THR 6 week check up....

[Josephine]

Re: 4 weeks, 3 days

I am 4 weeks 3 days post op, I'm still toe touch weight bearing. I am swelling up quite badly I imagine the heat isn't helping, does this reduce when I will start weight bearing?

Heat doesn't help! Poor you! try icing the wound and everywhere that's swollen. And elevate Elevating your leg to control swelling and pain. But weight bearing has nothing to do with it.

Read on :wink1:

I'm feeling better each day not much pain but a lot of soreness mainly in the wound area, it's a very long wound but it's healing well, looks good

have you read this? The importance of managing pain after a TKR and the pain chart

Don't be duped into thinking that this isn't pain - it is.

Are you taking pain meds? If so, what, how much and how often? If not, why not?

I also wonder how much is too much to be doing? I have been out and about I need a wheelchair if going anywhere more than a short walk as my "good" leg can't cope as that hip is loose.

I have a better idea - you tell me what you are doing and I'll tell you if it's too much!

You could also read this Progression of activity for THRs

But I am starting to become a bit stir crazy, I am praying after my revision he lets me weight bear.

shame! Goes with the territory, I'm afraid!

Sleep is still evading me I think I've now got to the point where I accept it rather than worry as then I get irritated and stressed, I know just a few more weeks I will be able to turn.

As does sleep! Daytime naps are essential to catch up. Sleep deprivation is pretty much inevitable - but what causes it?

Read these
How Long Does Healing Take ......
Chart representation of THR recovery
Energy Drain for THRs
Myth busting: on getting addicted to pain meds
Post op blues is a reality - be prepared for it
Some suggestions for home physio (PT) and activity progress

 

[Lunes]

Hi to all who remember me..

I had my 6 week check up this week and I can finally start putting some weight through my leg. I am to go at my own pace, they do not want me to rush. They say there is no answer to as when I will be able to drive, get rid of one crutch, it all has to be when I feel ready though they don't expect me to be crutch free by my next appointment which is in September..

Basically because this is the 3rd in 4 years none of the others have healed properly before I needed another so its a case of little by little in order to get the best out of this hip. I will need my left one done in about 18 months time again, so that will will be number 5!

The hip looks great, feels great, but I am still plagued by sleepless nights even though I can now lie on my side for short periods, this is due to low back pain which just won't shift...

Well for now onwards and upwards!

 

[Anniepops]

Hi Lunes, good that you can start to weightbear, you will feel lke you can start to make progress now and you will do, getting stronger day by day.

I'm nearly 14 weeks out and have a sore back when I first wake up but I do a few good stretches in bed and then when I get out of bed and that usually helps a lot.

It will take time and a lot of patience but you will get there in the end, all ready for your next one in 18 months time.

Take care

Ann

 

[Jaycey]

Progress Lunes! Patience prescribed. Slow and steady on finally applying that weight. You will know when you are ready to ditch the crutch and start driving. Easy does it!

 

[Josephine]

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[C Mac]

Hi Lunes,

Good report on your 6 week check-up!!

I hope the sleeping will improve for you over time. Are you able to put a little pillow anyplace that will help to alleviate the pain in your lower back? I've also heard mentioned, maybe by @Jamie: that a heating pad in the small of your back may help it settle some and make sleeping more comfortable.

Take care,
Cardie

 

[Jamie]

Lunes.....If you haven't tried it, so put a heating pad at the small of your back when you lie down. You might even elevate your legs a bit on some pillows to better position your back on the heat. That works for a lot of people.