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

Effect of operation on finger nails

Posted , 11 users are following.

Guest
Guest

I am 12 weeks post op and have noticed that my nails are looking a bit dry.  On further investigation I noticed that I have a horizontal ridge on each finger nail at roughly the same height from the base.  Finger nails apparently grow about 3mm a month and as the ridges are almost 1 cm from the base it looks like the effects of the op are showing on my nails.  Has anyone else noticed this?

1 like, 19 replies

19 Replies

Next
  • sarah1996
    sarah1996 Guest

    Posted

    I havent had issues with my nails but i have been having issues with my skin. I udually have got skin but skin op I have been peeling layers of skin of my ear, arms, forehead and scalp. Its very odd
    • Guest
      Guest sarah1996

      Posted

      I had peeling skin but I think that is was because I couldn't shower for 6 weeks (couldn't get into bath) and strip washing isn't the same, in the end I had to buy a step to get in to shower as my restrictions were in place for 12 weeks..  My leg skin was very flaky but I had TED stockings for 6 weeks.
    • sarah1996
      sarah1996 Guest

      Posted

      Iv never thought of that. It was just the ear thing that got me haha. I only have a bath so obviously strip washing but its killing me.

      How long post op are you? How long did it take for the operated leg to feel normal to touch again? Xx

    • Guest
      Guest sarah1996

      Posted

      I am 12 weeks post op.  My scar still feels a bit sore and still slightly swollen and the area just behind the scar (towards the buttock) is still numb.  The leg sort of feels normal now that the swelling has almost gone (but ankle still swells) and I have noticed today that bending my knee now feels normal and I can now bend it more than 90 degrees, before it felt very stiff.
    • sarah1996
      sarah1996 Guest

      Posted

      Ahh i see.

      Just i got my mam to shave my leg and put mostirising cream on it and the feeling of it was pure torturs. I real hope the feeling wears of xx

  • bini31328
    bini31328 Guest

    Posted

    Hi Wendy - yes anaesthetics and other meds can affect hair , skin and nails - annoying to say the least but should only be a temporary thing . They can be Beau's lines - which indicate systemic health issues - in this case the traumatic shock to the system caused by the surgery. Stops the nail growing for a day or two and you get the lines where they start re growing . Look it up on nails Dot Com and there's a fair bit of info xxxxxx
    • Guest
      Guest bini31328

      Posted

      Hi Bini, yes I thought it was that, just goes to show the impact this op has on the body.
  • suzie56
    suzie56 Guest

    Posted

    Yes I have got a ridge on half of my finger nails don't know why it's not all of them, can't see my toes, had a pedicure at 2 weeks post op so they are lovely and red.  I have been using bio oil on my scar and noticed that my nails didn't look as dry - not sure if it's just coincidence.  I usually have a mass of curly hair too at the moment this is wavey, my sister is my hairdresser and noticed it is thinner too.  But the hair thing happened when I had my 2 kids also, so not worried, my body just needs to divert the goodness elsewhere temporarily - I hope. Hope you don't worry about it too much, major amount of nutrition being used to heal our bodies so when this journey is over I'm sure we'll be back to normal.  
    • Guest
      Guest suzie56

      Posted

      My hair is very fine and I have noticed that it is very dull.  I have been using bio oil on my scar too, maybe I could try rubbing some into my nails.  I am unable to cut my toe nails on the op leg, so I think a trip to a podiatrist is required, but have never been to one before.
  • basia58126
    basia58126 Guest

    Posted

    Hi, didn't have the problem with nails but did become very spotty for a few weeks and still having hair loss. Think it's a combination of anaesthetic/medication, lack of sleep and body using up all available resources to heal. Guessing this will all calm down in a few months...
    • Guest
      Guest basia58126

      Posted

      Yes I think that a lack of sleep may also cause some of these health issues.  My skin appears dull and thin which I think may be partially caused by lack of sleep.  For months before the op I had difficultly sleeping due to hip pain, and now I can't sleep on my sides (op side is still too sore and my "good" leg is also causing me more OA pain), and find it difficult to sleep on my back.  Have tried sleeping tablets from the chemist but they don't seem to work.  Oh for a good nights sleep..
    • basia58126
      basia58126 Guest

      Posted

      I sympathise. I have run out of sleeping pills but use nytol occasionally which you can buy over the counter. It helps me fall asleep but, Trouble is it doesn't stop me waking up after 3 or 4 hours with the pain of moving. Lack of sleep is utterly depressing...  I am 10 weeks post op and can not sleep on operated side as still too sore but can on my other side of I get creative with some pillow, as long as I stay still, which obviously, once I am asleep doesn't work for long! Sorry to hear your other hip is also causing you pain, will you have that hip done as well if your OA pain is bad? Or have you tried steroid injections? They did help me for a couple of years.

      Good luck sleeping tonight all you lovely hippies! xx

    • janie33718
      janie33718 Guest

      Posted

      I totally relate.  As I mentioned before, I am 4 months post op.  Sleep is still a major concern.  I never stay asleep more than 2 hours at a time.  It's off and on all night long.  I have been using the nyquil sleep stuff and it helps me fall asleep but staying asleep is the problem.  I read somewhere (and it seems like my Dr also said) that it takes about a year to get our sleep patterns back to normal.  You're absolutely right about the effects on the skin too.
  • janie33718
    janie33718 Guest

    Posted

    I am 4 months post op.  My nails are in pretty good shape now, but my hair has been a total disaster since the surgery.  It is so dry, feels like straw and doesn't seem to grow.  No amount of conditioning, pampering, etc helps.  It seems to have been totally traumatized by the surgery.  I am taking multiple vitamins along with vitamin e and bioton.   On a postivie note, my surgery was a huge success.. I'm so thankful I can walk without pain again!  smile
    • Guest
      Guest janie33718

      Posted

      I know what you mean about the hair, mine looks so dull and as you say straw-like.  I am thinking of having it cut shorter to see if that helps to make it look healthier.
Back to top
Next

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.