THR Made it to the other side

[HopalongCassidy]

It’s reddish I would say. It’s beneath my wound dressing so it’s hard to tell.
I’ve been in touch with the surgeon who has advised me to reduce the blood thinner dosage and to rest in bed.
Feels like a step back. My bigger concern is what happens in the longer term if it doesn’t heal properly

 

[Jaycey]

Blood thinners do complicate this type of situation. Take it easy today and please don't assume this is a long term problem. It's not a step back - just a bump in the recovery road.

 

[HopalongCassidy]

Thanks Jaycey
The hospital called me yesterday and asked me to go in. I was checked over by the registrar and had a new suction dressing applied. The scar is 99% healed with one site where breaking-down haematoma is oozing out. No evidence of infection.
We had a really good discussion about risk management, related to me stopping the use of blood-thinning meds. We both agreed that the important thing was to ensure the scar fully healed - i.e. the risk and consequences of infection were higher than the risk of blood clots.
So no more thinners, prophylactic antibiotics prescribed and more mobility keep that blood circulating.
My big learning point is this: If you have post-op worries don't keep them to yourself. Contact your surgical team and explain what's happening because it's very definitely not their first rodeo.

 

[HopalongCassidy]

I’m coming to the end of my third week post-op. I’m walking with one crutch now and extending my range each day. Sleeping better now I’ve worked out how to sleep comfortably on my non-operated side. My clips will be coming out on Tuesday.
It hasn’t been an easy ride, especially dealing with the blood thinner complications. This forum has really helped at the low moments so thanks to you all

 

[Layla]

Good for the progress you’re making, HC!
Best of luck for your appointment on Tuesday. It will be nice to have the clips out.

There are a lot of great members here to support and encourage you as you’re healing. Glad to read that being a part of it all has helped you. I hope you’ll stick with us for awhile.
Happy Saturday!
@Hopalong Cassid

 

[HopalongCassidy]

Thanks Layla
I'll be around for sure. This is a great community

 

[Hippielife]

You’re coming right along and soon you will have better days ahead. The initial surgery recovery has many struggles as we adjust to healing and it is only temporary. Knowledge will unlock the doors for better recovery. Look online for the UK journal of joint replacement register. It contains every joint replacement, hospital, doctors and recovery on every individual in the UK. This will give you a better idea of the healing path what short term healing in 6-8 months means and long term healing 12-14 months. THR surgery is just as much mental as it is physical. You have come a long way in the last few days and you sound much more confident along your healing journey.

Once past the 6 months period the healing has begun to give new life and a sense of regaining our independence as mobility improves. Hips heal at there own pace . We all go thru the ups and downs thru our paths to a pain free sustainable healthy life and improved mobility .

ONE last Very Important thing..Please remember that hips do not need any form of therapy to heal . All that is needed is simple walking as strength training and heal to toe gate is essential . Don’t ever let a physical therapist make you do anything that hurts. Ever...they really have no idea... Really...PT is not needed... period.,.. you cannot rush healing take your time and don't compare your healing journey to anyone . Your journey is unique for you and only you have the power to help your hip heal. Keep a positive attitude and that is half the battle.

 

[HopalongCassidy]

You’re coming right along and soon you will have better days ahead. The initial surgery recovery has many struggles as we adjust to healing and it is only temporary. Knowledge will unlock the doors for better recovery. Look online for the UK journal of joint replacement register. It contains every joint replacement, hospital, doctors and recovery on every individual in the UK. This will give you a better idea of the healing path what short term healing in 6-8 months means and long term healing 12-14 months. THR surgery is just as much mental as it is physical. You have come a long way in the last few days and you sound much more confident along your healing journey.

Once past the 6 months period the healing has begun to give new life and a sense of regaining our independence as mobility improves. Hips heal at there own pace . We all go thru the ups and downs thru our paths to a pain free sustainable healthy life and improved mobility .

ONE last Very Important thing..Please remember that hips do not need any form of therapy to heal . All that is needed is simple walking as strength training and heal to toe gate is essential . Don’t ever let a physical therapist make you do anything that hurts. Ever...they really have no idea... Really...PT is not needed... period.,.. you cannot rush healing take your time and don't compare your healing journey to anyone . Your journey is unique for you and only you have the power to help your hip heal. Keep a positive attitude and that is half the battle.

Thanks for this message. I've been a bit low today, largely because I'm essentially confined to house and garden at present so social interaction is rare.
To read this message reminds me that I'm not alone in my struggle and gives me hope that I'll soon turn the corner. Your timing could not have been better.

 

[Jaycey]

Look online for the UK journal of joint replacement register. It contains every joint replacement, hospital, doctors and recovery on every individual in the UK.

Just to clarify - the National Joint Registry gives some statistics on joint replacement but not all instances. Many surgeons do not report their private practice stats. Some surgeons have not opted into the registry. This is slowly changing but we aren't there yet. The registry is a great place to research. Lots of information for patients and if anyone is looking for a surgeon in the UK, it is a great place to start.

 

[Hippielife]

Also would like to add… It is Mandatory for many types of joint surgeries to be included in the UK Joint Registry. Organized through the NHS. I have read them since 2011. None the less it is important to explore the UK joint registry. It is exemplary information for the public. The point is to understand the vast numbers of joint surgeries registered which shows the ‘Successful Outcome‘ of hip, knee and other joint surgeries, advocating recovery. rehab, hospitals and surgeons.

Hip, knee, ankle, elbow and shoulder joint replacements are common and highly successful operations that bring many patients relief from pain and improved mobility. Thousands of these joint replacement operations take place in the UK every year. The National Joint Registry (NJR) was set up by the Department of Health and Welsh Government in 2002 to collect information in England and Wales on joint replacement operations and to monitor the performance of Implants, Hospitals and Surgeons. Northern Ireland joined in February 2013, the Isle of Man in July 2015 and Guernsey in 2019.

The NJR started collecting data in April 2003 and submission for NHS organizations has been MANDATORY since April 2011 with the … Independent Sector adhering to Mandatory requirements since 2003. Hip and knee replacements have been collected since 2003, ankle joint replacements since 2010 and elbow and shoulder joint replacements since April 2012.

The American Joint Registry is not a Mandatory requirement in the US it is Voluntary. Information does not include surgeons and hospitals. The UK has the most comprehensive joint registry in the world.

 

[SurreyGirl]

Just to say I have a similar issue with part of my scar that is not healing. I am getting it checked on Tuesday and will raise the question of blood thinners then. A picture of the area is on the Scars thread on this forum..

Hang on in there!

 

[HopalongCassidy]

Thanks Surreygirl, I've only just seen your message. This saga has ended well for me. My scar is fully healed and my recovery is continuing. I hope all has gone well for you.

 

[HopalongCassidy]

This is the end of the fifth week post op for me. Looking back I’m amazed by a few things:
I’m taking practically no pain relief, maybe some paracetamol. Before the op, 4 Naproxen, 8 paracetamol and a couple of codeine each day.
My walking range is growing each day.
I can go up and downstairs without support and it’s not a struggle.
I’m looking forward to my outpatient meeting consultant at the end of this month.
My initial low mood immediately after the op has vanished. I’m really looking forward to being mobile again after two and a half years of pain

 

[Hippie Chick]

Please keep posting updates as they are very helpful to us newbies!

 

[Layla]

Positive update! Things are looking up for you, Hopalong!
Losing the low mood must feel so much better, as our outlook can feel like half the battle.
Do you want a 'Y" added to Cassid, or was that intentional? Either way is okay, I am only wondering.
A great week to you!
@Hopalong Cassid

 

[HopalongCassidy]

Positive update! Things are looking up for you, Hopalong!
Losing the low mood must feel so much better, as our outlook can feel like half the battle.
Do you want a 'Y" added to Cassid, or was that intentional? Either way is okay, I am only wondering.
A great week to you!
@Hopalong Cassid

Hi Layla
Thanks for the message and likes! I wanted to add a "Y" but I ran out of space....
Others have told me that 5 weeks is when you feel that you've turned the corner and for me that's certainly true.

 

[HopalongCassidy]

Please keep posting updates as they are very helpful to us newbies!

Will do as long as someone's interested

 

[Hippie Chick]

Please do- it helps me when something new or different happens that I was not expecting. Around every turn there seems to be a new issue that I know nothing about. Thanks!

 

[myglasshalffull]

It's always helpful to all of us to hear others recovery and experiences. So keep posting if you have time and happy your mood has improved as well as your ability to move around.

 

[Layla]

Hi Hopalong,
Jaycey, from Admin was able to add the Y to the end of your user name, but the space in the middle had to be eliminated to do so, I hope that's okay with you. The system must only allow a limited number of characters in a user name.
Happy Wednesday, hope its a good one!
@HopalongCassidy