Finally had my THR-L (posterior approach with wound vac) yesterday (7/12) after having the surgery postponed twice (original one was scheduled for May 26th) so I am thrilled that it finally happened. I have been ignoring hip pain in both hips for over a decade, I also have rheumatoid arthritis so I chalked my issues up to that. Last August the pain became constant and much more severe. I finally went to the orthopedist and have severe OA and subchondral sclerosis in both hips.
I arrived at the outpatient surgery center at 6 am. I was wheeled into the OR a little after 7. They sat me up, had me lean forward towards a nurse that covered my front with a warm blanket (that was heaven). Then the added some meds into my IV and next thing I remember is waking up a little after 9:30am in my room at the surgery center. I was freezing and slightly disoriented for about 30 minutes, then all good. They had me up and walking by 11 for a trip to the bathroom and to change back into my own clothes. They fed me some lunch and by 1 I was walking up to the x ray room, then to the PT room to learn how to go up and down stairs, then back to my room. It was about 1/4 mile round trip. I was fine, but quite tired by the time I got back to the room. I was discharged at 2 and on my way home. I felt pretty good most of the day, started to have a little bit of pain at night so I took an oxy, and was able to sleep for 5 hours.
I woke up this morning a bit sore and stiff with some throbbing in the hip joint, but nothing compared to pre-surgery pain. I know this will get worse in a couple of days, but all I can do is take it day by day. I am taking the tylenol every 6 hours but don't feel like a need anything stronger at the moment. I am getting around well including in and out of the recliner and off/on the raised toilet seat. The only thing I am struggling with is getting in and out of bed. I had a hard time lifting my operative leg before surgery due to the pain, but can't lift it at all when i am laying down, Is this uncommon or should it get better soon? I hate waking my husband to help me get out of bed every time I have to go to the bathroom at night.
Also, has anyone in here had this surgery that also has RA? Did you have a slower recovery, excess swelling, or any flares with the surgery?
I arrived at the outpatient surgery center at 6 am. I was wheeled into the OR a little after 7. They sat me up, had me lean forward towards a nurse that covered my front with a warm blanket (that was heaven). Then the added some meds into my IV and next thing I remember is waking up a little after 9:30am in my room at the surgery center. I was freezing and slightly disoriented for about 30 minutes, then all good. They had me up and walking by 11 for a trip to the bathroom and to change back into my own clothes. They fed me some lunch and by 1 I was walking up to the x ray room, then to the PT room to learn how to go up and down stairs, then back to my room. It was about 1/4 mile round trip. I was fine, but quite tired by the time I got back to the room. I was discharged at 2 and on my way home. I felt pretty good most of the day, started to have a little bit of pain at night so I took an oxy, and was able to sleep for 5 hours.
I woke up this morning a bit sore and stiff with some throbbing in the hip joint, but nothing compared to pre-surgery pain. I know this will get worse in a couple of days, but all I can do is take it day by day. I am taking the tylenol every 6 hours but don't feel like a need anything stronger at the moment. I am getting around well including in and out of the recliner and off/on the raised toilet seat. The only thing I am struggling with is getting in and out of bed. I had a hard time lifting my operative leg before surgery due to the pain, but can't lift it at all when i am laying down, Is this uncommon or should it get better soon? I hate waking my husband to help me get out of bed every time I have to go to the bathroom at night.
Also, has anyone in here had this surgery that also has RA? Did you have a slower recovery, excess swelling, or any flares with the surgery?
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