New here - 7 weeks post hip replacement surgery

Thank you all for your kind words.

AnnieK - I am not always in horrible pain.  Most of the pain is just when I have been sitting and I go to get up.  Those first handful of steps are horrible.  If I am sitting or lying down, I don't have much pain at all....and after I am up a bit and walking around, then it's not bad either.  Although today, because I had a lot of online work to do (and any medicine makes me a bit sleepy) I tried to get through with nothing (I took my last pill around 4:30am) - but I just had to give in...I couldn't even get comfortable while sitting.  It is even painful around my incision and the scar....almost feels bruised but looks ok and no drainage.  It's just frustrating as I thought I would be better by now - or at least feeling like I can do more.  I have 4 kids - so getting a lot of down time isn't always in my cards, lol....so I know that I over do it many days but with one of them being 3 years old....it is what it is.   I have tried to see if using the cane would make much of difference but it really doesn't seem to.

renee01952 -  I have a lot of knee pain again - which was a worry of mine as I do have the arthritis in my knees as well but I worry maybe more of the pain is from over compensating my left side now, instead of my right.  The surgeon did take xrays again of the right side and didn't give me anything that made her think that it has gotten that much worse but I do worry - as it has given out on me a handful of times (2x today).  I'm terrified to do this again.  I know it is a given that I have to....but I just don't wanna (in my best kid voice, lol).  How has the 2nd one been?  Do you notice a big difference now?  

I did have my follow up with my surgeon last week.  I was a bit disappointed though as she never even looked at my scar, never had me walk....nothing.  They did do new xrays and she said everything that way looked great.  She was happy that I didn't have the cane and was walking on my own.  I voiced my concern that I am still in pain a lot of the time and have a hard time sleeping...she just said that I am probably over doing it and be sure to take the pain meds before bed.  Even though she answered my questions, I kinda felt as if I was being pushed out.  

I was discharged from PT a while back.  I think the Monday before Christmas was the last time.  I do my excercises here at home 2 times a day - one of which is usually in the hot shower, haha...not sure if that is cheating since the hot water usually loosens me up anyway, lol.

I look forward to "meeting" you all more...and having some to talk to to get through this  

Onehip, many people need to continue using walking aids past 7 weeks. Since you say your leg has given out on you several times, that is even more reason to keep using a crutch, walker or canes/poles. You could injure yourself further if you fall down. It should also help with the pain on getting up - less pressure on your recovering hip. Just because whoever you saw was "happy" that you weren't using them doesn't mean that you still don't need them. 

I understand that you have 4 kids, and one is only 3, but that doesn't mean that your recovery needs can be neglected. If you want to recover, you must take care of yourself. See if you can get more help with them, anything so that you can get more rest and give your hip a chance to recover.

I am very surprised your doctor didn't look at the scar or see how you walk. That was standard procedure at my 6 week follow-up. Be sure to let your doctor know your concerns. Be a squeaky wheel, since they are the ones that get the grease.

hi hipsters🙋??, I'm new here and i to have had a total R hip replacement 7 weeks ago via anterior bikini cut...was wondering if anyone has experienced lymphedema in the thigh after surgery??

I read your post with interest as I am now at 8 weeks and was in a similar position to you one week ago. Very mobile, little or no pain relief but groin pain worsening. My physio explained that i had allowed inflammation to build up around the joint and my lateral movement had decreased from the previous week. He explained the importance of anti-inflammatory meds. Now I'm back on them My pain has greatly reduced and I can move better.

Moral of the story for me was that stopping meds early isn't brave or sensible, it can do more harm than good. Trust me, I have taken minimal all the way through but accept that I need some!

I had bilateral hip replacement seven weeks ago posterior my right hip is in great shape my left hip is not my groin area does not hurt any more but when I put weight on left side sharp pain down from my back to  feet can't do much because of it any ideas

Hello OneHip so glad you posted, this forum is a wonderful source of support for you. Can you be specific and post what pain medication you are taking, include the mg, and how often.