TLHR posterior mini 10 days ago, still cannot lift left leg

I had this trick. We also have a high bed. I'd sit on the side of the bed and then swing both my legs at the same time. I got in from right side of bed. My operated leg was right. Bringing both legs in together helped mitigate the pain/discomfort.

Peggy this is really hard and I remember it clearly.. Leg feels like it is about five thousand pounds and wil not cooperate with any message you give it.  I wish I could tell you exactly when it will be better but it will be alot better and soon. xooxox have faith. In two weeks this will be a distant memory..

peggy15811

I had the exact pain when getting into bed.  My bed sets high, too.  My brother made me a platform so when I got out of bed, or into, I didn't have that long stretch. It worked like a charm.  It still hurt, though.  Then, one day, I just got out of bed without thinking because the pain was totally gone!  That was a nice surprise.  It was very painful for me to lift my leg, too. But, now, there is no pain at all. I'm a female who just turned 67, so we're pretty close to the same age.  This was my first experience with any joint replacements so I didn't know what to expect. I'm four months along now.  I've been very active and I think I'm discouraged and don't know what to expect--but I'm hoping things get better and and getting a more positive attitude.  Good luck.  I think as the days turn into weeks, you'll notice a big change. Thhe Ted hose helped me a lot during the day; just don't wear them at night. 

I have a high bed also and my brother made me a wonderful step that has been such a charm. I get into bed on the right side also. I turn and sit then I either use my leg lifter or I use my left foot under my ankle and help to swing my leg into bed.  This has worked for me since day one and I am 4 weeks post op.  

Good luck!! 

dear peggy, 

I am not sure what to tell you ... I went back to your previous posts and read that you also had knee surgery recently ... 

10 days post-op is still very early in recovering from this major surgery - even though a mini posterior approach was used, your leg was still heavily manipulated and prothesis placed ... 

as mentioned here already, can you use a leg lifter?  your leg needs support -

how did you do it at the hopital ? do you see a physical therapist?

please let us know how you are getting on okay?

big warm hug

renee

 

Hi Peggy

It sounds as if you had the operation only a short time ago..?

i am 66, didn't get to the shower for 5 days (I did wash!  But had to go to my neighbour for a shower), and I was on a regime of pain killers roughly two-hourly, alternating ibuprofen and paracetamol, started to lift my own leg into bed - where I spent most of my time - after nearly a week.....used two crutches t get around for three weeks and longer at times when I went out for a short walk...

I say to everyone, in other words:  this was not a scratch, it was a deep invasive operation involving all the layers of soft tssue - skin layers, muscle, ligament, tendon and bone, and it will take months to repair, with help from physio/hydro or whatever you can get.

Please take as much help as you can get, from your husband, from everyone, and rest rest rest.  Get your books, mags, radio etc and take more pain killers to stop the pain coming through rather than take them after it has arrived!

all the best to you - you'll be fine but only if you take time to let your body heal.

rose

 

Hi Peggy, Yes I had almost exactly the same.  I had my op with just a local anaesthetic and was in very severe pain for at least 7-10 days afterwards.  Painkillers helped and the pain did subside.  Just ensure you do as the physios, doctors etc tell you, including the exercises - even if they hurt at first.  But I had major problems getting in and out of a car a week after the op - think I actually screamed!  It will get better, and I hope you are soon on the road to recovery.

You don't need to actually lift the leg to get into bed. if you sit on the side of the bed about half way down (preferably on the op side) and at angle towards the head board-pull yourself  back with your arms and the bed will gradually lift the leg as it slides on., or if there is space available get in at the bottom of the bed and pull straight back.

Hi. As many others have said 10 days is really early days. I'm 5 weeks now and getting in and out of bed easily. However the first two to three weeks I felt exactly like you do. I had a leg lifter but as soon as the physio saw it she told me NOT to use it. There is a danger of lifting the leg higher than the 90 degrees and causing problems, even dislocation.. Do your exercises as these strengthen the quads which are what you need to lift your leg. It does get easier. Lift both legs together and give your operated thigh a helping hand - literally - until you can do it without. Don't try to rush it or push yourself too far. I'm also amazed you could shower so early - I was told 6 weeks, but started having a shower after two weeks when the stitches had all dissolved. Good luck

Dear Peggy, 10 day is to early to lift leg easy and with no pain. It take time

. I remember how hard was for me to lift my leg. I live alone and I did

have to learn how to do it. In hospital show me easy way . First non operated and than operated leg. Non operated leg help me to push my self to the bed and lift my self. Few weeks time you will do it perfectly. Give your self time and ask for help if you need it. Take day at the time. Will getting better.

Hug Madla💗

Hi Peggy

Don't worry about it. I had a super recovery with no pain at all, and even I couldn't lift that leg for a few weeks without helping it. I think the muscles are protesting about the hammering they got in the surgery. After a few weeks it got better and better, and now it's just a memory. Chances are that you'll find it subsides a bit at a time. Just keep up the exercises because the muscle needs the strength building up.

Hi Peggy, you've had loads of good advice already, and I would just add keep up with your prescribed medication. You mentioned that you take half a tablet of pain relief at a time. I was lucky, had a very pain free recovery, but I took everything prescribed by the hospital for the first 2 weeks, after that I reduced them a bit. I certainly wasn't breaking pills in half.

Taking your pain meds should make you more comfortable, and help with your mobility.

All the best with your recovery, Judith