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Total hip replacement

Posted , 9 users are following.

margaret47400
margaret47400

After a fall ten weeks ago when I fractured my hip I am recovering from a total hip replacement which was promptly done the day after the accident.

The wound is still quite painful around the area although it has healed well.

i do get an uncomfortable feeling in the groin on occasions.  I still sleep on my back as it is uncomfortable to try and get on my side, I wake up really aching, especially in my back which was bad before I had the fall, I'm 75 on Sunday by the way.

i do walk nearly every day outside with one crutch, I also drive again but it aches if I am stuck in traffic using the clutch all the time.

Really I suppose I have done well in the time, I'm just wondering how other people manage to get back to sleeping on their sides, I'm frightened of dislocating my new hip.

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • kimberley38758
    kimberley38758 margaret47400

    Posted

    Hi Margaret,

    So happy to hear that you are doing very well after your fall and surgery.  By 10 weeks posts op you should be fine with sleeping on your good side with pillows between your knees for support.  I had the Anterio-lateral approach done which allowed me to sleep on my side from day one.  You didn't mention what type of procedure you had done, but regardless - at 10 weeks, you should be fine.  I found laying on my back difficult too because I have bad discs in my spine.  I found that using pillows underneath my knees and extra pillows for my shoulders and head really helped. 

    Wishing you well as you continue to recoversmile

     

  • rose73925
    rose73925 margaret47400

    Posted

    Hello Margaret

    I'm sorry to read about your fall.  It is probably OK to still feel pain around your groin and the wound.  We all take differing times to heal, and in your particular circumstances, you may take longer.

    As I have said on other posts, you may find it helpful, with permission from your surgeon, to have some gentle clinical massage geared to loosening the tissues around the scar area.  They don't need to touch the scar if it is sore, but will work over the whole body to release tightness that would pull on the scar. I am going for treatment on the 26th - will let everyone know how I get on.

    But you are doing very well, I agree!  I am under 6 weeks post-op and a few years younger than you, and I have only just tried to sleep on each side.  The 'good' side is just about all right but aches after a short time, and I can't lie on the operated side for longer than half a minute.

    All the best to you, and maybe another suggestion: Tai Chi is meant to be good for maintaining balance as we age, or Yoga etc.  It would be good to do anything you can to avoid another fall.... if the fall was caused by lack of balance, of course!

    Rose

  • renee01952
    renee01952 margaret47400

    Posted

    Dear Margaret, 

    warm welcome to this wonderful hippies forum -

    I am sorry too to read about your fall, breaking your hip and needing surgery ..

    Have you seen your Orthopedic Surgeon for follow up visit ? Usually around

    6 weeks post-op - an x-ray will be taken so surgeon can see if all is in place etc..

    You probably also had repair work done, depending where the break was and I think that this might cause the discomfort or pain around the wound area ... 

    I was able to sleep on unoperated side with pillow between the knees for the first 6 weeks, and actually still do ass this helps me with my back ..

    Maybe you can talk to your doctor about your fear of dislocatimg your hip -

    At 10 weeks post-op you should be more than okay though - 

    You are doing great -

    come back here anytime you have a question or concern or just to chat ...

    big warm hug

    renee

     

    • margaret47400
      margaret47400 renee01952

      Posted

      Thank you for our comments, I will try again tonight and see how I go on.

      Ive just come from a lovely pamper day my daughter treated me to for my birthday (75th).  Unfortunately I couldn't get in the jacuzzi as I would never have got out.  Also the pool wasn't really accessable but the sauna was good and the leg massage.  I probably will know about it tomorrow. Never mind, it was worth it.    Margaret.

  • beth2509
    beth2509 margaret47400

    Posted

    Hi Margaret

    Many happy returns on your birthday! 

    As mentioned, some pillows between your legs will help with comfort, and stop your legs from crossing. Sleep on the good side of the other side isn't comfortable yet. 

    Really, given your age you have done really well, and sound like a bit of a firecracker! I think you need to be a bit patient with yourself. You'll be fine in no time. 

  • nicola_75118
    nicola_75118 margaret47400

    Posted

    Hi Margaret

    I'm sorry to hear about your fall and surgery.

    It sounds as if you have done incredibly well.

    I'm coming up to 10 weeks post op.i was not allowed to sleep on either side until 6 weeks. I tried it at 7 weeks, it was too uncomfortable. I have just started to sleep on both sides at 9 weeks, can only do this for short periods, feels a little uncomfortable on operated side,I keep trying though.

    I would definitely try pillows to support, it does make it more comfortable, groin pain seems to be quite persistent with me too,only recently. My back hurts a little too.are you taking any pain relief?

    I think it is quite normal still to feel a little uncomfortable around the wound area,just keep an eye out for redness, pain and fever.

    I hope you mange to sleep better soon.

    Regards

    Nicky

    • margaret47400
      margaret47400 nicola_75118

      Posted

      Thanks for your comments.   It's surprising how many people are suffering with hip problems.

      i must admit every week there is improvement but I'm surprised I haven't heard about anybody driving since their op.

      iam still on paracetamol and codiene and my days do vary in pain level.

      My wound has been good right from the beginning with no problems at all thank goodness.

      i think it is just a matter of time.  I dont use a crutch in the house but I do use one outside just for safety.

  • judith12644
    judith12644 margaret47400

    Posted

    Hi Margaret, it sounds as though you are doing well. As the others have said, try lying on you good side with a pillow or cushion between your knees. It does take time to get comfortable. After about 7 weeks I used to start off on my good side, but I used to end up on my back again. It was 8 months before I could sleep on my operated side all night. It will get better, all the best with your recovery.
  • maree32074
    maree32074 margaret47400

    Posted

    Hello Margaret

    You are doing remarkedly well.  As long as you sleep with the pillow between your legs to stop your bad leg going in front of your good leg you will be  fine sleeping on your side.  Isn't it great to go from the back to the side?

    If the groin pain continues it may be an idea to have it checked out in case it is a tendon/muscle problem.  Phsio can assist this.

  • Tutuye
    Tutuye margaret47400

    Posted

    Dear margreat

    Sleeping by side is comfortable for short period of time in my case only 30 minutes 10 weeks is early good to hear you are driving i was not alowed till 6 monthes

    Wish u recver soon my dear big hug

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