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Tuseday makes 4 weeks

Posted , 8 users are following.

linsey39536
linsey39536

I had a total right hip replacement on jan 4 2017 I had an anterior approach. I'm waking without my cane in the house but if I go any where I take it because I still can't walk fast and still a slight limp. My knee is starting to get better and not hurting as much, but the groin mucles is. I noticed my lower back on that side hurts really bad to where I can't even stand up straight is this normal to and how long does this last? Also I worry about my progress, should i be able to walk better and should I be concerned about having a slight limp still? Also I get really stiff really easy, from sitting to long or in certain positions is that normal to? The stiffness hurts. Sorry I just don't know what to expect or what is normal at this stage. They used glue on my incision, parts of my incision looks like it dips or it's pulling almost looks puffy or swollen, no signs of infection. My first post-op is Feb. The 2nd. Aside from last week's bladder infection and then yeast infection, I still have times where I am completely wiped out no energy is that normal at this stage?

1 like, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • Chloeparrot
    Chloeparrot linsey39536

    Posted

    Hi Linsey

    You are doing well if you are walking without a cane at 4 weeks!

    Yes, everything will hurt at some point - and sometimes all at the same time.  

    The operation site will be swollen and sore.

    You will feel tired and wiped out - this is perfectly normal.

    Are you seeing a physiotherapist?  If not, it is a good idea, especially if you're not standing straight.

    Finally, you have just undergone major surgery, so be patient with yourself - it is not a race!

    • linsey39536
      linsey39536 Chloeparrot

      Posted

      Yes I see physiotherapist 3x a week and then I do excerising on my own. My back just started acting up.when I see them Monday I will deffienlty bring it to there attention so they can help me work that out. I guess it is from six year of over compensating from my hip hurting. Thank you so much big gentle hugs.
  • beth2509
    beth2509 linsey39536

    Posted

    Oh gosh that all sounds absolutely normal! In fact pretty good! 

    I'd suggest checking out some exercises for the lower back. I'm surprised that isn't a normal part of  the physio advice, because that area takes a lot of battering with the problems before the op and then adjusting to the new conditions after the op. And an obvious piece of advice - if sitting too long makes you  stiff, don't sit too long! Make sure you at least stand up, or take a little walk around the room before you start to stiffen up. 

    The incision should have healed up by now? If it has you can start to massage it with a little oil. Move across the scar, not just along it, and that will help to break up the scar fibres beneath the skin. Don't be too rough, but equally, don't treat it like it's fragile. Apply a little pressure, and increase over time as you are comfortable. You shouldn't cause yourself pain. Mine looked just like yours at first, but with regular massage it's now almost disappeared at almost three months. 

    • linsey39536
      linsey39536 beth2509

      Posted

      I wish I could upload a picture of my incision I really don't know how to. I guess I'm waiting for the doctor visit on feb 2nd for him to tell me I can do anything to my incision. I'm not quite four weeks, the 31st of January will be my fourth week. I know these things take time, it hard to tell your self that. It helps to hear how everyone else is doing at this stage. Thank you so much. Big gental hugs.

  • barbara_72197
    barbara_72197 linsey39536

    Posted

    I think You are doing well, for 4 weeks post surgery. It's common to have aches and pains and I certainly had a limp until I was 6 weeks post surgery. My doctor told me at 6 weeks all the muscles in the hip are still bruised, black and blue if you could look in. I some days had a burst of energy and progress and then days with no energy and felt lazy. You are recovering for a major surgery. Good luck, and be easy on yourself. 

  • renee01952
    renee01952 linsey39536

    Posted

    hi linsey, 

    4 weeks post-op from such a major surgery is still early in recovery ..

    remember that your bone was cut,hip joint forcefully dislocated, hardware fitted and then banged in to place while a lot of manipulation was taking place as well ... not sure about your incision though ... I had staples that were removed 14 days post-op and were checked by home health nurse .. 

    Soreness and stiffness of muscles are pretty normal for a while -- I still am and I am many moons longer post-op than you are ... 

    too early walking without aid might make you limp ... your body is not in balance yet and will still favor the old wonky way of walking ... your PT should be able to show you how to walk properly and watch you doing so ... 

    oh dear, nasty stuff that bladder infection ... I had that too as soon as I got home from the hospital ... 

    healing takes out a lot of energy - your body is constantly workinghard to repais all the damages - in addition you are walking and doing more - just go with your flow - rest when tired ... be very kind and gentle with your self ...

    big warm hug

    renee

  • Rocketman_SG6UK
    Rocketman_SG6UK linsey39536

    Posted

    Going without a cane at 4 weeks indoors sounds like really good progress.  Don't be in too much of a hurry to go without them.  When Iwanted to get rid of them I bought a pair of hiking poles (see picture), the hand position is much more comfortable, and they telescope down so you can carry them if you want to try walking without them.

    See my website for tips from hippies on this forum, the address is in my personal info here ...

       https://patient.info/forums/profiles/rocketman-sg6uk-907025

    and at the bottom of the moderator's "useful resources" page at

       https://patient.info/forums/discuss/thr-useful-resources-487147

    Best wishes

    Graham - 🚀💃 🤸

    • beth2509
      beth2509 Rocketman_SG6UK

      Posted

      I use the walking stick version for the same reason - lighter, collapse down, and, most importantly, the are anti- shock. When you require support over a long period, as I have, the anti shock is a blessing on shoulders and arms. I buy them in different colors on eBay for a pittance and match with my outfits! 

      If you extend them they are also useful for hooking the dogs toy out from under the sofa where he just put it! 

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