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Swelling around hip.

Posted , 9 users are following.

paul25172
paul25172

Hi, am 45 had THR, am 4 wks post op, I still have a lot of swelling around hip although wound is almost healed. I had ceramic hip replacement, uncemented.

Is this normal??

0 likes, 21 replies

21 Replies

  • Hailea
    Hailea paul25172

    Posted

    Hi Paul

    I am 50 and I am today 8 weeks post op and I still have swelling on my new hip. It does take quite a while for it all to settle down from what I have read. I have found that raising the bottom of my matress on my bed and sleeping / resting with your feet higher than your heart for a while  helps a lot with swelling. I hope it works for you like it did for me if you decide to give it a go. .

  • renee01952
    renee01952 paul25172

    Posted

    Good morning Paul ... Are the staples/stitches removed? I understand that the swelling around the scar is normal and can take a while...if you are up to it and have not already done so, you might want to  watch the THR surgery on youtube - after I watched it, I understood so much more about what was done and that it really is major surgery ... I have so much more respect for my body as she is working so hard to heal the trauma ... a bit dramatic here, but really ... be gentle with your self ... warm hug

  • ann19982
    ann19982 paul25172

    Posted

    Hi Paul at 12 weeks post I still have some swelling and some days more so than others it can take up to 6 months to settle completely
  • akawestie
    akawestie paul25172

    Posted

    Hi Paul.

    I'm 46. I'm hopefully having my THR next monday with ceramic and uncemented. This is normal for our age group because our bones can still reproduce fibres to connect to the implants. Plus makes it easier in 15-20 years to replace!

    Obviously I haven't had it done yet but do hope the swelling is just part of the healing process because of the type of implants and nothing else.

    Do you have any advice to offer about your experience. I read loads of posts on here but very few in our age group to associate with.

    Best wishes and full recovery for you soon.

    Westie 😊

    • Crossy24
      Crossy24 akawestie

      Posted

      Hi, I too am 46 and 2 weeks post op today.  I would say like others listen to your body.  I could not believe how pain free I was as soon as I woke up but very tired.  The tiredness just comes over all of a sudden. Accept all help and remember this is temporary and pretty much life changing. Good luck with the op. Hope all goes well smile
    • akawestie
      akawestie Crossy24

      Posted

      Thanks for encouraging words

      best wishes

      Westie ☺

  • Pansycat52
    Pansycat52 paul25172

    Posted

    Hi Paul

    Can I just ask you - have you had any weight bearing restrictions on your hip due to it being uncemented?

    I am due in tomorrow for uncemented THR. I am 63 but very active. Just wondered what you had been advised?

    Regards Linda

    • helen248
      helen248 Pansycat52

      Posted

      I didnt. was fully weight bearing straight away. the femur implant is fairly well wedged in there and they use a screw to hold the pelvic implant in while the bone grows around it. AFTER the op, if youre not squeamish, you might find it useful to watch a youtube vid of the op. it gives a deeper understanding of how they do it and what your leg has been put through. 
    • paul25172
      paul25172 Pansycat52

      Posted

      Yeah, told to only put weight though hip your body is comfortable with. When you start weight bearing your hip will tell you if its to much
  • helen248
    helen248 paul25172

    Posted

    im pretty much at the same point as you with ceramic, uncemented. Wound is lovely but so lumpy and bumpy. i think swelling is normal at this point. all the tissue underneath is healing too and the swelling takes a while to subside. so long as the wound is clean and dry and there is no redness and heat you should be fine. 
  • maggie93798
    maggie93798 paul25172

    Posted

    At nearly nine weeks the area around the scar still is swollen, varies from day to day in amount. Mine was uncemented but a metal implant, full weight bearing ASAP after op. The wound had healed completely after 12 days and I did not need any dressing after the clips were removed on that day. As others have said it can take months and up to a year for everything to settle and the range of what is normal is huge. So I think you are fine 
  • helen1561
    helen1561 paul25172

    Posted

    Hi Paul, 

    I am 44 yrs and 7 weeks post op.  I too was ceramic and uncemented and was weight bearing straightaway.  This offers the most movement long term and so if bones good this is the chosen method for younger patients. 

    I found the hardest time after the first couple of weeks as I was fustrated not being able to do anything that I normally do (walk, horse ride, drive etc) with a 12yr old who wants to do everything.  Last couple of weeks the improvement has been great, and have walked outside with dogs without a stick.  I seemed to need one stick for a long time.  I still will use it when I am on rough ground if going further afield for balance and tiredness.

    I still wake a lot in night due to discomfort, and can't lay on operated side yet as very tender to touch, but on whole I think my recovery has been good.  See consultant next week.

    Good luck with your recovery

    Helen

    • paul25172
      paul25172 helen1561

      Posted

      Am still on 2crutches when outside, use one crutch in house. My hip is still quite stiff. Am 4wks post op, were you like this at 4wks.
    • ann19982
      ann19982 paul25172

      Posted

      I was still on 2 outside at 6.5 weeks and down to one indoors at around 4-5
    • paul25172
      paul25172 ann19982

      Posted

      So am at normal stage then. I just keep thinking I will be on crutches for ever

    • ann19982
      ann19982 paul25172

      Posted

      No you are fine. Some people seem to achieve things earlier than others. I was told to use 2 outside for 6 weeks and to wean off and it was hoped I would go into clinic at eight weeks unaided- I did. I was on an 8 week recovery due to condition. Although HR is routine we all have different issues hence the different advice given. Only your surgeon knows what is best for you
    • helen1561
      helen1561 paul25172

      Posted

      Hi Paul,

      Yes I would say that was where I was at.  I then felt comfortable to be on one stick out and about.  I have only just felt confident to walk out and about without a stick, and boy can feel the difference.  It does get tired where you are using your muscles.  Also only just able to walk up stairs normally.  Some people seem to do so well it does make you worry that you are not where you should be.  The difference in a couple of weeks can be dramatic!  I just walk often, and do my exercises and to help mentally get out the house as much as I can.

      Helen

    • paul25172
      paul25172 helen1561

      Posted

      Thx very much for advice Helen, am only 4wks post op, but getting frustrated, your experience has put my mind at ease. Thx. Xx
    • Crossy24
      Crossy24 paul25172

      Posted

      Hi Paul,

      Helen is right, you have to listen to your body - I was in so much pain before op that I was on morphine etc, and walking with a push along walker.  Now I'm pain free really can't believe but still get very tired.  Go with the flow and remember its a very short time out of a life span (if you know what I mean!) good luck 

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