Feeling rubbish six weeks after thr
Posted , 30 users are following.
hi everybody, I had new hip six weeks ago walking very well but still feel awful very tired as not been able to sleep for more than three to four hours in the night and constant trips to the loo, even though I have not had a drink after 7pm, I don't remember feeling so lethargic when I had my other hip done 8 years ago. I still need the odd painkiller solpadol usually or paracetamol, any tips out there to get my energy and sleep pattern back to normal, I have tried sleeping tabs they only last three to four hours, I find it too difficult to sleep on side as yet, what a pickle I have got myself into, oh by the way I am 73.
1 like, 56 replies
janet86017 ann66359
Posted
I can relate to what you are saying.I too was walking well(I am64) but the lack of sleep was a nightmare! At 9 weeks post op it is better but now I am off the strong pain relief it is the pain that disturbs me.I have been prescribed amytiptyline for pain and also sleep.The feeling of wondering what we have done also seems common!All the best with your recovery.It will get better
Janet
ann66359 janet86017
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bet88098 ann66359
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Hello Ann, I'm 80. Had hip done 7weeks ago. Sleep pattern was very bad, but as am now able to sleep on side managing g to sleep better. Agree with youBout the lethargy, come back from a walk and feel really tired. Saw cons. Last week and he was really pleased so tend to think I'm back to normal,forgetting it was a major op. Just a slight muscle ache when I have been walking. Will have a word with physio next week. So many young people seem to be having it done, haven't come across many near my age. Hope you sleep better soon, makes such a difference. Good luck.
terri11042 ann66359
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Hi ann!
Yes, it does take time for things to 'gel' and your system to get back to normal. The anesthetic ( I presume you had a general) is sometimes a doozy to try and rid your system of and it takes some longer than others. And........I do believe age has something to do with it, takes a little longer. And.....it's been 8 years for you, so that makes somewhat of a difference too. Have you tried asking your Dr. for a sleeping prescription? I presume these 'sleeping tabs' are over the counter? He may be able to give you something to help in that area. It's a very common (and miserable) side effect of this surgery! And......he may be able to give you a painkiller that doesn't make you so lethargic, but yet still works well. Hang in there! It gets better as time goes on. It's a process and not an 'overnight sensation' so to speak, as you know all too well. Nap during the day, if you can, and be easy on yourself.
Hugs to you!!
Terri
ann66359 terri11042
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Mollyjr ann66359
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I am 6 weeks po in two days. I wake up in middle of nite also. Recently someone gave me an over the counter sleep aid from Walgreens and I slept thru nite. I don't take every nite even tho it says non-addicting. I try to sit or rest for an hour during the day which may help also. As for making the bed, I've done it twice with no probs. I have a high queen size bed. I can sleep on opposite side with pillow between legs.
elaine23679 ann66359
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I still have to have at least an hour in the mornings after coffee and breakfast none of which are unbroken sleeps. I would love to sleep through either of my sleeps without keep waking but it will come.
Our bodies have been through an awful lot and all spare energy is going to the healing....
I am still on Tramadol, Naproxin in the mornings and night, and paracetamol and ibufon lunch and tea time.
We all take it differently so do not feel you are not coping. I have good days and bad days .... I am only 56 old.. some days feel 106..
celaine_30095 elaine23679
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Wow Elaine...you're amazing. I'm Celaine and just turned 59 and had my 4th hip replacement 6.5 weeks ago.
We have things in common.
Can't believe you did both at once, dear Lord have mercy! How long will you be out of commission and were they anterior or posterior incisions ??
ann66359 elaine23679
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adamjackman ann66359
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Hi Ann
My hip replacement was six weeks ago last Friday. Sleep is still an issue for me too. I am having some success with sleeping tablets (Zopiclone), I am on a low dose, but can get higher if needed.
Dis you go back to your GP and say they weren't working.
Are you eating well to keep your energy up?
elaine23679 adamjackman
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adamjackman elaine23679
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My GP was very happy to give me sleeping tablets, but I was only prescribed paracetamol for pain relief. I was also given sime Morphine just in case, but have taken that back.
I had a body pillow for the first couple of weeks and it really helped. I'm only 38 so healing is probably a bit easier for me.
The biggest thing to remember is that we all heal at our own pace and we have to be patient.
ann66359 adamjackman
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adamjackman ann66359
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Sorry to hear it didn't make a difference. Once I am asleep I tend to stay asleep, so I am only really using them to get to sleep in the first place.
Sissyr ann66359
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Hi Ann,
I am the one who has an unthinkable femoral palsy as a result of my THR three years ago. But to your weakness dilemma. Have you had your blood checked? Specifically for hematocrit levels? Normal for an adult female is around 40- 45.( U S ). A low hematocrit will result in fatigue, lethargy, generally feeling unwell. Don't know where you are or your medical protocols, but they need to check crit levels pre and post surgery. I, too, was a lump after surgery, so much so I could hardly stand up. Finally they checked hematocrit status and it was dangerously low. It resulted in five blood transfusions for me. My hematocrit was totally normal going into surgery. Super low after surgery meant there was a bleed somewhere from surgery that was never explored. They just kept infusing blood.
This is a worst case scenario. I am 73 now too. My crit is normal now, but I'm partially paralyzed for life from other mistakes made during my surgery.
I live in the United States and in a highly touted 'medical' city. Hope you get better soon.
PS. THR is a most serious surgery and takes a lot out of the patient. All posts on this excellent site speak loud and clear to that fact. Be patient, Healing takes time. Most important is that you be your own advocate!! Ask questions! You are a number on a chart, but yours is the only number/body you have!👏👍
ann66359 Sissyr
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