THR Hi! Post THR recovery

[Layla]

Happy Wednesday!
It’s raining here too, way over yonder across the pond. But hey, I’ll take it, it’s better than snow and is signaling Spring is on it’s way.

Getting comfy can be a challenge in the early weeks for sure, especially while dealing with pain. There is often a lot of restlessness involved and wandering from bed, to chair, to bed etc. Kind of like Goldilocks trying to find the spot that’s just right.

In the early days I found the most comfort sitting in a recliner, I even slept in mine for three weeks post op. The best advice I can give is to take your meds on schedule. Ice even if you don’t like doing so and while laying down, make sure it’s “toes above nose”.

Happy to hear the old trash bag trick worked and you didn’t have to disturb Mrs Wilk’s. Save her for when you really need help.

I’m leaving an article of information I followed from the Recovery Guidelines in the early weeks. I liked it because it kept me comfortably active without overdoing it and stalling my recovery. It only a rough gauge. Check it out and see what you think.

Have a great rest of the day!

Tap / click on the blue title in the link below -

Activity progression for THRs

For THRs. Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are assessed in hospital as a means of assessing your fitness to be discharged home. Your domestic circumstances will be taken into account as in if you are living alone, etc. ADLs include: ~ Personal hygiene and grooming ~ Dressing and undressing ~...

bonesmart.org

@JohnWilky

 

[JohnWilky]

Day 10 , and another very stormy morning in NW of England, had my best night sleep for two week and had a good movement in the bilge tank , thankfully because had ( I think it was the cause ) been feeling unwell.
It could have been just down to poor sleep ( up a minimum of 5 times for wee ) but felt very unwell and higher temp 74.5 at tea time last eve but quickly recovered post paracetamol.

Feel ten times better this morning sat here icing , two questions on this , (a) where do I ice ? ( b) what should be my default relaxed sitting position.

Doing simple exercises without pain and walking short distances several times , so that’s progress in just one week.

Big change for us today , going home to our own house , daughter and son -in-law have been outstanding and our 3 little grandchildren ,have kept me occupied like you would imagine, so next post from Stalybridge.

Good day to all hope everyone feeling better.

 

[Jaycey]

where do I ice ?

Anywhere that is feeling swollen or painful. Many new hippies complain of knee pain post op. This is because they grab your knee pretty aggressively to dislocate you hip. Ice if you have pain.

( b) what should be my default relaxed sitting position.

Whatever is comfortable. For now, sturdy chairs are best as trying to get up from very soft furniture can be difficult.

Sounds like you are making great progress. Let's pray for some sun to get things dried out a bit!

 

[JohnWilky]

Thanks Jacey , yea knee is a bit swollen as well as thigh , so just generally.

Home now and getting use to adapted room , just had District Nurse on phone arranging appt to have staples removed , next Tuesday that’s just 15 days !!! Is that right ?
Finally and most importantly does it hurt , big mardy me .

 

[Jaycey]

next Tuesday that’s just 15 days !!! Is that right ?

They remove staples anywhere from 10 - 15 days post op. So you are right there!

does it hurt ☹

Didn't hurt post my LTHR. Just tugs a bit. They use a special tool. Fear not!

 

[JohnWilky]

A quickie ,is it normal 10 days in to have sharp pressure ache/ pain in groin area the side ,whilst sitting feet up trying to relax on settee.

 

[Layla]

I would say, yes, it can happen. There is a lot of healing going on below the surface. View your surgery as a “controlled“ trauma. Major carpentry work, power tools used, lots of soft tissue disturbed.

I recall different aches, pains, odd sensations, usually one replaced by another.

I’ll play the Ice Police....are you icing on a regular basis? Icing any and all areas of pain and discomfort, for 45-60 mins, no less, each time? If not, give it a try. I’d recommend you ice the area you described above and see if the pain eases.

I’d only be concerned about issues that escalate in intensity, or frequency.
Hope this helps. Wishing you comfort and a peaceful evening.
@JohnWilky

 

[JohnWilky]

Thxs J reassuring , much appreciated .

 

[JohnWilky]

Day 11 , back and in own bed and much improvement sleep with own private toilet arrangements. So definitely feeling much better and appetite much improvement , all in all I feel a lot better in myself.
Had a walk around house early doors to get myself more mobile , any tips for what I should be doing Day 11 .
Moan of the day , still can’t get really comfy when relaxing and that’s frustrating.
Have a good day everyone.

 

[Mojo333]

Hi @JohnWilky
So happy to see things are leveling off and you are feeling better.
Gee...early days and what was I doing?
Resting and icing and trying to get comfy, like you...and walking about the house as tolerated every few hours, like you.
This is definitely the tedious part of recovery and where patience is prescribed in large doses.
Things will keep improving and you are doing it the right way.
Hopefully your weather will be improve soon so maybe you can do a bit of outside walking and perhaps even someone can take you on a drive for a change of scenery.

I think at two weeks, I was doing some solo cruising short distances and using the kitchen countertops and back of the sofa for stability.
Slow and steady wins this race...so keep on keeping on.
Just a snapshot in Time, friend...and you will be glad you have a good hip to get back to life.

 

[JohnWilky]

Is one crutch walking recommend for Day 12 customer, and would it help .

 

[Jaycey]

Is one crutch walking recommend for Day 12

If you are feeling confident with 1 crutch then it is time to transition. There is really no time frame for this - it's how you are feeling. I would say 1 crutch indoors for now. Use 2 for any outdoor walks until you are very steady on your feet.

 

[JohnWilky]

Hi all is any position to sit comfy in the armchair or am I just dreaming, I am currently sat safely on firmish cushion with one leg elevated on low box and THR leg on even lower box , but thigh and hip lower back area aching uncomfortably .
I apologise I ask so many questions and appreciate the help and advice.

Thxs everyone

 

[FCBayern]

I used a recliner or laid on the couch with pillows @JohnWilky. You really want that operated leg above your heart if possible or at least close to level. If you leg is below your heart more blood will stay in the area, not letting swelling go down and making you more uncomfortable. In an effort to take your mind off it, who does United play this week?

 

[Jaycey]

I apologise I ask so many questions

Please don't feel you need to apologise. That's what we are here for. The first few weeks can be confusing and frustrating. Stick with us!

 

[Celle]

Hi all is any position to sit comfy in the armchair or am I just dreaming, I am currently sat safely on firmish cushion with one leg elevated on low box and THR leg on even lower box , but thigh and hip lower back area aching uncomfortably .

I think you'll be more comfortable with your legs elevated higher.

If you read this article again, you will see some suggestions about your position while you're elevating:
Elevation: Doing It the Right Way

 

[Schaargi]

@JohnWilky I'm sorry you are uncomfortable. I was so grumpy the first month because I just couldn't get comfortable and relax. One big milestone was getting rid of the awful TED socks (I don't know if you have them). I feel for you. Hang in there.

 

[JohnWilky]

Ted socks , compression socks then yes , should keep em on for 30 days .Its nice to know others have suffered the uncomfortable, frustrating positions .
I have found that lying prone with cushions stacked and with Mrs Wilkys help ,I get some comfort whilst watching the golf !
I will read that article again C thxs all for the sympathy and the direction .
Utd play West Ham FC Munich , but not until Sunday evening , the golf is giving me the entertainment and Caroline can’t moan ,after all I am I’ll

 

[Layla]

Sorry you can’t get comfy, JW
Please check out the link to the Lounge Doctor at the very top of the page.
Many use this elevation pillow during recovery and long after. I do myself. I still find it comfortable to use while watching tv at night on occasion. It is an investment, but I figured I’d have it if / when I may need my other hip replaced. Your wife may even find it relaxing. I borrowed mine to my mom and had to steal it back from her.

At the very least, check out the link to see how to properly elevate. Visuals help.
I hope you sleep well tonight!
@JohnWilky

 

[FCBayern]

Utd play West Ham FC , but not until Sunday evening.

Actually perfect for me, we usually get all the Sunday games, Although it's a mid day game in my time zone.