THR Hip recovery

[Susytish]

I had right THR Thursday. Home today. It seems to hurt more than the hospital but I was trying to sit and it was awkward. Any tips for recovery will be appreciated. Had right TKR in February.
Not sure where to start this thread.

 

[djklaugh]

@Susytish You are in the right place for hip recovery! Welcome Here are our articles and suggestions for a successful hip recovery.

Hip Recovery: The Guidelines
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 these
BoneSmart philosophy for sensible post op therapy
5. At week 4 and after you should follow this
Activity progression for THRs
6. Access these pages on the website
Oral And Intravenous Pain Medications
Wound Care In Hospital

The 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

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.

 

[Jaycey]

@Susytish Welcome to the other side of surgery. Ice, elevate, take your pain medication around the clock as prescribed - then repeat. Lots of useful tips in the articles posted above.

 

[Hip4life]

@Susytish It is not unusual to start having more pain in the first days and week or so after surgery. It's your body reacting to the trauma of surgery. Just move regularly so you don't get too stiff and follow the ice and elevate and pain meds as in the above guidelines. It should start to get better as the swelling starts to subside. As long as the pain doesn't get extreme and/or you're not able to manage it (for which you should contact your doctor) it will just take a bit more time. In the meanwhile, give yourself lots of TLC. Keep us posted.

 

[nasruddin]

I had a similar experience - Day 1 went from pretty good to pretty sore by 10pm/22h.
That pain went down pretty fast the next few days - so likewise for you, hopefully and probably.

 

[benne68]

@Susytish You aren't alone. My pain level -- and swelling -- increased during the first week or so post-op. Then, gradually it started to decrease.

Although you've been through a THR before, it's important to remember that every hip is different -- even two hips in the same body! Keep icing, elevating and taking your pain meds.

Wishing you quick healing!

 

[Newhip_Pol]

Hi @Susytish - welcome to hip recovery. Most people tell me recovery from THR is easier and faster than TKR. Yes, the first week or so can be difficult but with regular pain relief and plenty of ice it's manageable. You can do this!

 

[Susytish]

Well I am 2 weeks post op. Had stitches removed Thursday. Not doing too bad. Trying to walk about in house and outside a bit. Having a kind of shower with a board on the bath for me to sit on.
This feels as though recovery will be easier than the TKR in February.

 

[benne68]

feels as though recovery will be easier than the TKR in February.

I agree. Many of us who have been through both a TKR and a THR say that the hip recovery is easier -- especially since PT is not needed and walking is the best therapy!

Keep icing and elevating and stay ahead of the pain by taking your meds on schedule.

Please keep us posted on your recovery!

 

[Susytish]

Today, 3 weeks post op, I felt discomfort in the hip joint. I hadn't felt before. Am I moving about too much. Lying on bed at moment!

 

[Hippie Chick]

Oh no! I hope you feel better! Maybe ice the area in addition to resting it. Keep us posted!

 

[Jaycey]

@Susytish Early days for you! What new activity did you do recently?

 

[Susytish]

Hi. I was on my feet a bit, clothes washing and hanging the outside on clothes line. In and out of car as passenger to goo feed cat at daughters house, 10 minutes away. So quite a bit looking at it now!

 

[Jaycey]

Too much too soon! Carrying, lifting twisting to hang clothes. Please think about what you are trying to do and scale back. You should not be doing any of this so soon out of surgery.

 

[myglasshalffull]

You may have joined ODIC! We have all been members so you are in good company. Rest!

 

[Esmeralda]

Hi. I was on my feet a bit, clothes washing and hanging the outside on clothes line. In and out of car as passenger to goo feed cat at daughters house, 10 minutes away. So quite a bit looking at it now!

You are certainly doing a lot more than me, you've had two big operations this year, one of which was only a few weeks ago, you really must try to take it easy - easier said than done I know