Bilateral THR Jad26 in recovery

[Layla]

Yes, it is normal for the area to feel warm. You should notice it progressively improve over the coming weeks.
You're not being paranoid, so no worries. Questioning the process is normal also because its new and foreign to you, so don't hesitate to bring questions or concerns here and we'll do our best to advise.
Wishing you a peaceful evening!
@Jad26

 

[Mojo333]

Good morning (for me) @Jad26
I stayed on some pretty strong pain meds for the first few weeks, and, as I said before, am in awe that you are managing with only paracetamol.
Pain and stiffness at this stage is certainly normal.
Hip replacement Surgery is a very invasive surgery ...no matter the incision size.... lots of soft tissue is disturbed and your body is working overtime to heal.
I was comforted by the fact that at least the pain is coming from the surgery trauma and not the horrid ever worsening pre-op pain.

I had some strange intense zips and zaps come about after I got more mobile that had me running to the forum in a panic... Is this normal?
Thank goodness for fellow Bonesmarties for confirming that the sensations were not uncommon.

I wondered if you minded sharing what led to your double THR at the ripe old age of 32 ?

These new hips will get you back to healthy and happy.
Hang in there and stay chilled.

 

[Mojo333]

Just saw your post on another thread about your football injury and your subsequent struggles leading to your BTHR.
We never know how our experiences shared here can comfort or encourage others so thank you for sharing your story.

 

[Jad26]

Thank you and no worries im happy to share my story if it means helping others. My journey has not been a easy one as multiple joints were affected but the hips seemed to take the worst after the injury and the trauma triggered something and i was diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis. Having bad hips throws your body out of sync i was putting pressure on other joints which then caused them to be inflamed so im hoping now once i start to build up strength and the pain becomes less i will no longer strain the other joints to compensate for my bad hips. Im greatfull for this forum as you guys offer great support and comfort its amazing so thank you all for the help/advice really appreciate it.

 

[cold_brew]

had some strange intense zips and zaps come about after I got more mobile

I had some too down the side of my thigh that would trigger when I stretched the incision area (for example doing bridges in PT). Sometimes massaging the incision area would help. It seems to have gone away on its own at this point (8+ weeks)

 

[Jad26]

Need some advice on the dressings. I have a waterproof dressing which is due to come of today but really nervous about taking it of and ive just had a shower so i don't know whether to leave it on antoher day and take it before a shower but then im scared to get the wound wet? Dont know what to do

 

[Jaycey]

@Jad26 If you were told to remove the dressing today just go ahead and do it. I assume you don't have any staples on your wounds? At 14 days out it's fine to shower. Just dry the wound area gently after your shower.

 

[Jad26]

@Jad26 If you were told to remove the dressing today just go ahead and do it. I assume you don't have any staples on your wounds? At 14 days out it's fine to shower. Just dry the wound area gently after your shower.

Thank you for reply and no i dont have any staples just dissolvable stitches. I can see the wound through the dressing as its see through and waterproof. I have already showered so is it still ok to remove the dressing after showering do i need to clean the area or do i just take of the dressing and leave it?

 

[Jaycey]

I assumed you had dissolvable stitches but wanted to confirm. If you want to wait until tomorrow before you shower that's fine. Then just shower as normal and gently dry and wound area. No need for special cleaning.

 

[Jad26]

I assumed you had dissolvable stitches but wanted to confirm. If you want to wait until tomorrow before you shower that's fine. Then just shower as normal and gently dry and wound area. No need for special cleaning.

Yeah i will wait till tomorrow i would rather remove the dressing then have a shower so its more cleaner environment. Im just nervous about getting the wounds wet and them rubbing on clothes but im sure it will be ok. So its safe to get the wound wet in the shower but not clean it with it soap?

 

[CricketHip]

When I showered after removing my bandage, I very lightly soaped the area with only using my hand. then let the water rinse over it. Then gently pat dry. No lotions or oils/creams, though.

Well, that was my routine.. I hope your shower tomorrow is relaxing.. it's a great feeling to get the bandages off.

If you are really worrying about it, you could put a call into your surgeon's office and maybe ask the nurse practitioner or PA-- did you happen to look in your information packette? Maybe it clarifies it in more detail.

 

[Layla]

When I showered after removing my bandage, I very lightly soaped the area with only using my hand. then let the water rinse over it. Then gently pat dry. No lotions or oils/creams, though.

I did the exact same as, CricketHip, washed lightly over wound with a soapy hand, then patted dry after shower. So the incision did get wet and I wasn't really anxious about that, but didn't let the shower spray beat on it directly. I think soap on it is good, it cleanses the area.

As far as fabric rubbing on it. You may be more comfortable wearing some type of soft loose pants or shorts for another week or two. It depends upon your comfort level. You'll soon forget about it, or may find it itchy and want to apply topicals.

Sometimes the skin around your incision becomes dry and itchy while healing. Although it is okay to put lotion or cream on the surrounding skin if it is uncomfortable, you should not apply anything close to or on the stitches or incision without the approval of your surgeon. It normally takes four to six weeks for the incision to fully heal and close. You don't want to risk infection by applying a product near an open area before that time. Some of the more common creams and lotions used on a healed incision are Bio-Oil, Vitamin E Oil, E45 Cream, Palmer's Cocoa Butter Lotion with Vitamin E, and Coconut Oil.

The one exception to the guidance in regard to applying products topically over your incision is a product called ACTIVE AntiMicrobial Hydrogel Spray. This product contains hypochlorous (HOCL), a compound made naturally by your body to promote healing. It can be applied to your incision at any point during recovery - it's a germ fighter as well as a healing and moisturizing agent. Discuss its use with your surgeon before using it. You will find a link at the top right of the page in a sidebar ad you can click on.
I understand the apprehension you're feeling, we all do, but it will be okay.
Have a wonderful weekend!

 

[Jaycey]

So its safe to get the wound wet in the shower but not clean it with it soap?

My surgeon said I could get the wound wet but not let the water run full force on the wound in the early days. And yes, I would not use soap at this point.

 

[Layla]

@Jad26
As staff, we've given you conflicting advice and I don't want you to be confused, so I'm thinking you'd feel best assured if you check with your surgeon's care team for direction. As you can see via our responses, we're all advised differently. Our retired Nurse Emeritus, Josephine, was aghast that I was putting a fresh gauze on my incision daily as she viewed it as an opportunity to invite infection, but I trusted my surgeon and did as I was instructed and it healed perfectly. PTL

 

[Jad26]

Thank you guys for the advice and help. I will leave on for today then remove it in the morning before my shower. In my bookler it doesnt say anything about washing it or around it it just says pat dry gently with a clean towell after shower. One more day with the dressings on wont hurt i suppose so i will remove tomorow and say good bye to them finally. As for clothes im in loose clothing all the time anyway so that should be ok. Just a bit nervous as i feel they are protected with the dressing but will be good get some air to it

 

[Layla]

Just a bit nervous as i feel they are protected with the dressing but will be good get some air to it

Once you see its completely closed, I think you'll feel more at ease. Initially, I did worry about accidentally banging it. You would have heard me scream clear across the pond!
Shedding the dressing...one more step in the right direction!

 

[Jad26]

Finally got the dressings of was really worriee about this part as dont want infection or anything but heres what there looking like a bit different on both sides but looks ok?

 

[Layla]

Happy Saturday to you!
I'll bet you're happy that's over. Yes, each a bit different from the other, but I'm guessing all bilateral's two scars are different.

What did they have to say about showering?
@Jad26

 

[Jad26]

Happy Saturday to you!
I'll bet you're happy that's over. Yes, each a bit different from the other, but I'm guessing all bilateral's two scars are different.

What did they have to say about showering?
@Jad26

And to you! Yep happy i finally removed the dressing was reslly anxious about this. Yeah they seem to have healed up ok im gussing i dont know how they are suppose to look. I removed them myself this morning before my shower i didnt get them wet though wasnt ready for that. I didn't see anyone i removed them myself and in the booklet it just says to gently pat dry after shower. Im a bit scared to get them wet at the moment feels to soon

 

[Mojo333]

My "Both at Once" hippy pal.
Scary as the wounds may seem when they first hit the light of day, I think you will be amazed at how the puckering and scar will smooth out in a few months.
I was nervous about getting my incisions wet with my first showers, but mostly I just washed the trunk of my body and let some light soap and water trail over my incisions.

I was lucky to be able to wear a loose sundress so the rubbing could be minimal... along with high cut undies...
but my hubby's light cotton boxers worked well too.

Early days... and you will get there.
Happy Saturday!