THR Annie in Action

[AnnieABC]

So glad to be on the recovery side of things. Everything went well, and I am at home doing fine. I just have a couple of questions about some unexpected things that have happened.

1. When I get up to go to the bathroom, I start urinating as soon as I stand up. There is no stopping the stream. Is this considered normal after having a cathather? Do I need to be worried?

2. The back of my thigh on the opposite side is sort of numb. Hoping this will go away also.

Thanks to those who have asked about me. So sorry it took so long to get a recovery thread started. Now off to read @hopefulm's and @Chrisadeline's recovery threads! My hip buddies!

 

[Carriemay60]

@AnnieABC Hi Annie, I had the same urine issue for I think it was a week to 10 days. At the time of my accident we were in a summer rental house so I went "home" to that. Due to the layout, I had a commode for the first 7 days which was a godsend for that reason alone. I didn't seem to feel I needed to pee until I started almost. I wound up wearing a sanitary napkin and setting the alarm for my pain meds (which is advisable in your first 10 days) and then going to the washroom whether I felt like it or not. Slowly my senses seemed to wake up

The numbness in your thigh is normal and may last a few days yet. Keep icing with a towel between your skin and the ice!

 

[hopefulm]

What a treat for my morning to hear from you, @AnnieABC! So happy to know you are home and doing well.
I guess we can expect a few challenges along the way to recovery. . .I didn't have a urinary catheter for this surgery, but have had in the past, and it took a few days to "retrain". I suspect it will correct itself soon.
As for the numbness, I would think it should resolve also, although I have no experience.
All-in-all, it sounds like you're doing great - so glad!

 

[Josephine]

1. When I get up to go to the bathroom, I start urinating as soon as I stand up. There is no stopping the stream. Is this considered normal after having a catheter? Do I need to be worried?

Sadly it's perfectly normal and a jolly good reason not to have one unless it really, really necessary. They are rarely used in the UK.

2. The back of my thigh on the opposite side is sort of numb. Hoping this will go away also.

What approach did you have? THR approaches or incisions
And do you know how long the actual surgery took?

 

[AnnieABC]

@Josephine Sorry it has taken me so long to answer your question, but I've been having computer problems.

I had the posterior approach, and the surgery took about 1.5 hrs.

Glad to report that the urinating problem has been resolved.

 

[Josephine]

If you had a posterior approach, then you would be lying on your other hip on the side.

Which is probably why you are feeling numb right now but it should pass in time.

 

[xtina16405]

Welcome to the hippie side. I had a catheter and had the exact same issue.

This week get lots of rest, ice, elevate, take pain meds on time to keep pain at bay and stay hydrated. If you follow the bonesmart mantras you will be great. Looking forward to hearing more of your recovery.

 

[Hoppy Nanny]

Do hope everything is getting better for you.... That numbness in the other thigh gradually wears off..... I had the posterior approach @ wondered what the hell it was!
Chrissie x


Sent from my iPhone using BoneSmart®

 

[Poppet]

Hi @AnnieABC - welcome to the start of your recovery. I have provided you with some articles to read whenyou feel up to it

The following is a link to an article which provides some approximate timeframes around the healing phases and processes (and relevant nutritional information) for you to read.

Healing Phases & Nutrition

This second link is to other nutritional articles which you may find interesting.

Nutritional advice for pre op and recovery

But first the BoneSmart mantra

- rest, elevate, ice and take your pain meds as prescribed by your treating physician

- if it hurts, don't do it and don't allow anyone, especially a physiotherapist to do it to you
- if your leg swells more or gets stiffer in the 24 hours after doing it, don't do it again
- if you won't die if it's not done, don't do it
- never stand when you can sit, never sit when you can lie down, never stay awake when you can go to sleep!
- be active as much as you need to be but not more than is necessary, meaning so much that you end up being in pain, exhausted or desperate to sit down or lay down!

And then the very important hip recovery articles.....

Pain management and the pain chart
Healing: how long does it take?
Chart representation of THR recovery
Dislocation risk and 90 degree rule
Energy drain for THRs
Pain and swelling control: elevation is the key
Activity progression for THRs
Home physio (PT)
Post op blues is a reality - be prepared for it
Myth busting: on getting addicted to pain meds

 

[AnnieABC]

Thank you, @Poppet .

 

[AnnieABC]

Thank you, @Hoppy Nanny .

 

[AnnieABC]

10 days post surgery, and I'm doing fine. I really think I could transfer to a cane, but I feel safer with the walker for now. I go for my 3 week post visit with my OS on Dec. 4 where we will talk about scheduling my right hip replacement surgery for around Dec. 30. Getting it all done before 2014 comes to an end!

Hope all my hip buddies are doing fine!

 

[AnnieABC]

It's been awhile since I checked in, but thought I would post an update.

The first two weeks of recovery were great with very little pain and an optimistic attitude. Then the Percoset ran out, and I was prescribed Hyrocodone. About that time, my sister (who was caring for me) had to be hospitalized for diverticulitis. Thus began a period of depression and anxiety for me. I attributed it to the Hydrocodone, worry about my sister, and just post op. depression. So I discontinued the Hydrocodone and am now just taking Tylenol, which seems to be working. Thank goodness. Depression and anxiety are now gone.

Everything seems to be going along pretty smoothly. I've been walking without a walker or cane since week 2. If I overdo one day, then I just rest the next. I still have about 5 weeks of restrictions left and am looking forward to a good soaking bath and to be able to reach my toes.

I had scheduled surgery for my right hip for Dec. 30, but it was really too soon for me, so I cancelled. Sure would have saved me money, but I was not mentally ready to have it so soon.

Best wishes and a Happy New Year to all the hippies out there! I would also like to express my appreciation for this forum and the moderators. It makes recovery so much easier.

 

[Jamie]

Hi, Annie....haven't heard from you in a while. How are you doing? Have you rescheduled that second hip yet?

 

[AnnieABC]

@Jamie Thanks so much for asking. I'm doing great with only the occasional ache and discomfort. I go to see my OS Thursday and hopefully all my restrictions will be lifted. Looking forward to that first soak in the tub!

I had scheduled my right hip for Dec. 30, but I was under the influence of pain meds at the time. After being home for two weeks, I realized it would just be too much for me, so I cancelled. I'm going to wait awhile to reschedule. My right hip has only given me the occasional pain lately.

I do appreciated your concern and all the advice given on this forum. Many thanks.

 

[AnnieABC]

I saw my OS today, and everything went great. All of my restrictions were lifted! It is almost 12 weeks post surgery and I feel wonderful.

My surgeon had me speak to a lady who was uncertain if she wanted to have surgery. I was honored to tell her my story about how much surgery has helped me. Not sure if it helped or not.

I love reading all the stories on this forum and keeping up with everyone. Thanks to all.

 

[bottomshollow]

Great update, @AnnieABC! Won't be long and and that new hip will be forgotten.

 

[AnnieABC]

@Josephine A quick question, please. Yesterday, my primary care physician called and told me that my red blood cells are larger than normal. He didn't seem to be too concerned and speculated that it may be a B12 deficiency, but I take a B Complex tablet every day. I was wondering, could any blood loss I had during surgery have caused this? How concerned do I need to be? Thank you.

 

[Josephine]

As far as I know it's not connected with the surgery - never heard of it being so anyway.

But some vitamin tablets aren't worth the money you pay for them. Research has shown that some are so badly made, they exit the body in the same state they were swallowed! And that includes some supposedly 'quality' products! Hence it might be more effective to get the vitamins from your food rather than tablets. I think @Poppet has an article on this in the Nutritional Library.

 

[AnnieABC]

Thank you, Josephine.