1. Community
  2. Operations and surgical procedures
  3. Hip Replacement

Day 7 post op - what should I be doing / be able to do?

Posted , 10 users are following.

jools2512
jools2512

I am 1 week post total left hip replacement, and am a bit confused as to what / how much I should be doing, or be able to do. I have struggles with nausea, low appetite and fatigue with a new iron deficiency anaemia that was picked up on day 2 blood tests. I can tell already that the grinding pain is gone, but am having quite a lot of wound / muscle pain and tightness. I can walk quite well on two crutches, but so far apart from inside the house have only been back to the hospital twice for dressing changes as the wound is leaking a lot of serous fluid. I can manage the prescribed physio exercises, get myself in and out of bed and wash and dress but I haven't been out for a 'walk' yet, which apparently is the main form of our recovery??. Also struggling with attention span and interests - is this normal?

0 likes, 14 replies

14 Replies

  • sandra67350
    sandra67350 jools2512

    Posted

    Hi Jools.

    I can only relate my experience. I was less attentive as well. Think it's to do with anaesthetic etc. I was much the same as you at this stage just mainly resting. I then started very short walks outside. Especially with anaemia you should keep energetic exercises to a minimum until things have balanced out.

    Good luck on future recovery.

    Sandra x

    • jools2512
      jools2512 sandra67350

      Posted

      Thanks for your reply Sandra, I know I will improve, and it's been invaluable reading people's stories on the forum; so I'm not as clueless as I could have been. I think you are raring to go after being so awful pre - op too. I will look after myself though and do things carefully for now, and carry on improving!   smile

  • lisa31002
    lisa31002 jools2512

    Posted

    Rest, rest, rest, do your exercises and eat regular good meals ! 🌻

    • jools2512
      jools2512 lisa31002

      Posted

      Thanks Lisa, I shall. Maybe you just expect too much of yourself at first!
  • Rocketman_SG6UK
    Rocketman_SG6UK jools2512

    Posted

    Sounds very normal to me - my attention span was like that of a goldfish - about 2 seconds eek.  I had terrible trouble with it when I returned to work.

    We all heal at different rates, but I did put my blog of my two recoveries cry on my website, which should give you some idea of recovery rate.

    My address is in my personal info here ...

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

    and at the bottom of the moderator's "useful resources" page at

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

    Best wishes

    Graham - 🚀💃 🤸    ¯\_(?)_/¯

    • jools2512
      jools2512 Rocketman_SG6UK

      Posted

      Thanks Graham, you are the grand - daddy of hip surgery and I have taken a lot of useful info from your posts already. At least all my books, films, mags ( and finally online study as I thought I would run out of things! ) won't go to waste, but perhaps not for the first couple of weeks!. 

  • RichardKen
    RichardKen jools2512

    Posted

    Dear Jools

    I would say that a priority is to get the seeking wound really under control.  Strengthening the muscles that support your hip are part of the key to full recovery and at this stage preventing a dislocation which is something we all dread.

    Respect the 90 degree rule and spend as much of your first few weeks as you can tolerate doing the exercises and soon you will find that you are walking (using both crutches) better and better.  The aim is to be walking correctly and with a good gait without any tendency to limp before discarding the crutches.

    All the best

    Richard

    • jools2512
      jools2512 RichardKen

      Posted

      Thanks Richard, I shall be seeing Outpatient team tomorrow, I think the leaking may have settled. I'm trying really hard with the 90 degree rule, but it's not easy is it?

  • Jodi-France
    Jodi-France jools2512

    Posted

    Well in France I didn't even got out of the hospital until the 7th day.

    Don't worry, right at the tail end of week 3 & during week four you will make a very rapid improvement. Up until that time you will make only incremental improvements and will be quite tired. You have been through a lot, rest.

  • carol_ann68169
    carol_ann68169 jools2512

    Posted

    Hi Jools

    I was also diagnosed with anaemia after THR operation 

    Rather than supplements(they can cause nausea) I just ate lots of iron rich food and have slowly regained my strength, attention span and well being. I am 13 day’s post op and am doing the physio every hour, if I can, and have taken some short walks around the village. I am 52 so am quite strong, using crutches is very tiring though. Just try to do a bit extra every day, keep moving and don’t be too hard on yourself. You have had major surgery and rest is a big part of the recuperation x

    • jools2512
      jools2512 carol_ann68169

      Posted

      Hi Carol Ann, yes, I'm trying the iron rich food and just one tablet a day instead of three. I have a feeling I was a bit low pre - op. but as I had my bloods 10 weeks before surgery ( I was cancelled in July) and they didn't re - check Haemoglobin (local policy if you have had blood tests in the previous 12 weeks they suffice), only another sample in case transfusion was required. I am fairly fit too, but it's been absolutely pouring with rain at any point I have been ready to go out so far, and I can't wait to get out for some fresh air. I've been very good doing my exercises, and I can tell they are working as I can do the ones I couldn't in hospital, and of course I'm pottering about as well. I'm less good at resting however!

  • renee01952
    renee01952 jools2512

    Posted

    Hi Jools, 

    How are you doing, darling?

    Remember that you just had major invasive surgery  your body is in healing mode .. this takes a lot of energy, not only physically, but also mentally and emotionally -- 

    there are no "should's" here as we heal at our own pace --- just allow your body to do it in her own time - 

    you will have plenty of time to help her along, but for now, be very gentle and kind with your self -

    easy flowing - no need to force anything right now - your body is letting you know what she needs, so you'd better listen to her, okay ...

    you are doing great !

    big warm hug

    renee

     

    • jools2512
      jools2512 renee01952

      Posted

      Thank you so much Renee, your posts are lovely and inspirational. I think I'm doing OK. although first cry today which was a bit of a shock, as it was over something completely trivial. I think it's difficult when your life is a big mad rush normally it's hard to think it's ok to relax a little, but you are right that your body is good at telling you, and you must listen. Thank you for the hug ! lol

    • Tink67
      Tink67 jools2512

      Posted

      I am so glad I came across these emails, I have had bilateral knees replaced  a few years ago,  and my right hip done last year and my left one just 6 days ago, but feel worse with this hip then last. I think I should be doing everything and I am not good on getting help and I feel depressed, I did not last year with my right hip. Also I am having numbness in my foot, which is also new. Just needed a forum to write, no one else gets it. Thank you

       

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.