3 days post op- any advice please

Hi Petra

Thanks for all the advice. Just having been through this all before i can offer you some advice!

Try to sleep on your new hip in periods of 2/3 mins and it will take you at least up to the 15 week period before you can sleep for any longer on your new hip.

As for sleep it will eventually come back. It took me a long time to get proper sleep but have to admit i remember going off all meds pretty early after op

What was the recommended time you took of work. I was told at least 12 weeks but i am on my feet all day. Just wondering how you cope with a crutch at work.

Hoping sleep gets better for you and do believe it will.

Mary

Theres a handy device I used just for that purpose in the early days. I bought it while in the hospital in a "hip kit". Works great til your muscles are strong enough to left on your own. Good luck!

Deborah

Hi Stargate,

I also remember (2 THRs last one 13 weeks ago) how hard getting in bed was.

TRICK / TIP I used a gait belt (could also use an exercise band). The gait belt because it is thick and strong and 6 feet long did the trick. I would make a loop - think of a jump rope held in your hands by both ends (creates loop on the floor) - put foot of THR into the loop, hold on to the ends of rope, when you lay down the gravity of you laying back and holding (and guiding) the belt/rope up will pull your leg up straight and into bed.

I used this technique getting into and out of bed and onto couch and off. I controlled the swelling with bags of frozen corn (we were out of peas LOL) and elevating most of the day. I did tend to overdo it with the 2nd hip because I felt so good - out but the swelling made me come back down to a manageable level of daily exercise. Best to always listen to our bodies.

Hope this helps

Well done! Lots of rest this weekend X

Hi Mary,

As others have said the lifting strap they give you is a brilliant piece of equipment. I have to say one thing I found that made my life easier ( even though my hubby thought I was mad!), was getting into bed upside down, so that my operated leg could be lifted in last. This meant I didn't have to struggle getting my leg in first and towards the centre of the bed, and it was easier to get myself out in the middle of the night using the lifting strap to get the leg out. Obviously hubby had to sleep the same way or that would have been completely nuts! Gradually I became more mobile and switched back to being the right way round in the bed. If I have to have the other hip done in time it will be a bonus as it will be the 'outside' leg so won't have to try the upside down trick again! Wishing you good luck and a speedy recovery

Hi all

Thanks for all the advice. Its getting easier now getting into bed. Putting my food under my sore leg works the best for me.

On other matters, actually ventured outside yesterday and went for small walk. Was so happy to get out. Still doing my exercises and managing a bit if housework too. (under my husbands supervision lol)

And finding sleeping on my back not too bad.

Think all the meds i am on is making me sleepy!

I think having already gone through this i know whats ahead so this makes the recovery easier. Still very swollen but hospital said it will eventually go down.

And i'm based in Ireland if this helps anyone.

Mary

there are leg raising aides the hospital should have went over all the help aides with you before you were released. see hip aides , and the robe strap can help as mentioned. see youtube videos for instructions for various hip surgery aides . sending lots of healing angels to help you on your journey. or search thru the moderator help at top of page.

The nurses should be helping to guide your leg. It took me at least a week to start doing it on my own.

Good luck.

Georgette

Just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who gave me advice. It's day 10 now and cant believe how quick time is going.

Best piece if advice i will give to any new hippies, is to listen to your body. I can now go for a fairly ok walk outside and this helps but yesterday when i went a bit longer than i should, i came back feeling shattered but took myself off to bed and had a nap.

Pain level seems to be improving and now taking less meds so this is good.

Hope everyone else is improving and sending well wishes to all

Mary