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Concerns

Posted , 8 users are following.

redduke
redduke

Hello,

 This is my first ever post.

On Tuesday Dec 1st 2015 I had a THR in France (I live there). The operation went well and I was walking the second day after the operation.

On Monday Dec 7, the hospital said it was OK for me to go home, so I did.

Not sure what happened but on Dec 8 in the evening I found that it was very painful to walk forward on my operated leg (right) but OK to walk backwards! I went to bed and thought maybe I'd overdone it and it would be OK in the morning - but unfortunately it wasn't. I called the hospital and they asked me to come in straight away. When I got there they gave me an x-ray and found the new hip had dislocated - aparently this is quite rare.

That same afternoon I had the dislocated hip put back into position.

An x-ray was taken the next day and all looked fine and I walked a bit with the physio. They said I was OK to go home as all seems fine.

So now I am home and taking it VERY carefully when I walk about the house. 

The problem is that the new hip joint feels that it may be moving again and my right leg (the operated side) is quite expanded. I have the surgical socks on but obviously I feel very tentative.

I haven't looked into it yet but I'm thinking about going into convalescence home as I am on my own most of the day until the other half comes home in the evening.

Has anybody else experienced these problems I am going thorugh and maybe can offer a bit of encouragement as I am unsure how this is going to pan out?

Thanks,

Simon

 

2 likes, 33 replies

33 Replies

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  • renee01952
    renee01952 redduke

    Posted

    Hi Redduke,

    Oh dear, that doesn;t sound good ... How did that happen? To be honest, I don;t think I would feel comfortable being by myself with a moving hip-joint ...

    Can you have it checked again, to make sure that the joint is correclty placed in the socket? 

    I am sorry I can't help you much here -

    Big warm hug and be careful

    renee

    • redduke
      redduke renee01952

      Posted

      We (myself and the surgeon) do not know why this has happened. I have followed all the rules as far as I can see I have my first home physio on Monday. I will discuss with them my concerns and see what they think. A new x-ray may be good idea but it's a 200 mile round trip so I'll see what the physio advises. Thanks you very much for your repsonse. It's obviously a very trying time for my wife and myself.
  • Rocketman_SG6UK
    Rocketman_SG6UK redduke

    Posted

    Certainly you need to take it carefully - have you seen the info on dislocation risks in Bonesmart website - the link is in the pinned thread "THR Useful Resources" at the top of the Hip forum.

    Graham

    • redduke
      redduke Rocketman_SG6UK

      Posted

      Thank-you Graham. I have followed the insuction I received from the hospital but I will certainly have a look at the pinned thread now to see if there is anything I have overlooked.
  • deborah26839
    deborah26839 redduke

    Posted

    Did you have the posterior and were you given the 90 degree restriction. At first you have to be careful to not lean forward while sitting straight up, don't cross legs even at ankles, have a pillow between your legs so that the operated leg doesn't go past your belly button while sleeping, don't twist or lean sideways to pick something up. I went to a rehab for 2 weeks after because I was alone.
    • redduke
      redduke deborah26839

      Posted

      I have not broken any of those rules you mention above and I do sleep with a pillow bewteen my legs. I think the rehab is looking more necessaryin order to make sure all facets of my recovery are monitored. But if I get that into place I think it will take a few days to arrange this sort of care. Thanks for your comments.
  • Rocketman_SG6UK
    Rocketman_SG6UK redduke

    Posted

    Dislocation is about the biggest risk - even so, it is rare as we are told to take so much care to minimise it.  In fact, I think you are the first I have heard that has dislocated.

    Best wishes

    Graham

    • redduke
      redduke Rocketman_SG6UK

      Posted

      As I maybe the first then I will certainly keep the forum informed to my progress along with any adviice or reasons for my situation. My visit from the physio on Mnaday can't come soon enough. But thanks for all yoir concerns and input - that does help of course.
    • deborah26839
      deborah26839 redduke

      Posted

      I know that the head is much smaller than the head in a normal hip and until the tendons and muscles tighten around the hip to hold it in place you need to be careful. They say this is why physical therapy is important at first to tighten those muscles up. Even wipeing after going to the bathroom can dislocate if not done correctly, you are not suppose to turn at waist it's best to stand and reach behind you, it's a pain but doable. It was mentioned to look at Bonesmart site, they have a nurse you can ask questions. You might be very surprised at what slight wrong move can dislocate you. Good luck.
    • redduke
      redduke deborah26839

      Posted

      I will keep my eye on this thread but will try and get in contact with the nurse you mention.

      One other point. My operated-sde leg if very heavy and the nurse who visited me this mrning to change my dressings ssay that I have Edema - s sympton of liquied retention that goes from my thigh downto my ankle. I have the surgical socks and my wife has goone to the chemist to get some type of oil that has been prescribed by my surgeon. I have tried usiing ice-packs but they only have a temporary effect and I do not get much relief from them. Is this a normal post-op sympton would you know?

    • Loral
      Loral redduke

      Posted

      I had Edema too, elevate your leg above your heart a few times a day. Stack pillows on an angle. It helped with my swelling.
    • redduke
      redduke Loral

      Posted

      Thanks Loral. I will ty that as soon as I can this afternoon.
    • redduke
      redduke Loral

      Posted

      So would keepng a pillow under my leg overnight be OK would you know please, Loral?
    • deborah26839
      deborah26839 redduke

      Posted

      That is called here in US as log leg, and can happen to different degrees in different people. I had it to some extent, drink lots of water, I know, off to the bathroom/loo all the time but it does help and yes keep your leg above your heart at least one hour a day but elevate as often as you can. Pillows are okay but be sure it is a gradual ramp so your whole leg is on pillows not just the foot or you will have pressure on your knee. I am 14 weeks and still get swelling around both knees sometimes, especially if I don't drink enough water. I like this site because there is more one on one with many people but Bonesmart has the nurse, 35 years orthopedic experience, I believe she is 71 years old and also been through all this herself. I learned a lot from her and the moderators but then found this site so I try to spread the knowledge😃you can also find resources on this site from Bonesmart but you can ask a nurse question and sometimes that makes you feel better right away.
    • Loral
      Loral redduke

      Posted

      I do, I bought a angled pillow from Amazon that angles up to over 12" tall. I have a bad back too so this pillow takes pressure off my spine also.
    • redduke
      redduke deborah26839

      Posted

      "Log leg" sounds about right. I am going to increase my water consumption (and "output" no doubt and follow your and Loral's advice about keeping my leg raised.

      I have now signed up with bonesmart and somebody responded and will sent a msg to the nurse to contact me.

      Thanks again.

    • redduke
      redduke Loral

      Posted

      I will have a look on Amazon...thanks Loral.
    • deborah26839
      deborah26839 redduke

      Posted

      I saw you on Bonesmart, you talked with Jaycey the moderator, she will get you hooked up with the nurse. You will also hear from Nana probably who will send you the mantras to follow. They are very informative.
    • jennifer531
      jennifer531 Loral

      Posted

      Can I ask which pillow exactly that you bought? I would like to make sure I get the same one. Thank you! Such great info here smile
    • Loral
      Loral jennifer531

      Posted

      I bought Mabis Healthcare DMI Foam Bed Wedge Leg Rest Back Support Pillow, White, 12 x 24 x 24.
    • redduke
      redduke deborah26839

      Posted

      Having found these sites, I will be on them quite frequently from now on. I do not feel so isolated after having chatting to all of you.
    • jennifer531
      jennifer531 redduke

      Posted

      I feel exactly the same. It's so helpful and supportive. Best wishes.
    • Rocketman_SG6UK
      Rocketman_SG6UK redduke

      Posted

      Best of luck there - we'll all be looking out for your progress.  That's what is so wonderful about this forum, the love and concern for each other, all joined by the special shared experience of THR.

      Graham

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