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THR Made it to the Other Side!

Leedogmom2

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Surgery was at 8:30 this morning. Got home around 7:15 this evening. It took a good while for my spinal block to wear off & I couldn’t work with OT/PT until that happened. My surgeon said my hip was much worse once he got in there. So that makes me more confident in my decision to have it done. He said the surgery went great & my first follow up appt is in 5 wks.

So my first question is whether it’s normal to feel popping sensations when I’m up & walking? No pain, just different sensations I’m feeling in different areas. Dr did say my hip flexor was very tight, so a majority of my pain is in the inner part of my leg. I’m guessing as things shift back into place, these will be normal feelings. I’m just so worried I’m going to move the wrong way & mess things up. Also, is it best to just get up & walk for trips to the bathroom right now & let things rest as much as possible? I’m keeping ice on a majority of the time.

I’m thankful to all of the nurses & doctors that took care of me today and, of course, my hubby for putting up with me.

Going to try & get some sleep now. Any helpful hints are appreciated SO much!
 
Welcome to the healing side @Leedogmom2 !!!

Yes a variety of weird soft tissue aches, pains, and sensations are par for the course after both hip and knee replacements. I had the very same misstep terror with my first knee. Y'know what? Those implants are pretty tough!!!

Here are some resources to get you started.

HIP RECOVERY 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.

If you want to use something to assist with healing and scar management, BoneSmart recommends hypochlorous solution. Members in the US can purchase ACTIVE Antimicrobial Hydrogel through BoneSmart at a discount. Similar products should be available in the UK and other countries.

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

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.
 
Also, is it best to just get up & walk for trips to the bathroom right now & let things rest as much as possible? I’m keeping ice on a majority of the time.
That is the best plan for the first part of recovery. Popping sensations are normal as are all kinds of odd feelings in the hip area and down the leg.
 
I definitely was not prepared for how much this surgery just completely wipes you out. Today, is the start of my 2nd recovery. Yesterday, I experienced a LOT of tightness in my thigh. Still feel shaky if I stay up on my feet too long & I don’t quite have my appetite back yet. Really only made trips back & forth to the bathroom & did do one pass on the stairs.

Typically, I’m not a patient person, so this experience is very humbling for me. I don’t want to do too much too soon, so I’m taking it slow & steady. I’m staying on my pain meds schedule so far & pain hasn’t really been too bad other than the pain of things having been moved around & now feeling tight as the healing process moves forward.

I was able to get a pretty good night of sleep last night. Only waking up for meds or to pee. We are expecting about 4-6 inches of snow here tomorrow so my poor hubby will have to alternate taking care of me & moving snow. He’s the best!

I’m trying not to get discouraged & to stay positive, knowing this will all pass & in no time, I’ll be living as a happy new hippie
 
Welcome. Is this your 2nd replacement?
It's a longer recovery for many of us than we plan on, but slow & steady is definitely the way to approach it.
Ice, Relax, get up & take a spin around the house & then repeat for right now. I was able to make a pot of coffee in my first days home, even a pot of soup but I tired very easily. Sleep when you can. Like you I have an amazing partner so I'm happy you have a great husband that will see you through. That's half the battle!
 
This is my first replacement. I had hip arthroscopy 5 1/2 yrs ago & the first part of that recovery was 6 wks non weight baring, so the fact that I can at least walk, is so much easier. Thanks for the encouraging words
 
Day 2 there is no too much too soon, anything beyond a bathroom trip is too much. Read the recovery guidelines and understand how long this recovery can be. Enjoy sitting and icing as it's the best thing in recovery.
 
Yes, @Leedogmom2, the energy drain from surgery and recovery can be surprising -- especially if this is your first major surgery.

There's a helpful article about this here.

Also, please notice that I've merged your newest thread with your original recovery thread here. We ask that members maintain just one recovery thread for continuity. Having all your information is in one place, makes it easier for you to find and serves as a diary of your recovery. It also enables our staff and other members to advise you better.

So, please post any updates, questions or concerns here. If you’d like a new title, let us know what you want, and we’ll change it for you. You may want to bookmark your thread to make it easier to find.

For more on how to navigate the forum, you can read through this article:
How can I find my threads and posts?
 
Day 4
Yesterday I felt pretty good. I was able to just use Tylenol for my pain & did not feel I needed to use the Oxy. I still need my husband’s help getting in & out of the recliner, but once I’m up, I can make it to the bathroom & back with my walker. Of course, when I first start walking, my leg and hip are quite sore & stiff, but nothing horrible. I’ve been able to stand & brush my teeth. I haven’t been brave enough to try to shower yet…maybe today.

My milestone today was finally being able to poop! . I’m continuing to ice constantly & that really seems to be holding my swelling in check. I’m in Maryland & we are experiencing EXTREME cold for the next couple of days, so I’ll be happy to hunker down in my little recliner nest.

I love being able to come to this website every time a question about my recovery comes up & being able to search for others’ experiences. I’m trying to be good about not comparing my recovery to anyone else & trying to stay patient with the process.
 
Hello LeedDogMom. Thank you for posting your recovery. I have my Left THR on Jan 31st, followed by the right THR in May. I appreciate reading your comments and concerns. It makes a very daunting process a bit easier to bear. Best wishes for a great recovery!
 
You will reach different milestones during recovery. Some seem slow to come by but you will continue to improve. It's quite normal to try & compare yourself to another person's "take" on how their recovery went, (or in many cases opinions of those that never had their hip replaced)!
We do share similarities during recovery but we each have a uniqueness.
I wish you well.
 
Day 6 -Flying Solo
Hubby went back to work today, so today will be my first day on my own. Yesterday, was a really good day as far as getting up & moving around. My thigh is a little sore today, so I will ice, elevate & rest a little more than yesterday. Hubby & I got everything set up last night for what I’ll need today and so far, this morning has gone really well.

I’ve been off the pain meds for a few days….only taking my Tylenol for any achiness…and still on the Celebrex & baby aspirin. Tomorrow, I get to remove my waterproof dressing & for 3 days after that, I just need to make sure my incision stays dry if/when I shower.

I can’t believe tomorrow will be one week since my surgery. Each day, I feel like there’s a tiny improvement, but I know I have a long way to go.

To all on the East Coast….stay warm today….its going to be brutally cold here.
 
Yesterday, was a really good day as far as getting up & moving around. My thigh is a little sore today, so I will ice, elevate & rest a little more than yesterday.
Listening to your body is the right way to respond!

Less is more during the first few weeks of recovery. My surgeon likes to say, "your only job for the first 2 weeks is to rest and recover."
 
Day 8
I was able to take my waterproof dressing off yesterday. My incision actually looks really good. For the next 3 days, I just need to make sure to keep the incision covered, if I shower.

I’m experiencing mostly soreness & tightness in the front of my thigh. I’m still icing & elevating while I’m in the recliner. Last night, I was feeling some burning sensations all the way down to my foot. I was looking through other peoples’ recovery stories & it seems like the burning is most likely from nerves repairing themselves during the healing process. This is something I will keep an eye on tho.

Other than that, I’m trying not to overdo it. Making trips to the bathroom, the kitchen and to let the dogs out. Sometimes, I will make an extra trip down the hallway, just to move around. I’m going stir crazy being in the house but, at the same time, it’s extremely cold outside, so I don’t want to go out either. :loll:

Have a great day everyone!
 
Last night, I was feeling some burning sensations all the way down to my foot. I was looking through other peoples’ recovery stories & it seems like the burning is most likely from nerves repairing themselves during the healing process. This is something I will keep an eye on tho.
Small sensory nerve fibers are cut with the incision. These nerve fibers run from the inside to the outside of the hip and cutting them causes the hip to feel numb after surgery. It is a temporary sensation that normally resolves over a period of six months to one year post op.

While healing you may experience sensations of tingling, pins and needles, itching, burning and even the feeling of a minor electrical shock. These are usually good signs that the nerves are spontaneously firing through the regeneration process.

Sounds like you're doing well! I hope you have a nice weekend!
@Leedogmom2
 
Today is day 16….can’t believe it’s been over 2 weeks since my surgery! I have pretty much graduated to using my cane around the house. I haven’t ventured out anywhere yet. It’s been too cold to really walk outside. I am planning on having my hubby get me out of the house today at some point, even if it’s just to ride in the car. I would really like to be able to help him with the grocery shopping, too, but I’m a little nervous to do that much walking around the store just yet.

My thigh is still quite stiff, especially when I get up from sitting. But, once I get up & walking around, it gets better. I’m still spending most of my time in the recliner, including sleeping there. I’m still nervous about trying to sleep in my bed. I have my cane with me while walking around, but there are more times now when I don’t need to lean on it and I feel like I’m walking pretty normal….although still taking it slow. I’m getting more & more confident & just need to trust that my hip/leg is getting stronger, but I’m still being cautious.

I just wanted to share how things are going up to this point. Thanks, again, to everyone else who share their stories and questions. It helps so much to have those.
 
Sounds like you are "moving" right along. A ride in the car would be a pleasant way to get out for awhile. If you are using a cane you might be able to use a shopping cart in the market if you wanted to try it. Two weeks is still pretty early & you need to be your own advocate in recovery. You know your comfort level so go with that.
 
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