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Just an update at Day 5 after Rt THR

Posted , 11 users are following.

maryboo
maryboo

Surgery was Monday. THR with posterior incision. The first day and night was ok, 

The pain was well controlled with narcotic and a muscle relaxer  and I got up and walked a little. Tuesday the PT people came and we walked the hall and did more exercises.  They weren’t hard or painful to do, but I felt like I had been run over with a truck after.  Arms sore, hip painful on the outside and groin. Got on more of a set schedule with pain meds and slept in longer chunks of time. Weds. I went home. Still on regular med schedule, with my husband waking me up at night to continue.  Slept between pills at night.  Pain was more intense and it seemed that the hip was now fully thawed out from anesthesia. Uncomfortable staying on my back all night.  Thursday, same intense pains, groin pulling, leg noticibly swollen, outside IT band sore and tight.  Knee hurts. My leg is longer - the surgeon said it was -and I feel like I’m walking on a slant. The plan is to fix that when he does the other hip in the fall.   Friday, today, leg very much more swollen, upper leg down through the knee and even my ankle.  Those compression stockings are difficult to get on but I bet they are keeping the swelling down. 

All in all, I am glad I got it done.  The awful pain in the groin and hip joint have been replaced with surgical incision pain, groin pulls and butt pain, which I can manage with meds and ice, lots of ice. 

Those who have gone through this know exactly what I’m feeling right now.  To those who are waiting for their surgeries I say, do it.  It is well worth it.  The pain I am having now will fade, every time I get up from resting, I feel like I can move a little better, so it’s going the right way.  Thank you all for the encouragement.

5 likes, 28 replies

28 Replies

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  • Ducksoup
    Ducksoup maryboo

    Posted

    Recovery happens fast.  Good luck.
    • maryboo
      maryboo Ducksoup

      Posted

      Thank you. I can’t believe how fast 5 days went by
  • m05
    m05 maryboo

    Posted

    So pleased that you felt the surgery was worth it I am sure in time you will be even more grateful that you have had it done especially when both are fixed. I am now 17 days out of having my right thr I am reluctant to say too much because I know a lot of people do suffer quite bad post op pain but from coming round in recovery to today so far I can honestly say I have not suffered anything I could describe as pain a bit of tightness and slight ache and thats about it I am fully weight bearing on the new leg obviously taking precautions with movement I suppose bigest problem is fear/reluctance to use the leg too much which is good during the early days my old leg is another matter still of course have the untreatable OA pain can't wait till may to get that one done only thing I should add is that I had the Superpath procedure seemed to live up to expectations this time so far. All the best for a smooth recovery.

  • hope4cure
    hope4cure maryboo

    Posted

    A typical account of recovery after surgery.myour on your way. Soon you be up and around take it easy!
    • maryboo
      maryboo hope4cure

      Posted

      typical is always good.  I never want to hear the surgeon sayIve never seen this before!
  • diannesk
    diannesk maryboo

    Posted

    For almost 2 weeks after my anterior THR I slept on a recliner. Much easier and more comfortable than lying on my back and dealing with the movement on and off the bed.

    Ice has definitely been my best friend.

    • maryboo
      maryboo diannesk

      Posted

      no reclinerand my couch is way to squishy.  The bed has been ok, not as bouncy as some beds we’ve had. I’m still sleeping with the cursed wedge tho.
  • maryboo
    maryboo

    Posted

    the biggest trouble I have is getting on the bed.  I use one of those plastic squares that go under my butt and I can slide around better. The bed is higher than a regular bed so there is a lot of scooting around happening.
    • Ducksoup
      Ducksoup maryboo

      Posted

      I pulled a repairing muscle when getting into bed a couple of weeks back.  Now using both hands to lift my leg into bed.
    • diannesk
      diannesk maryboo

      Posted

      I had a difficult time with my left leg (had anterior left THR) for a couple of weeks. I couldn't lift it very well and made it difficult when I wanted to elevate/ice. I bought a leg lifter device that has a loop at the bottom that goes around the foot. Then I was able to pull my leg up with minimal fuss. These were available at local medical supply place but are also available online. Just type in "leg lifter" and you'll see them. Between that and my grabber, I was able to do more than just asking my husband for help all the time.

    • ptolemy
      ptolemy diannesk

      Posted

      The two things I had which were really useful was a grabber and a piece of material thing tied together to  lift my leg, the leg lifter was supplied by the hospital. Apparently a lot of people use there dressing gown cord for this.
    • hope4cure
      hope4cure ptolemy

      Posted

      Dog leash work well tied on the Walker with loop at bottom. 
  • maryboo
    maryboo

    Posted

    Hello again, I’m now 16 days after the surgery and it’s going well.  I’m still taking muscle relaxers and Tylenol for pain.  2 325mg Aspirin for anticoagulation. 3 day’s ago I graduated to the cane and I use that most of the time. Honestly, I think I could go without it sometimes, but the therapist said not to as it puts too much pressure on the healing bone. The pain had dropped quite a bit since my last post and I’m glad to be off the oxycodone.  One of the big problems I had and have is constipation from all the meds in spite of Colace and stool softeners.  What helped a lot is eating some of those lovely orange flavored prunes, about 5-6 every day did the trick.  Sleeping is still a challenge with the pillow between my legs and staying on my back.  The staples came out last Friday and the incision has relaxed somewhat and doesn’t pull as it did.  All in all I’m surprised at how well I’m doing, and hope it continues.. From the surgery my leg is longer than the other one by 3cm but feels higher when I walk. Maybe I won’t notice it so much when the swelling goes down more.  There is still a long way to go but I have to thank everyone who helped me prepare and get through this. From my own experience I want to pass along a few lifesavers I found.  I bought compression stockings online with zippers and they are much more comfortable to put on and off. Also I found a stretchy maxi skirt to be the outfit of choice at home, especially with toileting.  A thermos bottle with a handle makes it easier to carry a cup of hot coffee or soup. My husband made a chart of all the pills I take and writes the time down when I take them. This is critical to keep track of everything and especially for those who are alone.  Also, I bought a spray can of Living Proof dry shampoo.  Wasn’t sure I needed it but it is my saving grace most days especially because sleeping on my back gives me the wild hair days. 

    Well Hippies, keep the faith and I’ll keep in touch as my journey goes on. 

  • hope4cure
    hope4cure maryboo

    Posted

    Maryboo i wish you well and you have a lovely positive attitude. It's all normal all the painful reaction after surgery. So glad you have it a in perspective. 

    Hope me you have all the hippie aides it makes rehab so much easier. Of course your hubby will be of great help and sounds like your in terrific care.😃

     

    • maryboo
      maryboo hope4cure

      Posted

      Thank you. I hope it all goes well and quickly.
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