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Hi there, 4 weeks post surgery, still have bad swelling around left ankle and top of foot. Elevate lots and doing exercises given. Have tight band around ankle, which hurts. When i had right hip done 4 years ago, didn't have this trouble as much. Unable to wear shoes as yet, just slippers. Operation scar is much bigger too than right side.
1 like, 10 replies
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barbara66703 alison17198
Edited
hello alison.. each hip surgery is different thru the healing and recovery stages for various reasons.
at the 4 week mark your still in the cautionary period of healing. not generally clears to drive yet .
keep icing and keep your foot up higher than your heart. in some cases daily self injections using epi pens are also used to help keep swelling down. not all doctors use this method some use compression socks other surgeons dont recommend anything.
i also bought a air pressure sock for my swollen leg similar to hospitals. its battery op , they fit around the leg and squeeze the operated leg at intervals to keep blood and oxygen flowing , reduce swelling , easy on off . available at amazon. this really helped the swelling and pain.
my third hip joint replacement surgery my leg, knee, ankle, foot were very swollen. i couldnt get any of my shoes , slippers on, i just wore hospital socks at home. lucky to have sock helpers . i wore confey over the head type clothing so I didnt have to step in pants.it made dressing much easier . and did pumping/clams exercises . also when up to a little walking it also helps .
in 6 weeks you will see your surgeon to xray your new hip, and check on your progress this would be a good time to ask about any additional issues you may want to address.
sending good vibes your way.
alison17198 barbara66703
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hello Barbara,
Many thanks for your reply. When i had my right hip replacement in 2017, i was sent home with compression stockings to wear for six weeks. This time around, they said they dont recommend them anymore! For two days whilst in hospital i had my legs in the compression pumps. I'm on blood thinners at moment. As for elevating legs above heart is practically impossible ( as physio said), -i have to use pillows. Just take paracetamol as and when required, and drink plenty of water. Perhaps I'm a bit impatient this time around. Nights are worse with bathroom breaks 3 hourly and broken sleep!
barbara66703 alison17198
Edited
i sympathize with the early stages your coping with now. its a real struggle at this stage. it takes courage to just move a bit.
there are compression pumps available on amazon really helped control the pain. very similar to hospital pumps , and at a reasonable cost. easy on/off too. i had my leg up thru the different healing stages up on pillows i could use a leg lift to help as ice was my best friend.
Oh yes sorry, i remember those restroom breaks they are really tough. walking is helpful . keep pushing thru and soon more progress and healing will get you past this early part of healing.
stay ahead of the pain take meds on a schedule . try protein shakes they can help heal. the body needs extra calories especially after thr surgery.
good luck.
alison17198 barbara66703
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Thank you Barbara again. I went to see GP today! Actually managed to get appointment. He gave me prescriptions for water tablets and antibiotics. So, hopefully i will get some comfort in next few days from these.
Cheers,
Alison
barbara66703 alison17198
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water tabs helps. i can understand for swelling relief. not sure what antibiotics are for?
origional complant ... here was ... u were only 4 weeks post surgery (very early in the healing process).. and had complaints about swelling around left ankle and top of foot.( is normal). You were elevating and doing exercises given. (another good sign).. also... u Have tight band around ankle.(another normal feeling on operated leg.) the swelling in time goes down on it's own. sorry that i missed something if your on antibiotics for some reason. stay safe as healing progresses. Good luck.
alison17198 barbara66703
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Barbara,
i had mild infection at top of scar/thigh. Skin was very warm and quite painful. Luckily, no wound discharge.
Alison
barbara66703 alison17198
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i see, good you went to see your gp. thank you for straightening the reason for antibiotics up. i was worrird about a infection when the anti biotics were scripted. very happy to hear your doing better. hope the swelling in the leg is better.
sending healing vibes your way.
alison17198 barbara66703
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Update at 7 weeks post left hip surgery.
Had 6 weeks checkup with Consultant. He seemed very pleased with my progress and would see me again in another 6 weeks when XRays would be taken (3months). Also, i was having dental problems which he advised me to get antibiotics off Dentists, which i have had as he worried that any infection from tooth could travel down to new hip area. Sometimes, when i lay on right side with pillow between legs, i find on getting up, part of my knee seems to move and is so painful. This does improve on rubbing it hard. Why's this i wonder?
My left foot is still swollen, plus ankle has tight band around this. Just hoping this improves in time. Managing with one crutch indoors, but still use two outdoors. So, feeling better in myself with new hip, just waiting for tooth to be extracted soon.
Lotsofpain alison17198
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i was surprised that they told me to stop wearing the compression socks when i got home I had more swelling with my second hip replacement partly because covid limited by going out my ankles and feet swelled up enormously actually both sides but worst on left the one most recently operated on. a course of water tablets / diuretics and increased activity eventually worked though i got bad headaches. 4 weeks is quite early to worry its when you at the optimal healing stage
alison17198 Lotsofpain
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I too had headaches, mainly from sitting up in bed.
Now had my 3 months checkup and have been discharged by Consultant and Physio. I still have slight swelling and tightness in left operated side in ankle/foot, although i know will slowly improve. ive also had problems with left knee during the night. If i lay on right side, my knee can dislocate slightly, which on moving it can be excruciatingly painful. ( has anyone else experienced this?)
My main concern is I additionally have arthritis in the base of spine ( which showed on my XRays). Its very painful initially first thing in morning on awakening. Something i have to live with i am afraid!
Hope you're recovering well now and feeling fitter now.