much or not enough. He is going for walks twice a day as well as exercises in the house