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7 days post op update. Prickly heat and sleeping position.

Posted , 3 users are following.

breeze61
breeze61

Hi All,

Just an update of my progress and some observations. I had posterior TRHR uncemented with general anesthesia 7 days ago.  Because I have an enlarged prostate BPH the anesthesist catheterised me which caused problems because when it was removed my kidneys for some reason stopped producing urine. Whilst I had the catheter I was producing lots of urine but afterwards the bladder didnt seem to be able to fill. Things started working ok within 8 hours but it was a bit of a scare and delayed me going home on the second day. Things are ok in that department now but older men with BPH should look at this further before their op. Once home on the third day I developed prickly heat which is proving to be difficult to shift because up until last night I had to lay on my back where I have the prickly heat which just irritates the area more. I'm washing 4 times a day and applying 1% cortisone creme and taking anti histamine and am seeing the doctor this Wednesday for a check up here. I read in a few places that it was ok to sleep on the un operated leg so gingerly tried it last night and am pleased to say it is both comfortable and stops the prickly heat getting too hot and itchy.

Normal recovery is going well, I think, have been doing all set exercises and for the last two days done 100 and 200 mtrs outside with two crutches. I can do this comfortably but am not wanting to overdo things so early on. I did tell myself that getting to the first week milestone would be good and I would have a lot less pain especially getting in and out of bed but thats not the case. It's just a slow process letting things heal naturally, so I'm now telling myself that 'after two weeks' I should be noticeable better. We will see. I did try  to go painkiller free on the 4th day but gave that notion up quite quickly as the pain I get from changing position, especially in and out of bed is too much. So, since then, Ive been taking 1 tramadol 3 or 4 times a day.

I just think we have to accept that hip replacement is not as pain free or as quick recuperating operation.

I have  my wound checked this Wednesday and hope that will be ok, it feels ok. I'm looking forward to that as it gets me out of the house and if I'm feeling comfortable will take my partner for a well deserved posh coffee

0 likes, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • jean95000
    jean95000 breeze61

    Posted

    I had spinal for my hip and was told that sometimes it can take a little while to pass urine and catheterisation may be required I sat for an hour trying to go as my bladder was full did manage eventually and all was normal after the first time good luck with your recovery 

     

    • breeze61
      breeze61 jean95000

      Posted

      Hi Jean,  Just remembered, I also had an epidural so not passing urine was possibly due to this.

      Thanks for the good wishes, It's nice to have so much support on this site.

      This business is not all bad, I'm getting to lay on our comfy bed and look over sun splattered allotments and even have seen a buzzard early in the mornings.

  • lyn1951
    lyn1951 breeze61

    Posted

    I would not be surprised at all that you are having a reaction to medications, possibility from the general anssestetic, even from the pain killers, can cause rashes for some people.

    ?One thing about lying on your side, put a couch, tightly stuffed, cushion in a couple of pillow cases so it is not ruined, between you knees, sounds terrible, but you will find it helps with your hips, I used one for months after surgery, big help.

    ?If you are walking 100 meters you are doing amazingly well, I was barely out of bed at day seven, and only walking around the house, bed to kitchen, and back to bed, about 20 steps each way,

    While you are still on Tramadol I would not even be going outside, one of the side effects is impaired balance, and perception, if you were to fall it could be a disaster.

    I was told and given opiod meds, very reluctantly, for 14 days and told not to leave house for 10 days, and then only to visit Dr, for dressings change, got off the opiod meds at about 10 days.

    Very relived as I had previously been addicted to opiod meds after cancer surgery, had to slowly withdraw from meds over about a month, didn't happen with double hippie, maybe it was just a combination of meds after cancer.

    ?DO NOT go overdoing it, many on this forum will tell you you can easily overdo it, it is a marathon NOT A SPRINT, this getting well post hip surgery.

    • breeze61
      breeze61 lyn1951

      Posted

      HI lyn,

      Thanks  for the support and the cushion between knee advice. It was good that I could sleep on my side for both a change from being on my back and to get the prickly heat area clear from the mattress.

      Of course you are right to advise me to slow down with the distance and yesterday I just pottered around indoors. Also your warning about tramadon good advice too.

      Tomorrow I get the bandage taken off and renewed and then looking forward to a coffee in our village coffee shop. Of course if I'm feeling too tired or painful will put the coffee off for another day.

      I'm finding that getting in and out of bed is becoming less painful and although its early doors the hip seems comfortable when walking although I can feel the thigh muscles working. I dont intend to come off two crutches just yet and trust me I do get loads of rest.

      Tony

  • anniepaint
    anniepaint breeze61

    Posted

    You sound like you are doing incredibly well breeze. Sorry to hear about the prickly heat that must have been very uncomfortable. Definitely use a pillow between your knees if you are lying on your side and take whatever pain killers you need. I switched from Tramadol to Cocodamol in the second week and continued with them until week 4 when I only needed Panadol. I think I came off panadol at week 6. Don’t overdo the exercise at this early stage and keep getting lots of rest to help your body heal. Great to hear from you 

    Regards

    Ann

    • breeze61
      breeze61 anniepaint

      Posted

      Hi Annie,

      Good to hear from you again and hope you are maintaining your progress. I was half expecting to be advised against walking too much to soon as I know and want to heal well. Prior  to this I was only out of bed for a few hours a day.

      I will check what my consultant said I could take after the tramadon as I could probably manage without it now. 

      Thanks

      Tony

    • anniepaint
      anniepaint breeze61

      Posted

      Yes all going very well here thanks Tony. (Week 10 tomorrow) Swimming 25 lengths of the pool and probably able to do more but am also back to my full aqua class so don’t want to overdo things. Also doing a longer routine in the gym and going there 4 days a week now. Starting my Pilates again at the gym this week too as almost completed the course at the hospital.  Still need to take care getting in and out of the car especially in tight parking spaces. I notice if I can’t get the door fully open to swing my legs round it can feel a bit risky. Apart from that and being very careful about slippy pavements with the recent snow and ice I feel great. All the best for your continuing recovery

      Regards

      Ann

    • breeze61
      breeze61 anniepaint

      Posted

      Hi Annie, 

      You tire me out just reading about your physical exertions. But, can't wait to go back to the gym and use the cycling machine and some upper body stuff.

      I'm having a relaxing day today, just riding into town to  get the dressing changed and checked and then for a coffee out. It will be symbolic getting out for the first time since the op and giving the head something to think about other than hips. I will have the problem of swinging legs out of the car

      which is tricky as you say.

      regards

      Tony

    • anniepaint
      anniepaint breeze61

      Posted

      It might be a good idea to take a cushion with you when you go out. It's surprising how low some seats are in coffee places.  Even the rigid chairs can feel low especially in trendy places and sofas are usually far too low. In these early days it's more comfortable to be a bit higher. I used to take a cushion with me in a big carrier bag. Enjoy your outing

      cheers

      Ann

    • breeze61
      breeze61 anniepaint

      Posted

      Hi Annie,

      I had my dressing changed and it was good to hear the nurse saythe wound 7inches long  was in a good condition and I noticed most of the swelling has gone. I didnt take a cushion and one wasnt needed thankfully. I do find sitting down in different seating can be uncomfortable at first and in the car the support cushioning of the seat seemed to have a massaging affect om my wound area.

      I really enjoyed the coffee afterwards and it gave me a lift.

      Hope you enjoyed your swimming., the nurse today said I only need to wear the waterproof dressing for two more days and then I can disgard totally. So I suppose if I give it another week after that then I should be able to get in a pool.

      Tony

    • lyn1951
      lyn1951 breeze61

      Posted

      My lovely Dr was kind enough to give me the go ahead to get in the pool at about 21 - 22 days, before that he said it wasn't a good idea.

      He inspected my cut very carefully, for any sign of a doubtful patch, I had a tiny little bit of scabbing, and he said it may still be raw underneath, so no Swimming, he told me its just not worth the risk of an infection.

      ?Please be careful, get wife or partner to have a really close look at the cut, other than that swimming, or should I say treading water gently for a start, helped big time, some months later checkup with physio told me my swimming had done me well, I was very strong in a lot of my muscles except one, which caused me some problems, but with the help of advice from physio was able to overcome and strengthen up.

      Best wishes to you.

    • anniepaint
      anniepaint breeze61

      Posted

      Excellent. Glad all is going well with the healing of your wound and you enjoyed your coffee Tony. I didn't start going to the pool until week 5 when I was allowed to drive. This was mainly a logistical thing as I had suspended my gym membership and didn't want to rejoin and pay full price unless I could get myself there rather than trying to rely on lifts from friends. As long as your wound is healed there shouldn't be a problem getting in to do hydrotherapy. It really helps a lot to have the water supporting you doing your exercises. Swimming was not possible until about week 7 or 8 but fine since then. 

      All the best

      Ann

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