ceezee
graduate
Although I’ve been lurking here ever since I discovered this incredible forum right after my surgery, I’ve been putting off posting anything. That is only because all my questions were asked and answered by others. But for those of you who are just starting this endeavor I can’t stress enough how extremely valuable this forum is to help you with your recovery.
I’ve been following all the recommendations and it has paid off many many times. I ice for long times at least 4 times a day. A few days after surgery (about the same time I found the forum) I got swelling in that leg. Following the advice here, I elevated it constantly, kept up the icing, and it was gone in about 2 days. I still elevate whenever possible. I am strict about keeping up with my pain medications and only reducing them when it’s clear I don’t need them any more. And the hardest part, at which I expect to fail at some point, is avoiding the ODIC. So far so good.
Yesterday I had my post op checkup about a week early because I had a sore knot near my incision. It turned out to be normal and caused by how it was closed and will be gone soon. My OS was very happy with my recovery. He was impressed by my ice, elevate, rest, and walk program. I credit it to my following BoneSmart’s advice. His approach was always just walk, no PT, just walk, and listen to your body. The incision looks good and I’m walking without a cane at home. I’m cleared to drive. Now it’s a matter of not overdoing it because I feel so much better.
The first week is tough, no getting around it, but the second week is better. And around day 14 I kind of turned a corner. I’ve been able to greatly reduce the pain medication and I’m now off oxycodone. I hated that dopey feeling I got from it but it was essential in the early days. These days it’s just Tylenol and aspirin for blood thinning. I’m still not sleeping soundly through the night but it’s getting better. I’ve always been a restless sleeper anyway. I’m getting those nasty muscle spasms in my left quad but using a heating pad on it before bedtime is helping. I also have that long leg feeling but that should go away in a month or so. I keep in mind that because of all the trauma my hip and leg went through during surgery various aches and pains are normal and part of the healing process.
So now comes the time when I have to temper my normal impulses and keep taking it easy! My right hip is also troublesome and I’m scheduled for THR surgery on July 30th to fix that. I think I’ll have to stay on my current pain management medication until then just to keep my right hip under control.
My husband has been a gem through the whole thing and is very helpful in reminding me to take it easy!
The next milepost coming up is my one month anniversary when I can get rid of both the pillow between my legs when sleeping on my side and the 90° restriction leaning forward.
Thank you BoneSmart!
I’ve been following all the recommendations and it has paid off many many times. I ice for long times at least 4 times a day. A few days after surgery (about the same time I found the forum) I got swelling in that leg. Following the advice here, I elevated it constantly, kept up the icing, and it was gone in about 2 days. I still elevate whenever possible. I am strict about keeping up with my pain medications and only reducing them when it’s clear I don’t need them any more. And the hardest part, at which I expect to fail at some point, is avoiding the ODIC. So far so good.
Yesterday I had my post op checkup about a week early because I had a sore knot near my incision. It turned out to be normal and caused by how it was closed and will be gone soon. My OS was very happy with my recovery. He was impressed by my ice, elevate, rest, and walk program. I credit it to my following BoneSmart’s advice. His approach was always just walk, no PT, just walk, and listen to your body. The incision looks good and I’m walking without a cane at home. I’m cleared to drive. Now it’s a matter of not overdoing it because I feel so much better.
The first week is tough, no getting around it, but the second week is better. And around day 14 I kind of turned a corner. I’ve been able to greatly reduce the pain medication and I’m now off oxycodone. I hated that dopey feeling I got from it but it was essential in the early days. These days it’s just Tylenol and aspirin for blood thinning. I’m still not sleeping soundly through the night but it’s getting better. I’ve always been a restless sleeper anyway. I’m getting those nasty muscle spasms in my left quad but using a heating pad on it before bedtime is helping. I also have that long leg feeling but that should go away in a month or so. I keep in mind that because of all the trauma my hip and leg went through during surgery various aches and pains are normal and part of the healing process.
So now comes the time when I have to temper my normal impulses and keep taking it easy! My right hip is also troublesome and I’m scheduled for THR surgery on July 30th to fix that. I think I’ll have to stay on my current pain management medication until then just to keep my right hip under control.
My husband has been a gem through the whole thing and is very helpful in reminding me to take it easy!
The next milepost coming up is my one month anniversary when I can get rid of both the pillow between my legs when sleeping on my side and the 90° restriction leaning forward.
Thank you BoneSmart!