1. Community
  2. Operations and surgical procedures
  3. Hip Replacement

Trying my best... One week post op

Posted , 7 users are following.

diannesk
diannesk

Anterior left hip surgery was January 8. One night in hospital and then home. Used walker in hospital and at home. First night difficult to get on/off bed so slept in recliner. After couple of days, lots of swelling in thigh so more frequent changing ice for that. Yesterday. Was able to have husband remove the wound pressure device and put on new bandage.

So, my concerns are...many emotional/teary times I can't explain, inability to do left knee lifts, and exhaustion. I take mild pain med about every 6 hours. Unusual for me to take meds but know this is a must... for now. Will see surgeon on Friday for first post up visit.

This forum has been amazing for . No one to talk to about my feelings so it's helped me.

Now I think "chatting and asking questions" of others with similar experiences may help me more.

2 likes, 19 replies

19 Replies

Next
  • diannesk
    diannesk

    Posted

    I meant to add that this group had been amazing for me to read about real experiences. Thank you!
  • staceymaz
    staceymaz diannesk

    Posted

    Hi, mood swings, crying jags are normal.  You are only 9 days from surgery.  My experience was that the strong pain meds were making me weepy.  After 4 days the Physical Therapist told me I had to quit taking Oxycotin.  So I did, and I only had to take Tramadol for the next 4 days, then nothing stronger than a Tylenol.  I managed fine without the pain meds.  Lots of ice, and elevation.  Don’t worry about how well you can do the exercises, you have plenty of time for rehab.  But do keep walking around your house.  My PT told me to do a couple of laps around the house every hour or two.  That helps you from getting stiff.  

    I can honestly say I am so glad I had my hip replaced, it’s like I got my life back.  I am now 7 months out from my Anterior Left Hip Replacement, and have no pain.  The swelling, stinginess, and discomfort are gone.  I don’t need any OTC pain meds.  I play tennis 3 or 4 times a week, go to spin class, circuit training, yoga and am back to swimming in the pool.  I am enjoying our beautiful California winter with longs walks on the beach again.  

    • diannesk
      diannesk staceymaz

      Posted

      Thank you for your comments. I know the pain meds can affect a lot. I rarely take anything, but doctor encouraged me to take it. Staying away from the stronger oxy. On bottle, says every 4 hours needed. I it about every 6 hours.

      Since I had lots of stiffness prior to surgery and figured out walking helped, this an extension of that. Big difference is not much energy. I'm sure that will improve, too.

      I'm also looking forward to beach walks before we return to NY in April. (We are in Florida from mid October to sometime in April.

  • linda22256
    linda22256 diannesk

    Posted

    Hiya...I'm from the UK so I was on codeine and paracetamol don't try and come off the meds to early my surgeon told me that....you can end up with a limp because of the pain....I'm now about 10 weeks...things are starting to improve I'm walking with no aids still taking 1 paracetomal and 1 ibuprofen a day...it's a slow process this is major surgery your body and all the muscles have to recover...and yes I felt weepy and very sorry for myself!! I live on my own so it was hard...I was lucky I never thought I could sleep on my back but for the first 2 weeks I was so tired I slept well!! And sort of got used to it....cheer up...I always sit with my feet up...you'll get there just takes time....I'm 61...

    • diannesk
      diannesk linda22256

      Posted

      Appreciate your reply.

      I'm grateful that I haven't had be alone. My husband has been helpful. Big issue for me was not being able do all I usually do. Fortunately, I knew right away that I needed as I gave him instructions for what I usually do. I amazed myself I could tell him ( from comfy seat with legs up) exactly where something was in the freezer or pantry closer.

      Last night was first night sleeping in bed. It was easier to sleep in chair since I go bathroom frquently. Moving leg had greatly improved so I could maneuver better and quicker.

      Good have encouragement and "it just takes time" words.

  • ptolemy
    ptolemy diannesk

    Posted

    Hi Dianne, it is early days, but I am sure you will be really pleased you had the hip op.

    Out of interest what is a wound pressure device? I just had a dressing over my wound. You are lucky your surgeon is seeing you so soon, I have got to wait six months!

    • diannesk
      diannesk ptolemy

      Posted

      Thank you for your reply.

      The device used http://www.kci-medical.ie/IE-ENG/

      Usually this surgeon sees patients 2 weeks after surgery. For me, little sooner, but I think that's just a scheduling thing. Very nice doctor, too. He called me day after I came home.

    • ptolemy
      ptolemy diannesk

      Posted

      Hi Dianne, that is interesting. After my hip op I developed a nasty blister on my lower leg which then became infected and I had an emergency operation. After three weeks it looked like a shark had bitten me. 14cm long and 3cm deep. It was suggested I had negative pressure wound therapy. I am not sure if it is the same thing as you had. They also suggested plastic surgery but apparently the negative pressure pump would mean that I would not need a skin graft. I am supposed to be seeing the plastic surgeon soon.
    • diannesk
      diannesk ptolemy

      Posted

      The device I had negative pressure therapy. No issue with other than can't get it wet. Usually for 5 to 7 days.

  • amanda1827h
    amanda1827h diannesk

    Posted

    Hi Please don't rush.please remember that you have had a major operation. It can take a year to get back to normal.Are you in the .uk? If your concerned phone your Gp & demand a district nurse come out.Get as much help as you can.From Family or friends. Rest as much as you can.regards Amanda h

    • diannesk
      diannesk amanda1827h

      Posted

      I now understand about the major operation aspect. Only surgery I've ever had before this was laparascopic gall bladder.

      I'm in the US. I know I could get nurse services (Insurance covers it.), but it wasn't necessary. Prior to surgery, I was required, by the surgeon, to attend an informational session. Very informative. The nurse presented gave us her card with hospital office number and her mobile number. When I had concerns or questions I called her.

  • judith12644
    judith12644 diannesk

    Posted

    Hi, I think it’s normal to feel very tired and emotional  post op. Take it steadily, do your exercises when you can, rest when you need to. Elevate your leg to help with the swelling and put something cold on it. I was told to keep ahead of the pain, and took all my prescribed meds for the first couple of weeks. After that I reduced them because I was feeling ok. Like Linda I’m in the uk, and was prescribed codeine, paracetamol and I also had blood thinners. I wish you all the best, it should  start to improve  as your body heals.
    • ptolemy
      ptolemy judith12644

      Posted

      I was told by my doctor that we need a lot of protein to help the healing. It seemed to work for me. 
    • diannesk
      diannesk ptolemy

      Posted

      More good advice.

      I know this but realize I haven't had as much I should. Since husband had been "cooking" meals are simple.

      Until recently I haven't been hungry.

      Today I'll make a lot of lentils. Good include in many meals. We are vegetarians, but do eat fish and dairy sometimes.

    • diannesk
      diannesk judith12644

      Posted

      Thank for comments.

      I not used to the resting part but accept it now. Sleepiness means close eyes and nap.

      I staying ahead the pain my body can heal.

      I also have blood thinner, injection format. Since really "freaks me " my husband helps. I squeeze the skin, look away, and he injects. Total of 14 days if tha and then 4 weeks of aspirin twice a day.

    • judith12644
      judith12644 diannesk

      Posted

      I’m glad I didn’t have to inject! I lost my appetite a bit as well, ate quite small meals.  Good idea to cook some lentils, very healthy. All the best, Judith 
Back to top
Next

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.