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Bruising

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jenny03900
jenny03900

Hello again. Five days post op now (L THR) and yesterday was by far the worst. Lots of pain, headache etc. Feel loads better today though and have even managed a proper wash with my husband's help. I have clean hair! Yay!

One question today. I've noticed I now have an enormous amount of bruising- yellow and sort of green around the top of my leg and inside my thigh and a black and purple bruise at the back of my knee. I didn't notice them until today when I was properly stripped off for a wash in daylight!

I'm sure this is normal too and will fade with time. Anyone any thoughts about how to help it all go down? I've been taking Arnica tablets since the op so it doesn't look like they've done much! Any other suggestions? The wound site is very puffy still and hurts when I walk.

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • renee01952
    renee01952 jenny03900

    Posted

    hi jenny, 

    Oh yeah ... clean hair makes such a difference, doesn't it ... 

    I am happy to hear that you are feeling better today .. it is all part of the healing that is taking place and will take place for some time to come ...

    After my 1st (R) THR surgery I  was so bruised and had a hand imprint on back of my thigh -

    In my own words :

    the hip joint needs to be forcefully dislocated (after muscles and tendons are cut) and then removed from socket - a lot of pulling, twisting and what not ...

    then cavity will be worked on so ball snugly fits - also in the femur ---

    hard ware will be  sort of hammered in and leg put back in socket with prothesis -

    not very gently - 

    you can see this on the live surgery video on youtube (not for the weak of stomach) or watch the 3d animated version ..

    It'll fade away - maybe you can rub Arnica gel or cream on it - 

    When on operating table for 2nd THR Iasked (same) surgeon to handle me with care ... He apparently did, cause no bruises !!!!

    Swelling and wound pain is normal at this stage ... Do you staples ? 

     Be gentle with yourself - first week(s) can be rough ... 

    come back here anytime, okay

    big warm hug

    renee

     

    • jenny03900
      jenny03900 renee01952

      Posted

      Hi Renee,

      Thanks for that. I gather I have dissolvable stitches rather than staples. I was told to keep the dressing on for two weeks, after which time I can take it off to see if it's dry. I have another one to put on if it isn't.

      Reading other people's stories has really helped me so I'll keep posting.

  • Rocketman_SG6UK
    Rocketman_SG6UK jenny03900

    Posted

    I well remember my first shower - it was bliss 🚿, clean hair and body.

    As Renee says bruising is totally normal in early days, and will subside. The operation is so brutal - you wouldn't believe it. 🙉

    Have you seen my website - compiled from others on this forum, the website address is in my personal info here ...

       https://patient.info/forums/profiles/rocketman-sg6uk-907025

    and on the moderator's "useful resources" page at

       https://patient.info/forums/discuss/thr-useful-resources-487147

    Best wishes

    Graham - 🚀👨

    • jenny03900
      jenny03900 Rocketman_SG6UK

      Posted

      Thank you Graham. I've had a look at your links - interesting stuff. I also watched the surgery on YouTube - wow, no wonder we're bruised and sore and in pain! It's wonderful that they can do it but .. ooh, brutal process 😳

    • maureen44782
      maureen44782 jenny03900

      Posted

      It's major surgery...no wonder we are black and blue.  The blood test I had taken recently left a brutish bruise for three weeks, what chance total hip replacement?  I think our blood count drops which makes the bruising worse.

  • judith12644
    judith12644 jenny03900

    Posted

    Hi Jenny, the bruising is completely normal. All the blood seepage from the operation. It gradually goes further down your leg. Try and put your feet up in the evenings , and also a cold pack helps the bruising and swelling. Take it easy.
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