Bilateral THR Jad26 in recovery

[djklaugh]

@Jad26 There is an article in our library that will give you some good tips on how to elevate your legs: https://bonesmart.org/forum/threads/elevation-doing-it-the-right-way.7602/

As for getting into and out of bed I found after my BTHR that moving both legs at the same time and swiveling on my back side worked best. Trying to move one at a time hurt too much and interfered with my surgeon's hip precautions. Not all surgeons impose those but mine did.

 

[Zoebichon]

I purchased the Lounge Doctor, often advertised on this site. It’s a large wedge for elevating both legs at once.

I spent most of my first three weeks lying flat on a foldout futon sofa with a comfy mattress. Mostly I had both legs up on the Lounge Doctor while I iced and rested. I also just laid out straight when I tired of elevating. At 15 weeks, I still spend my early evening relaxing this way while reading my iPad.

I needed to get up every hour or so to pee and then I would take a short walk around the house. The trash bag trick works like a charm, as mentioned. I still use it on my upstairs bed, which is a bit high.

I also kept both legs tightly together while swiveling onto the bed, also being a bilateral.

 

[Jad26]

Quick update. 5 days post op now pain has gone down quite alot still get a bit hot around the pelvic area and still abit sore around the wound area but the ice helps not on any strong pain relief just take ibuprofen 3 or 4 times a day with meals. Sitting around all day does get boring and resteless i do bed excercises and mini walks around the house now and then but today was the first day i got out the house and done a small walk around with a few step ups on the curb felt ok. Been icing and elevating a lot even slept with legs elevated dont know if its a good idea? Constipation gone so feeling ok. My wound dressing has gone a bit rough around the edges but the wound is not exposed i spoke to nurse who said to onlt change it if the wound is exposed but its worrying me as the see through dressing looks a bit creased up but i suppose the more i move it will slightly strecth the plastic and rub on clothes so i will just leave it.

 

[Jaycey]

Been icing and elevating a lot even slept with legs elevated dont know if its a good idea?

Excellent idea! Many of us iced and elevated around the clock. I took an ice pack to bed at night as well.

Sounds like you are doing really well @Jad26 !

 

[Jad26]

Been icing and elevating a lot even slept with legs elevated dont know if its a good idea?

Excellent idea! Many of us iced and elevated around the clock. I took an ice pack to bed at night as well.

Sounds like you are doing really well @Jad26 !

So sleeping with legs elevated is ok? Yeah i feel im doing well so far hopefully stays this way and progress each day. I have a concern thats making want to ditch the ibuporfen as i was just reading it interacts with the blood thinners i am on and can increase the risk of bleeding even more? Confused

 

[Layla]

You're doing great! Thanks for the update.

I suggest you phone your surgeons office with any concerns you have regarding meds.

Yes, you can sleep with legs elevated if that's comfortable for you. It is our lymph system that rids the body of fluid (swelling). So you want to get the fluid to the lymph nodes in your torso area so your body can more quickly process it. The lymph system works rather slowly on its own and much more efficiently with the assistance of gravity. The fluid isn’t draining into the hips, but contained with the lymph system and moving to the torso and lymph nodes located there.

Please notice that I moved your latest update and the responses you received here from the pre-op side of the forum. Having your recovery information contained in one place will make it easier for you to reflect back on. It is also helpful for those stopping by to be able to review your history before advising or commenting.
Please post any updates, questions or concerns about your recovery here.
Take care and have a great rest of the week!
@Jad26

 

[Mojo333]

Hi @Jad26
You sound as if you are doing very well.
I certainly had to rely on the stronger meds for the first month so I'm a bit in awe you have managed without them.
As Layla advised, you should inform your surgeon about your use of Ibuprofen with your blood thinner, but Everything I've read said this is a big No-No.
Increased risk of GI bleeding and even more serious risks.

I tried so many over the counter pain relievers before my hip surgery...without much effect but Tylenol did nothing to help.
I was surprised that it really helped considerably after my BTHR, so I would certainly recommend this to be a safer choice.

A little more time and patience, and you will certainly be feeling more confident about this recovery.
Hope today is a good day.

 

[Jad26]

Hi @Jad26
You sound as if you are doing very well.
I certainly had to rely on the stronger meds for the first month so I'm a bit in awe you have managed without them.
As Layla advised, you should inform your surgeon about your use of Ibuprofen with your blood thinner, but Everything I've read said this is a big No-No.
Increased risk of GI bleeding and even more serious risks.

I tried so many over the counter pain relievers before my hip surgery...without much effect but Tylenol did nothing to help.
I was surprised that it really helped considerably after my BTHR, so I would certainly recommend this to be a safer choice.

A little more time and patience, and you will certainly be feeling more confident about this recovery.
Hope today is a good day.

Yeah all the stuff i have read said it should not be taken together i don't know why they would prescribe me these two together it makes no sense. I just took my last ibuprofen as i woke up in a bit of pain this morning and im going to get a strong paracetamol instead i feel much more safer taking that than ibuprofen. Im still a bit sore around the wound i actaully feel best when im walking its weird. Sitting around all day is very boring and mentally draining start to think all sorts of things just want to get these first few weeks out the way. Its only day 6 i dont know what to expect like should i be able to do more or am i doing good who knows

 

[Mojo333]

I think switching to the paracetamol is wise!

It is odd, but I also felt better when I was up standing.
The legs were only comfortable in any position for a short time and this initial healing period is Boorinng

I say....You are doing well... and I know its a struggle but alot will be trial and error where returning to normal activity incrementally and listening to your body will be a process.

Hopefully you can get some outside time. Great for your spirit and cabin fever woes.
All Temporary my double hippy friend.

 

[Jad26]

I think switching to the paracetamol is wise!

It is odd, but I also felt better when I was up standing.
The legs were only comfortable in any position for a short time and this initial healing period is Boorinng

I say....You are doing well... and I know its a struggle but alot will be trial and error where returning to normal activity incrementally and listening to your body will be a process.

Hopefully you can get some outside time. Great for your spirit and cabin fever woes.
All Temporary my double hippy friend.

Yeah going outside yesterday for a walk felt really nice unfortunately today the weather is pouring down with rain so it looks like indoor walking sessions today and i start my physio tomorow so will be my first outing in a car since leaving the hospital. Is there any specific amount of times a day that you should excercise i know physio is important i just always feel im not doing enough i know its only been 6 days post op but these things play on my mind. I think after tomorow physio im going to try and get it to a routine just dont want to overdo it and up in more pain

 

[Layla]

Is there any specific amount of times a day that you should excercise i know physio is important i just always feel im not doing enough i know its only been 6 days post op but these things play on my mind. I think after tomorow physio im going to try and get it to a routine just dont want to overdo it and up in more pain

Contrary to what most assume, it is not necessary to exercise your injured hip to promote healing. The controlled trauma sustained through THR will heal on its own. Often though, we're impatient and want to move the process along. In doing so we run the risk of struggling with pain and setbacks stalling the healing process. The best therapy for recovery is walking, but not to excess. Start slowly increasing time and distance incrementally in an effort not to overdo it. Give yourself the TLC you deserve and reap the benefits of a successful recovery.

Check out the ACTIVITY PROGRESSION FOR THR from the Recovery Guidelines as a rough gauge of what you'll most likely be able to handle weekly, for the first couple months. Please don't over do it, you will only stall your recovery by doing so. Also, refrain from engaging in any PT that hurts. Just Say NO.

Good Luck tomorrow, let us know how it goes for you. I think getting out, away from home, will do you some good. It certainly helps cabin fever, but those initial post op outings can be draining also.

 

[Jad26]

Is there any specific amount of times a day that you should excercise i know physio is important i just always feel im not doing enough i know its only been 6 days post op but these things play on my mind. I think after tomorow physio im going to try and get it to a routine just dont want to overdo it and up in more pain

Contrary to what most assume, it is not necessary to exercise your injured hip to promote healing. The controlled trauma sustained through THR will heal on its own. Often though, we're impatient and want to move the process along. In doing so we run the risk of struggling with pain and setbacks stalling the healing process. The best therapy for recovery is walking, but not to excess. Start slowly increasing time and distance incrementally in an effort not to overdo it. Give yourself the TLC you deserve and reap the benefits of a successful recovery.

Check out the ACTIVITY PROGRESSION FOR THR from the Recovery Guidelines as a rough gauge of what you'll most likely be able to handle weekly, for the first couple months. Please don't over do it, you will only stall your recovery by doing so. Also, refrain from engaging in any PT that hurts. Just Say NO.

Good Luck tomorrow, let us know how it goes for you. I think getting out, away from home, will do you some good. It certainly helps cabin fever, but those initial post op outings can be draining also.

Thank you for the advice. I did manage to get out for a walk today just to end of my road and back. Each day i will add a little bit more i also do little walks around the house and some simple bed excercises. I just find myself lying in bed to much maybe i need to start sitting up on the sofa sometimes as its a bit more normal than lying in bed all day lol hopefully all goes well and i will take it easy not going to push anything that hurts. I just need to relax and not push myself still only 6 days post op but wow time flies. I remember how nervous i was this time last week and now im already in recovery

 

[Eman85]

I only had one done at a time, you'll avoid the second recovery time. just a tip about walking down the road that I learned from experience. If you go too far it's too late as you have to walk back. I found myself leaning on a fencepost for quite a while before I could make the trip back. Short distances make it easier, you can always make another lap if you want.

 

[Jad26]

Is there any specific amount of times a day that you should excercise i know physio is important i just always feel im not doing enough i know its only been 6 days post op but these things play on my mind. I think after tomorow physio im going to try and get it to a routine just dont want to overdo it and up in more pain

Contrary to what most assume, it is not necessary to exercise your injured hip to promote healing. The controlled trauma sustained through THR will heal on its own. Often though, we're impatient and want to move the process along. In doing so we run the risk of struggling with pain and setbacks stalling the healing process. The best therapy for recovery is walking, but not to excess. Start slowly increasing time and distance incrementally in an effort not to overdo it. Give yourself the TLC you deserve and reap the benefits of a successful recovery.

Check out the ACTIVITY PROGRESSION FOR THR from the Recovery Guidelines as a rough gauge of what you'll most likely be able to handle weekly, for the first couple months. Please don't over do it, you will only stall your recovery by doing so. Also, refrain from engaging in any PT that hurts. Just Say NO.

Good Luck tomorrow, let us know how it goes for you. I think getting out, away from home, will do you some good. It certainly helps cabin fever, but those initial post op outings can be draining also.

7 days post op today. Still a bit sore around the wound area and noticed pain is worse in mornings after being in same position all night really want to sleep on my side. During the day the pain is much lower even at night its just that initial period from when i wake up in the night to go for a wee i struggle to get back to sleep as i cant get comfortable and back aches from being stuck in the same position cant wait to sleep on my side. Physio today said im doing well 1 week post op just said to continue with the light excercises and small walks. I have noticed tho my hip flexors are still very tight and stiff they was before surgery i was hoping for some relief i know its still early days but when can i start stretching out the hip flexors as i couldn't before surgery due to the arthrits and now im still a bit sore after surgery any ideas. Apart from that overall i feel like im doing good just on paracetamol few times a day is it still normal to have pain 1 week after surgery? Thank you all

 

[Layla]

Hi Jad26, it sounds like you're doing well. Happy One Week Anniversary!

Is it still normal to have pain 1 week after surgery?

Yes, many do and remain on meds long after one week post op.

Ask your PT to show you some gentle stretches at your next visit so they can watch and make sure you're doing them right. Getting comfortable on your back is difficult for many. I can relate from my early recovery. What helped me was pillows, a variety of mostly soft bed pillows. I found it a comfort to have them on each side of me so I could easily rest an arm or leg on one. I think I appreciated the cushy comfort when I was feeling achy or tired. Try it! I hope you have a nice weekend, thanks for the update!

 

[cold_brew]

Peak pain&stiffness in the morning sounds familiar. For me it got better but pretty slowly / gradually over many weeks. Still some of that going on now at 8+ weeks but much reduced from early days. Ice and Tylenol first thing out of bed helped start the day!

 

[Jad26]

Hi Jad26, it sounds like you're doing well. Happy One Week Anniversary!

Is it still normal to have pain 1 week after surgery?

Yes, many do and remain on meds long after one week post op.

Ask your PT to show you some gentle stretches at your next visit so they can watch and make sure you're doing them right. Getting comfortable on your back is difficult for many. I can relate from my early recovery. What helped me was pillows, a variety of mostly soft bed pillows. I found it a comfort to have them on each side of me so I could easily rest an arm or leg on one. I think I appreciated the cushy comfort when I was feeling achy or tired. Try it! I hope you have a nice weekend, thanks for the update!

Thank you will give that a try hopefully a better night sleep tonight got my ice and legs elevated lets see how it goes

 

[Jad26]

Peak pain&stiffness in the morning sounds familiar. For me it got better but pretty slowly / gradually over many weeks. Still some of that going on now at 8+ weeks but much reduced from early days. Ice and Tylenol first thing out of bed helped start the day!

Will give that a try in the morning thank you

 

[Jad26]

I dont know if im being paranoid but is it normal for the wound area to be warm when healing? How long does this last

 

[Zoebichon]

My upper thighs and front incisions were definitely warm for at least three weeks. Lots of inflammation going on in there from the surgery and healing. Ice really helps.