2 days post op and feeling vulnerable and in pain

LDW, my sympathies to you for your pain and distress post-surgery! I hated every single minute that I was in the hospital for 4 days. I probably only slept an hour or so a day, for many reasons, I was in pain and had big difficulties with mobility. By far the worst days were the first two. I am hoping that things will get better for you every day. By the time I got home, my pain was very well controlled and I was able to get much more sleep there as well. Those two things helped enormously! I hope that will be the case for you, too.

LDW, Good for you for reaching out! Lots of wisdom and many big hearts on this site!

I have had two THRs since Dec. 1 and am still very much in recovery. First one was easier, second one had more swelling, pain and bruising. Either way, you are right, it IS a huge shock (TRAUMA!) to the body. I think my soul is in more recovery than my body at some times. (like when I stand in the shower and sob)

I too struggled to get in and out of bed and even though it's much easier now than in the first two weeks, I still lie there as long as my bladder will allow. It doesn't help that it's February and 5 degrees outside....you do get through it. You just keep starting over and beginning again. The courage of baby steps.

I have not found the path of healing to be particularly linear either. Meaning Thursday I had a great day, Friday was a total washout involving crying and great discouragement and today was sort of neutral. I hold myself accountable for eating as well as I can, doing my exercises as best as I can and resting when I can. I also accept whatever help is offered.

I wish you well heading home and I know that you will find comfort on this forum.  Gail

AND THIS IS JUST MY OPINION but no matter what else, it will feel SO SWEET to get out of the hospital and get home!! No better medicine!!  

Hi LTW

what you are going through is perfectly normal although I would still go see your GP or at least get a phone consultation and get your pain under control. No need to suffer like you are. I have gone through two hip replacements in 9 months. Both have been so different. This time I am in a lot more pain and swelling than at the same point last time. I am one of the lucky ones who can actually take oramorph and have no ill effects. But my main pain meds are co codamol and I only take the morphine if I really have to. There are other pain meds you can get that should not cause you issues. So please don't suffer get your meds sorted 👍

Hi LDW

Am 4 weeks post op and last night was the first I had in my own bed; although had to get out for a loo visit a couple of times. Have always found sleeping difficult and have used a recliner most

of the time. Lying on your back and getting nerve spasms makes it hard to relax wherever you lie down.

Like you I also found that the painkillers they give you when you

leave hospital are not enough and my GP gave me tramadol. It

eased the pain alright but as with all opioids it plays with your

head. So by week 2 I managed to force myself off the tramadol,

suffering horrible side effects, and now rely on paracetamol and

Ibuprofen. Like you I will try to avoid opioids in future.

Hope this helps.

Dear LDW, 

How are you today? That really sucks to be in so much pain and I am so sorry to hear this - 

The 2nd day post-op is not fun - I had GA and after the anesthetic around wound had worn off, it was painful- fortunately my surgeon had told me that this would happen so I expected it.

Everything will feel funny and weird for some time , darling - Your whole body has been out of whack for a long time, ; it is sort of corrected now (big major traumatic event)) - now comes the time to start walking again, properly - 

but first things first --- get home, rest, do your foot pumps and ankle rotations (jn bed) ; exercises - ease into this routine - 

be very gentle with your self - 

big warm hug 

all is well 

renee

 

Sounds totally normal - especially as you seem to have a problem with opiates.

It's not the 'nice and easy' "procedure" the medical profession keep dressing it up as, it's a major trauma to your system, and you must expect some pain, but this should pass in the next 2 weeks, and you will suddenly find you have turned a corner and don't have thet awful OA 'lightning bolt down the leg' feeling any more.

Best wishes

Graham - 🚀💃