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First assessment today...

Posted , 6 users are following.

briskwalk
briskwalk

I can now have a proper shower because the plaster has been removed.

I had a look at the scar and it looks horrible, even if the nurse said it's "fantastic, clean and neat"...I have to apply cream and massage it every day to make it supple. Nivea cream is ok, she said.

I am now using a walking stick instead if crutches. I was using only one crutch around the house and the nurse sort of told me off because it's bad for us. She coudn't explain why. Also when I told her that I put a pillow under my legs in bed, she was horrified and asked me to stop immediately, I have to turn right or left but with a pillow between legs, not under! More exercises given, some of them so hard I coudn't do...

Anyway, I am feeling better...this is the most important thing.

Best wishes to all of you

Ella 

5 likes, 13 replies

13 Replies

  • annedi
    annedi briskwalk

    Posted

    Glad you are feeling better.

    it's amazing how many different crutch instructions people get - I thought it was start with two, go down to one and then none!

    I've still got pillows below my legs when on my back and it would be a strain on my back without them. On my first op 15 years ago I had a pillow between my legs in hospital and did that at home for a while but there was no mention of it this time. I even had sneaked a pillow under my knees in hospital and no one said anything! Procedures do seem to change!

    I moisturise my scar with e45 cream or diprobase cream.

    • briskwalk
      briskwalk annedi

      Posted

      Dear Annedi,

      It's very confusing to get different instructions...I'll try to sleep more on my back tonight...but I find it difficult to curl up in a fetal position or even just to turn in bed...I am only 2 and half weeks from my op!

      Best wishes

      Ella 

    • annedi
      annedi briskwalk

      Posted

      That's not long - I wasn't sleeping well at that stage and I still don't sleep through the night. I have 4 pillows behind my back so it's like a semi reclining position and 2 under the knee and one under the feet - I end up in a sort of s shape.  I still sleep like that most of the night at nearly 8 weeks and only manage a bit on my side now the restricions have been lifted as my knees seem to get stiff and my hip and back ache more!
  • Hailea
    Hailea briskwalk

    Posted

    Hi Ella

    Glad to hear you are doing so well.

    Get some bio oil it is the best for scars. It is a little expensive but well worth it and a bottle lasts for ages.

    I am not surprised at your nurses resopnse to what you have been doing to be honest. But I am surprised at her response not to tell you why.

    Glad you are feeling better. smile

    .

    • briskwalk
      briskwalk Hailea

      Posted

      Dear Hailea,

      Would you mind explaining to me what I have done wrong and why?

      I'll buy some Bio oil tomorow, thank you!

      Ella 

    • Hailea
      Hailea briskwalk

      Posted

      Yes sure Ella

      If you think about it. You have had a new hip joint that has got to rebuild the strength and lay down new bone in the first few weeks / months. Having your legs bent over a pillow while laying on your back could cause clots because the blood flow is slowed and also the blood won't be circulating the way is should. Your body is working harder to pump the blood round the wound too which could delay the healing prosses.

      So I think this is why the nurse told you off a little.

      As for you using one crutch.You will not be walking straight. You will be leaning over to one side so you wpould not be walking in a balanced way. This again helps the healing. I have also sent you a PM. smile

  • amanda1827h
    amanda1827h briskwalk

    Posted

    Hi well done! The first shower you will love! I couldn't wait to wash my hair!! Take it easy!regards Amanda
    • briskwalk
      briskwalk amanda1827h

      Posted

      Dear Amanda,

      fortunately I have been able to wash my hair in my utility room because the sink is high and it has a shower head attacement...My first shower this afternoon was pure bliss!

      Best wishes

      Ella 

  • amanda1827h
    amanda1827h briskwalk

    Posted

    Hi Ella! Well done you! I remember well my first shower! Luckily my hubby has a wet room and a seat in there! But it was the Ted stockings I hated! Regards Amanda
  • helen248
    helen248 briskwalk

    Posted

    its really confusing isnt it. i was told to put a pillow under my knees while i was in hospital as i was getting back ache. ive continued to do so at home. ive been using one crutch for years now so have been doing so round the house for several weeks. im getting sticks on tuesday when i see physio again. i wish they would all put their heads together and come up with a difinitive guide to hip replacements
  • renee01952
    renee01952 briskwalk

    Posted

    Goodness ... so confusing ... a pillow under my legs when on my back was absolutely  fine - pillow between my legs when on my side and when turning ... pper instructions from hospital .... I never used crutches but a 4 wheel frame (walker) - I was told that this was better because I live alone and can put things on the seat, like plate or a mug and such - 

    I am glad you are feeling better !!! Have a calm and peaceful night ... warm hug

  • renee01952
    renee01952 briskwalk

    Posted

    P.S.  LOL on the scar --- according to the home health nurses, my scar was amazing - clean, thin and neat .... well .... it has a sad face,  is dark red, raised and tight - Bio Oil is the best and a little goes a long way ...

    night night 

  • margaret08277
    margaret08277 briskwalk

    Posted

    Hi Briskwalk,

    there seems to be so much disagreement over the exercises and what to do and not do. I was given exercises that hurt so much I flatly refused to do them and here I am at 9 weeks walking about with no stick and no pain. I just used my common sense, if it hurt I didn't do it. I asked my surgeon about  a pillow under my knees when sleeping on my back, he said fine, if it gets you to sleep. Also I spent the first 3 weeks sleeping in the recliner, again he gave me the ok, when others have been forbidden. He said when you sleep is when the body is busiest healing. As for the scar it will fade to a white line, meanwhile you don't have to look at it, and dare I say it......if you are naked with anyone else I doubt they are going to be looking at it either!!!!

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