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3 weeks post-op

Posted , 10 users are following.

kathy10666
kathy10666

Hi all, just thought I would give an update as to my recovery so far as it was 3 weeks ago today that I had the THR (r/s).

I have no pain, other than when I try to get up and put too much weight on my operated leg. I only take 2 ibuprofen at night with a magnesium tablet to make sure I sleep well.  

I am sleeping better as I can now sleep on my non-operated side for a short while. I normally get woken after a period of time by my operated hip aching  quite badly, so I revert to sleeping on my back. 

I am able to walk quite well around the house with one crutch, although still use two if I'm going out anywhere.  I have tried walking without the crutches, but limp really badly, so will leave that for a while yet. 

I drove my car today for a short drive - my surgeon said that when I could do an emergency stop, he was happy for me to drive. I tried the emergency stop in the car before starting up and was fine. Even though I don't intend going out very much, just knowing that I can drive makes me feel as though I have my independence back. 

I have felt quite emotional at times, and haven't had as much family support as I expected. My Husband has been amazing, but he is at work during the week so I have felt quite lonely and fed up. 

I am having 2 sessions of hydrotherapy a week, which I am really enjoying. The physio is very happy with my progress too. 

Here's to progressing and improving every day. 👍😘

5 likes, 19 replies

19 Replies

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  • cormacrobert
    cormacrobert kathy10666

    Posted

    Keep up the great work Kathy! It sounds like you're right on schedule. I'm at 5 1/2 weeks now and I can honestly tell you it keeps getting better and better! Hang in there and use this group as much as you need. There are some fantastic people here!

    Warmest regards,

    Cormac

  • chuck24117
    chuck24117 kathy10666

    Posted

    Kathy,

    That sounds great I am 10 days on THR r/s . I cant wait to sleep on my side! I was doing good until a swelling  outbreak really set me back.

    Keep on going!

  • sandra67350
    sandra67350 kathy10666

    Posted

    Well done Kathy. I am just 2 weeks ahead of you and as Cormac says it just keeps getting better. I am walking unaided in house but use crutches outside still. I find I'm ok for about 5 mins not actually using them but then my gait changes and I limp a bit. Also I find slopes very difficult, even small ones so then let crutches take my weight. I also drove for about 5 mins today as a tester as I have to drive my other half from hospital on Saturday after procedure with sedation. I did ok. This forum is brilliant. It has helped me so much. I feel I have my life back again. I retired at 60 yrs but being in pain not able to do much. I know in a few months I will be able to start enjoying my retirement finally 😆

    • kathy10666
      kathy10666 sandra67350

      Posted

      Hi Sandra, it's nice to know what I have to look forward to in a couple of weeks. I can't wait to ditch the crutches, even if just around the house. Good luck with your recovery. Best wishes, Kathy x

    • sandra67350
      sandra67350 kathy10666

      Posted

      I know we all recover at different rates but now I am totally weight bearing without pain and have no problems round house and have no limp. When I say I use 2 crutches outside.....I find them a pain as at first I'm walking fine and correctly so although I must look an idiot I carry them 😆. Then I find after about 5 mins my muscles start to pull and twinge and gait changes so I put them on. I don't have to weight bear much to take the twinge away. Also I find slopes pull my muscles. I am doing normal household chores including ironing no problem. I sleep right through (with help of magnesium lol ) and I can sleep on both sides although only for around 15 mins on operated side. Scar area doesn't hurt my leg just seems to go funny sensations. My biggest problem is apart from tiredness and only being able to do short walks I feel normal and sometimes forget I've had it done and go to do silly things like pick something up off the floor 😕. Anyway you're doing great and having a good recovery x

    • kathy10666
      kathy10666 sandra67350

      Posted

      I can relate to everything you've said.  It's so helpful to know that what I am experiencing is normal after this surgery. Xx

    • lynne2521
      lynne2521 sandra67350

      Posted

      Hello Sandra how you say your no longer limping , was you limping bad before. I,m still waiting for my thr, limping like crazy and in much pain in thigh and calf. Can,t start to imagine not limping no more, or even being out of pain . Regards Lynne x
    • sandra67350
      sandra67350 lynne2521

      Posted

      Hi Lynn

      I limped badly ALL the time and could only walk short distances. Every single step was excruciating. When I'd been sitting for a while I couldn't put weight on that leg at all for a couple of minutes. I didn't realise but my other half said I never put my foot flat on floor I tip toed with that leg. Lying down I could not put my leg flat down onto the bed at all it was always bent at knee. I had one leg longer than the other. I always had to have my leg elevated when sitting. I had retired early to enjoy life and could hardly do anything without pain. I did though and paid later big time. Couldn't go anywhere for day out as might of had to walk and couldn't.

      NOW......just four weeks after op I can't walk too far yet but increasing every day. There is no pain from hip at all only from muscles learning to work again. I walk very straight and realise I'm now standing upright. I put both feet down the same (heel to toe). A little stiff if I've been sitting but just shuffle my leg about for few seconds and it's gone. I can now put both legs totally flat when lying down.

      I can honestly say this is the best thing that's happened to me (other than meeting other half 2 yrs ago). I have my life back again and although I still can't do too much I know it's getting better not worse.

      If I was told I needed the other one done there would be hesitation whatsoever.

      Look forward to your op. Prepare well both mentally (that you are going to succeed in this) and physically by staying as active as possible to keep muscles going a bit. Sort your home so items are within reach and everything up to date. I went to Joint School where I was told about dressing aids and movement restrictions. A couple of weeks before I dressed with the aids and kept to the movement restrictions. This made post op a breeze as I was used to it.

      Sorry this is long winded but I am SO happy now. I smile all the time instead of the painful grimace I have had for a couple of years.

      I wish you all the best for your op. Be excited and confident. You're going to get better. Keep us posted xx

    • lynne2521
      lynne2521 sandra67350

      Posted

      Oh Sandra what a lovely description of your journey, 12th September is my op , hopeful it is as it was cancelled for the 5th, keep up the good work and hopeful I will be telling you I,m doing half as good as you seem to be . Heard of many people having hip replacement but never imagined the pain and anxiety they we,'re going through to get there. Feel like I,'ve aged 10 year in last 2 years x x big hug Lynne x x

    • sandra67350
      sandra67350 lynne2521

      Posted

      I felt like I was 100 yrs old instead of 61yrs. Now I feel ten years younger 😆💃. Waiting a week longer whilst disappointing is a small price to pay for your life back. Hopefully it'll go ahead on 12th. Hugs back at ya xx

  • Anne68156
    Anne68156 kathy10666

    Posted

    Hi Kathy. My surgery was just a week ago, so I enjoy seeing how others are doing in the early weeks. Like you, I have no real pain but my muscles are complaining a lot! Hard to get moving first thing in the morning. I have started sleeping on my non-operated side, but when I wake during the night I often turn onto my back. I use a walker around the house, but may be able to start using just a walking cane by the end of the week. 

    I have been having a good cry every morning because I think of all the things that I need to do and how I need help with so much. But each day gets better and my morning crying jags should end soon! Tomorrow I get my bandages off so I will get to see my ugly incisions!

    Good luck with continued progress.

    • jillypops
      jillypops Anne68156

      Posted

      Wow......1 week post op? You're doing so well Anne!! Perhaps go from walker to crutches? Big jump to go from walker to 1 stick. Crutches help with confidence and good walking pattern. Also, if out and about, others give you more space and less likely to brush past you.

      If you have things that desperately need doing - please get others to help you. The rest of to do list can wait!

      You are so right......each day gets better and better. Take it easy . You might be pleasantly surprised re scar - mine is just a line! Was amazed! Xx

  • lynne2521
    lynne2521 kathy10666

    Posted

    Hello kathy sounds like your getting along really well. My op as been delayed from 5th sept till 12th September.  Can,t wait to get on with it . I,ve already had to have few weeks off work , and it does get bit lonely and boring when your so I mobile,  but keep up the good work , big hug ....lynne x x
  • jillypops
    jillypops kathy10666

    Posted

    Hi Kathy - you are doing really well!!

    Think perhaps you could do with bit more than just night-time anti-inflammatories fir your pain. I amd 3.5 weeks post bilateral THR. I take regular co-codamol and have v little pain which enables me to do all my exercises, use exercise bike on lowest setting, drive and walk a fair distance. I too use 2 crutches when out and about for quality of walking ( i tend to waddle without them - physio said it could become an habitual walking pattern). People also give me a wider berth which helps me feel less vulnerable.

    I called friends and asked for help - i found they wanted to help but didn't know what to offer so were happy when i called and asked them to do specific things for me - i use messenger a lot too so set up a group chat - called it 'Jilly's Angels' and added names of those who had offered or i felt would help. That way they could decide between them who could help when and what they could help with. Worked well for me and i felt i could cope as i live with my teenage daughter who helps a bit, but not with personal stuff.

    It is normal to feel emotional - i am crying at everything at the moment!! We are all here to talk whenever you feel the need if friends aren't around. Big hugs to you. Xx

    • kathy10666
      kathy10666 jillypops

      Posted

      Thank you Jilly. You have given me some good tips for next time as I will have to have my left hip done at some point. 

      The feeling of isolation but not wanting to be a burden is a horrid feeling. Especially after always being so independent. Thankfully I am more mobile now so don't need so much help. Xx

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