THR Elevation recommendations

[Goma]

Just out of surgery 12 hours ago and I'm feeling good.

Everything went smoothly and I've been able to stand with a walker comfortably.

The joint doesn't hurt but the surgical wound does.

I'v e had a morphine shot of 5ml and am using a pill that works like endone without the side effect of possible addiction. I'll try to get the name.

All good and I'm very pleased to able to live pain free.
 

 

[Jaycey]

@Goma Welcome to the other side! Which hip was replaced? We will put the information in your signature for you. I'll also get you added to the September group.

Meanwhile here are your recovery guidelines:

Hip Recovery: The Guidelines
We are all different, as are the approaches to this recovery and rehab. The key is, “Find what works for YOU.“ Your doctor(s), physiotherapist(s) and BoneSmart are here to help. But you have the final decision as to what approach you use.

1. Don’t worry: Your body will heal all by itself. Relax, let it, don't try and hurry it, don’t worry about any symptoms now, they are almost certainly temporary
2. Control discomfort:

rest​

elevate​

ice​

take your pain meds by prescription schedule (not when pain starts!)​

3. Do what you want to do BUT

a. If it hurts, don't do it and don't allow anyone - especially a physical therapist - to do it to you​

b. If your leg swells more or gets stiffer in the 24 hours after doing it, don't do it again.​

4. PT or exercise can be useful BUT take note of this BoneSmart philosophy for sensible post op therapy
5. Here is a week-by-week guide for Activity progression for THRs
6. Access these pages on the website

Oral And Intravenous Pain Medications​

Wound Closure​

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
Post op blues is a reality - be prepared for it
Myth busting: on getting addicted to pain meds
Sleep deprivation is pretty much inevitable - but what causes it?

BIG TIP: Hips actually don't need any exercise to get better. They do a pretty good job of it all on their own if given half a chance. Trouble is, people don't give them a chance and end up with all sorts of aches and pains and sore spots. All they need is the best therapy which is walking and even then not to excess.

We try to keep the forum a positive and safe place for our members to talk about their questions or concerns and to report successes with their joint replacement surgery.

While members may create as many threads as they like in a majority of BoneSmart's forums, we ask that each member have only one recovery thread. This policy makes it easier to go back and review history before providing advice.

 

[Goma]

Hey..thanks. My right hip was replaced. In 2020 I had a TKR in my right knee so I know for sure this is the forum for helpful advise.

I've been lurking around and reading other members stories to prepare myself as much as possible..I had heaps of anxiety, but now that it's done my goal has shifted to recovery.

The info is fantastic information and reassuring when you have doubts and questions.
Inevitably someone always asks your questions or shares your experience.

The hip is pain free thanks to wide variety of shapes and coloured pills.
The surgical site is where the pain is focused and for me nowhere near the pain of my soon to be forgotten hip. Good riddance to that old mate.

I'll be posting my journey and love hearing from others. Any input..advice..encouragement is very valuable and welcome.

Thank you to my new hippie friends.

 

[Esmeralda]

Welcome @Goma

I'm sure you will find this forum to be very helpful and supportive as I have done, along the road to recovery.

 

[Hippie Chick]

Welcome Goma! This forum is great!

 

[Goma]

This evening..time difference in Australia...
the meds used during surgery have worn off and I'm feeling the real pain. Nausea and dizziness from the anaesthetic is almost gone.


currently my blood pressure 101/77. This is up from the morning..my pressure was 90/70. I thought I was bleeding internally but have been told that low pressure is acceptable from the anaesthetic.
I had a spinal injection and sedation ...no general and I found it better and less grogginess when wakening.


My concern is that I could be bleeding internally now but nurses have said low is OK after surgery.
Tomorrow I'll ask my surgeon on his rounds.

I'm all iced up taking what the nurse give me and tomorrow a few steps.

Also have a catheter which helps tremendously.

Thanks for your replies.. I'm amazed at how many people want and receive support they need.

Thank you

 

[Jaycey]

@Goma Low BP following this surgery is very common. This should ease fairly quickly. Just move very slowly and carefully in these early days.

 

[SurreyGirl]

Just make sure they give you the meds on time! That is crucial. You seem to have a lovely positive attitude. Think about icing as soon as you can. It will help with the bruising..

 

[Goma]

Thanks for the advice.
Doing just as you both said and today am feeling a bit better.
Just waiting for physio to come.

Icing is the best and helps with the pain.
I'm taking a variety of medicines currently through drips and pills.nurses tell me "if you want something for pain..just ask".

The reason I'm positive is because I couldn't be as bad as I was presurgery..there's alot of pain but pre-op... it wasn't pleasant.


Thanks to all.

 

[Solar7]

Hiya hip pal... we're very close to each other, best of luck in your recovery! Keep us updated, I'm on the other side of the world and in another care system but very interested in how it goes for you.

 

[SurreyGirl]

Don’t worry about asking for all the Meds you can get at this stage. Plenty of time to wean off them. . Glad icing is helping. Last op I just used icepacks. This time I have ones that come in a large holster pocket I can wrap around my thigh and strap into place. Great for sitting on chairs and walking about and I use them for my lower back too.

 

[Clairebella]

Welcome @Goma. I am 2.5 weeks ahead of you and spent 2 nights in hospital. Man, I would have killed for a catheter! Bed pans all the way, urgh!

Ring for pain relief as soon as you feel it edging up, keeping on top there and when home is key and will enable you to mobilise and sleep.

 

[Hippie Chick]

Take pain meds as ordered- it helps! Ice is awesome! I was in and out same day. Would not recommend but there is no choice- practice changed because of bed shortages during Covid. Sleep when your body wants to. Continue to share how it is going!

 

[Sammy-Am]

Hi @Goma,

Congratulations on your new hip! Wishing you a speedy recovery! Please keep us updated if you can.

 

[Goma]

Today the pain is kicking in but I've been alot more mobile.
Had my catheter out yesterday and using the walker to get to the toilet seat. Was constipated but that's moving along ok today.
I've had 24/7 knee high compression stockings with an ankle to knee compression machine pumping day and night to minimise blood clots. It feels really good and wish I could take it home. It's so gentle.

The physio has given me a whole lot of exercises which I do 10 repetitions of 3 to 4 times a day. Prior to see surgery I met my physio who gave me a Garmin watch to trace steps before the op and I'll wear it after to make sure that I'm doing better.
He gave me a tablet and we're in contact online 24/7.
He'll ring me daily and he'll see me exercising and walking on the tablet.

So all the necessary bits taken care of.

Generally I'm trying to keep ahead of the pain and not holding back on whatever the give me. I'm on endone along with a slow release and fast acting pain killer,panadol,Celebrex,aspirin,an antibiotic as I've picked up a bit of a chest infection. Constant icing is a definite help with swelling.

Just want to get through to the other side. I've had my knee done and can tell you that this surgery is nowhere near as bad as that was so I'm finding this easier to cope with.

Love this sight and the support here. I understand that family and friends try to help but it's better talking to those that have the same experience...you can ask anything if you're worried and importantly.makes you feel not so alone.

 

[Eman85]

The physio has given me a whole lot of exercises which I do 10 repetitions of 3 to 4 times a day. Prior to see surgery I met my physio who gave me a Garmin watch to trace steps before the op and I'll wear it after to make sure that I'm doing better.
He gave me a tablet and we're in contact online 24/7.
He'll ring me daily and he'll see me exercising and walking on the tablet.

Not what would be called the Bonesmart way to recovery. Sounds like a lot for 3 days out, actually a lot for 6 weeks out.

 

[Hippie Chick]

I got tired just reading your post. You successfully got through knee surgery so you have that experience. Please don’t overdo if it becomes too much.

 

[Layla]

Welcome to the healing side of the forum. Congrats on your new hip!
Take a look at the article below if you haven't made it through the Recovery Guidelines that, Jaycey, left for you yet. Following the suggestions in the article will keep you from overdoing it and landing in the ODIC (Over Did It Club) Wishing you only the best as you begin healing!
Activity progression for THRs
@Goma

 

[Goma]

I had the same issue with the knee ... don't overdo it because you'll pay for it later. I followed bonesmart and the knee is solid 3 years out.

I'll be following bonesmart this time too. She did say patience was the most important exercise and not to go overboard. My surgeon said just walk whatever you can. I have a whole guideline of what to do and what not to do but I'll listen to my body.

The watch was to monitor steps and the physio said he wants to get to the same level hopefully better over time.

At this point I'm very tired. After surgery my BP dropped to the low 90's and just picked up to over low100's late yesterday and today. Oxygen level and heart rate are good so the low BP has been put down to anaesthesia.
Currently sleeping alot and in bed,very little appetite,my family are getting on my nerves because the all want to help and I wish they would just be quiet and go away.

My cats are ecstatic I'm back and we're sharing the bed...at least they're quiet.

I'll be spending time here with other hippies. It's my safe and happy place.

 

[Goma]

I'm reading the guidelines re elevation.
I don't have Lounge Doctor and have seen the diagram with 3 pillows gradually stacked.
My PT told me not to bend forward past 90 when sitting.Avoid low chairs,stools or couches.when sitting and the knee should not sit higher than the hip. No leg crossing and if on the side a pillow should be put between the knees for separation.

I'll be back sleeping.it works for me and I'm ok.

I have a firm highjacked chair that lies back so I'm not sitting at 90 degrees but slightly leaning back. I can put an ottoman in the front to support and elevate my entire leg. Do you think this would work and should I use some low cushions to elevate my entire leg so that it's up a bit for drainage. I'm not sure how much you can bend your hip for comfort without causing stress on the joint. We also have a recliner but not sure it's advisable to use.

I'm wearing compression stockings to my knee and there's very little swelling right now.
Want to avoid restless legs.

Thank you ...any advice appreciated.