Had a LTHR on 16th Oct. How is recovery for everyone else?

Posted , 10 users are following.

Hi there. As the title says really. I don't think mine is going particularly bad at the moment but would like to hear about all the aches and pains that people are facing, probably to put my paranoid mind at rest! I had a pretty terrible first night at home the third day after the op as they only prescribed me paracetamol to take home. I had previously been on Tramadol for hip pain so they assumed that I should just take that. Had to call the GP who kindly gave me a script for two bottles of oral morphine to tide me over the first week or so. I've been taking less than prescribed with the Tramadol in between as and when. I have been sleeping in four hour slots it seems and when not sleeping I've been tenderly sitting. The obvious problem is the incision site hurting and getting comfortable. It appears that my leg prefers to be bent at the knee whilst laying down and my hamstring is really tight. i get a pulling or cramping sometimes when attempting to lay down or sit up. this is resolved by me bending my knee it goes quickly then i can straighten again. I'm paranoid that I'm not sleeping in the correct posture and that my muscles will mend in a haphazard fashion! I did have some pain at the acetabular site for one day and it was as though i couldn't weight bare. this seems to be resolved, think i over did it the day before. A few times it's felt that I've popped the hip out when made a mistake with bending or whatever and then I'm concentrating on every little niggle! I've not done any of the exercises in the booklet i was given and will prob start with them today. (in hope it will settle the hamstring out) I do realise that I've had major surgery with bone and muscle cut etc. amazing really how quick we heal afterwards.

very long post i know but wanted to know how other people are getting on. no two people are the same but just for some reassurance probably.

should change my username to MrParanoiaUK42!

Cheers everyone. All the best x

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  • Posted

    Hi Dan,

    You really do need to start the exercises, your healing will be much quicker if you get on with them. Did you have clips, if so you will be more comfortable when they are out. Do not worry about little twinges and aches you will get them. Be patient but, exercises and walking are your main things to do now. A happier Dan will be on here in a couple of weeks thenπŸ˜ƒ

    • Posted

      Thank you Jen.

      I seem to be walking great and it feels weird and great not having any hip pain at long last. I've started the exercises this morning. You are definitely correct with them being beneficial. Some bone websites advise not to do any PT and allow the hip to heel itself, just ice and elevate. I can see what they are saying but that wouldn't help the tightness that i have in my hamstring and the top of my thigh at the moment!

      Again, thanks for the reply. All the best.

    • Posted

      Do you have any miracle ways of putting the surgical stockings on. I'm having such a job getting them on my husband and pulling them up far enough!

    • Posted

      Chele,

      Do you have a sock aid? I was not given surgical stockings just blood thinning injections so did not have this problem but, I wonder if the sock aid would help, it really works on socks.

    • Posted

      Yes it works on socks, but not so on the surgical stockings! Husband is on blood thinning tablets as well as the stockings 😦

      Thank you for responding πŸ˜ƒ

    • Posted

      Hiya 😊

      I'm on blood thinning tablets and I'm also wearing the very nice white stockings. When i was in hospital the nurses gave me a little word of advice, she put the plastic bag the stockings came in over my foot, this helped sliding the stocking over the foot, then she removed the plastic bag through the little opening on the underneath. they are a real pain to put on, hope this might help a little...πŸ‘

      All the best for your husband's recovery, how's the hip now after the twisted foot on the stairs this morning...

      Stay safe & Stay Happy πŸ˜€

      Pete...

    • Posted

      Thank you. I will try the plastic bag advice.

      He's still in pain 😦 Always hard to tell with him how bad it is as he has a high pain threshold. I think I worry more than he does.

      Many thanks for responding.

  • Posted

    Hi Dan, my hip advice is always the same, take your meds, do your exercises, rest when you need to.

    I think it's bad that you were sent home only with paracetamol, but you seem to have sorted that out now. I took all my meds for a fortnight, then cut them down. Once the pain is sorted then it's easier to exercise, and as Jen says, you need to get moving. Also take care when bending, if you have the 90 degree rule.

    I wish you all the best, and a speedy recovery.

  • Posted

    Hiya Dan😊

    I'm a little ahead of you, i had my THR on 5th October 😁 as said exercise and walking are at the top of my list, know what ya mean with the hamstring, mine too is very tight at mo. Glad ya sorted your meds out, I'm on tramadol also codeine at the moment, you got family at home to help out etc ?

    Don't forget the elevation, keeps your blood moving yep, how ya doing on sleeping, I'm sleeping with the help of some cushions at the back, as if I'm sitting up a little, it works for me and that's what counts. during the day i lay on sofa to get the elevation going,,,

    Try to chill a little Dan and stay positive, exercises and walking 😊

    just remember its very early stages at moment, keep a positive outlook and everything will work out fine...

    All the best Dan..

    Stay Safe & Stay Happy 😊

    Pete

  • Posted

    My husband had hip replacement on 16th October. He was doing so well they let him home the next day. I think it was too early but who am I to disagree!

    This morning he twisted on his foot of his operated hip when coming down the stairs and is in pain in his groin. Being a worrier I am now worried that he may have done something to his new hip!

    Have you got groin pain at all? Have you twisted on foot accidentally?

    Thank you for posting on here. I always find it so helpful when people share it has helped me with my ailments tremendously.

  • Posted

    Good morning. I just had my surgery Wednesday so I'm only 5 days post op. I was given a slew of medications from pain meds to muscle relaxers. I try to walk, WITH a walker, periodically during the day. short distances without straining. I just need to keep the joints loose. the pain has reduced daily, but my left knee must have taken a bit of trauma during the surgery. I have pretty big bones and the Dr said they were a bit rough with removal and replacement. The main issue I have now is getting the home side to come change the bandage and clean the stitched/stapled area. the one that WAS assigned never took my case and no one bothered to tell me until I called about it. Anyway I/ We have weeks to heal and share this experience together. This is also my FIRST EVER surgery of ANY kind, so I am quite overwhelmed by the event.

    John

    • Posted

      Hiya John 😊

      Hope you get the home help on changing the bandage / dressing etc, my right knee also took some stick and is swollen at the moment. keep up on the exercises and the little walks. You on sticks or a frame, keep in touch bud....😊

      All the best with your recovery...

      Stay Safe & Stay Happy.

      Pete 😁

    • Posted

      good morning Pete. Still on a frame at this time. Been on and off the phone with surgeons office, they are correcting the home health issue right now. Should have it squared away this afternoon.😁😁😁😁😁

  • Posted

    Where do we start ..... Well, surprise surprise, you've had a BIG operation, and you will get some pain. It's very early days for you at the moment.

    I had problems with Tramadol, I was craving it just before the next dose was due, so I got off it as soon as possible, Oramorph is a great painkiller too.

    Sleep: Get it whenever and wherever you can! the first 6 weeks are terrible, then suddenly it gets better. For me taking off the compression stockings was the trigger for better sleep. The incision site will also be tender for about 6 weeks.

    I slept with bent legs, as long as you lay straight on your back it seems to be OK as it helps your bones knit into the new metalwork.

    Pain in the acetabular site is very common as is bruising - if you only knew what they do to you, then you'd know why! I was awake for my THR, and heard all the noises they were making even though I could not feel a thing. Over doing things is another common thing we all do - take it steady, remember Rome wasn't built in a day.

    Not doing the exercises? Naughty boy - you MUST do them religiously, not doing them will be contributing to your leg pains.

    I have been through this operation 3 times now in 3 years - one THR, and two revisions, so I know what you're going through. See my website for tips, the 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 - Β―_(ツ)_/Β―

  • Posted

    Thanks everyone for the replies!

    great tip for putting the stockings on.

    I've got family at home helping me. My partner is a bit worried that she isn't doing enough to help out but she has been fantastic.

    The only times have had real groin pain is when I've twisted my leg or kicked the duvet off once when waking up forgetting that I'd had surgery. Kicked my leg out like i was trying to score a goal at Wembley! The pain didn't last that long.

    Started the exercises now. have been walking about when I've needed to.

    Wasn't given any advice regarding 90 degrees or anything. The physio basically said the hip is more robust then you think. I have still been adhering to the rule though.

    Cheers all x

    • Posted

      Hiya Dan,

      Just love the idea of ya kicking the winning goal at Wembley lol πŸ˜€

      I'm sure your partner is as mine doing a fantastic job in helping out, i know what ya mean when ya say forget you had the surgery..πŸ€”

      i have to double check myself during the night, before i jump out of bed for the bathroom...

      All the best with your recovery...

      Stay Safe & Stay Happy πŸ˜€

      Pete...

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