THR New Here - Difficult Painful Recovery - 3 months post op

[benne68]

Good for you for asserting yourself, @RaphPalo! You know your body and you know best what will -- and won't -- work for you.

My surgeon preaches the following to every patient: "Your ONLY job the first two weeks is to rest and recover. You don't need any exercise beyond getting up for a little walk every few hours to prevent clots."

We are here for you!

 

[Annekin]

I was also quite nauseous after the surgery although not at first as I remember eating toast after surgery! Rather unfortunately I was sick in the early hours of the morning, which isn't a good time as the poor nurse had to wash me and change the sheets, whilst I apologised profusely (as if it was my fault!)

Fortunately that was the only time, although I do remember drinking quite a lot of water as I felt really dehydrated.

As others have said, the first few days & weeks can be tough. I am quite an assertive patient so I think that can be a bit of a challenge for health professionals. Basically I hate to be patronised. Although I always get on well with the nurses, it's the doctors making decisions from on high without actually seeing me, that irritates me. Yep, I'm stubborn!

It is important to advocate for yourself though as it's your body. Hope things improve soon.

 

[RaphPalo]

Good for you for asserting yourself, @RaphPalo! You know your body and you know best what will -- and won't -- work for you.

My surgeon preaches the following to every patient: "Your ONLY job the first two weeks is to rest and recover. You don't need any exercise beyond getting up for a little walk every few hours to prevent clots."

We are here for you!

Much appreciated @benne68! Hearing your surgeon’s advice makes me wanna check in with my surgeon to clarify his intentions with home PT this time around.

 

[RaphPalo]

I was also quite nauseous after the surgery although not at first as I remember eating toast after surgery! Rather unfortunately I was sick in the early hours of the morning, which isn't a good time as the poor nurse had to wash me and change the sheets, whilst I apologised profusely (as if it was my fault!)

Fortunately that was the only time, although I do remember drinking quite a lot of water as I felt really dehydrated.

As others have said, the first few days & weeks can be tough. I am quite an assertive patient so I think that can be a bit of a challenge for health professionals. Basically I hate to be patronised. Although I always get on well with the nurses, it's the doctors making decisions from on high without actually seeing me, that irritates me. Yep, I'm stubborn!

It is important to advocate for yourself though as it's your body. Hope things improve soon.

@Annekin You’ve got me chuckling with how you describe your self as a patient. “Yep, I’m stubborn!” I love it. Lol. So, sorry that you had to contend with such nausea and getting sick from it. Sounds like you’re stubborn when needed and considerate too. Being that you apologized to the nurse when of course you couldn’t help getting sick at your stomach. I get very emotional too on the rare occasions that I up chuck.

 

[RaphPalo]

Also has anyone experienced side effects from intubation? I’m going to call my surgeon but my throat isn’t happy since being intubated. It’s been sore and irritated. Causing an intense cough at times. While in the hospital they gave me a few cough drops. Said I could use a spray. Didn’t say which or give me a spray but I ordered some spray this morning. Prior to that I gargled with a mouthwash that can be used for both. Sucked on cough drops and tried to stay hydrated. Although, it’s summer I might have to stick warm drinks /teas as opposed to cold ones for now. Seems like cold water might be making the cough come on. Naturally. I rather enjoy cold water of course.

 

[mendogal]

Yes, those side effects are common. As tomorrow is Monday, I would recontact them and ask specifically WHAT spray they are recommending!
You can also try warm saline gargles (look up recommendations for how much salt to use... Too much will sting) and ask your ortho practice if it's ok to try an herbal throat tea blend that includes slippery elm. A little honey in tea will help as well.

 

[RaphPalo]

Yes, those side effects are common. As tomorrow is Monday, I would recontact them and ask specifically WHAT spray they are recommending!
You can also try warm saline gargles (look up recommendations for how much salt to use... Too much will sting) and ask your ortho practice if it's ok to try an herbal throat tea blend that includes slippery elm. A little honey in tea will help as well.

Thank you @mendogal Will do. Over this weekend I realized that the lozenges they gave me tasted like a very specific brand of spray that we used regularly when I was a kid. Hadn’t used that brand of anything in ages but I ordered that brand of spray as opposed to an herbal one. So, hopefully they’ll approve. I definitely prefer natural remedies when possible. Warm salt water was used in my home regularly growing up. So I am a believer. And great idea to look up recommendations for how much salt to use because I’ve been known to be a little heavy handed with the salt in the past. Like you said makes it worse. Yikes. I have some herbal tea for throat care and Manuka Honey. Hopefully, they’ll green light using those as well.

 

[Deni444]

I didn't have a cough but my throat was really gravelly for a while. I used a pink salt mouthwash and that helped a lot. Plenty of water and eventually it cleared. Sorry I don't remember how long it took. I'm a fan of Vicks vapour rub. Years ago I read the leaflet and it suggested, rubbing it on the back of the neck helped a cough. Seemed bizarre but I tried it and it worked. My kids were little at the time and I ditched giving them cough syrup at night in favour of the rub and it worked a treat. Basically it's camphor, eucalyptus oil, menthol, and turpentine oil. Medical teams differ but I was cleared to use this post surgery. I took it along to my pre assessment because I know I often use it.

 

[Annekin]

I was also quite nauseous after the surgery although not at first as I remember eating toast after surgery! Rather unfortunately I was sick in the early hours of the morning, which isn't a good time as the poor nurse had to wash me and change the sheets, whilst I apologised profusely (as if it was my fault!)

Fortunately that was the only time, although I do remember drinking quite a lot of water as I felt really dehydrated.

As others have said, the first few days & weeks can be tough. I am quite an assertive patient so I think that can be a bit of a challenge for health professionals. Basically I hate to be patronised. Although I always get on well with the nurses, it's the doctors making decisions from on high without actually seeing me, that irritates me. Yep, I'm stubborn!

It is important to advocate for yourself though as it's your body. Hope things improve soon.

@Annekin You’ve got me chuckling with how you describe your self as a patient. “Yep, I’m stubborn!” I love it. Lol. So, sorry that you had to contend with such nausea and getting sick from it. Sounds like you’re stubborn when needed and considerate too. Being that you apologized to the nurse when of course you couldn’t help getting sick at your stomach. I get very emotional too on the rare occasions that I up chuck.

You should have seen me after the first operation (I've had both hips done).

During the 1st operation I developed an embolism, so they transferred me out of orthopaedics to monitor me. Unfortunately that meant the physio seem to forget about me. In the meantime, after about 3 days, the ward I was in discharged me because I had no further symptoms, but the physio refused to let me go home bc they hadn't signed me off -assessed I could do the basics. Well....I let my feelings about this be known! Had I been given crutches by then I'd have hobbled out of the hospital by myself!

I think a lot of this was being so tired because I hadn't been sleeping. But I was not a happy bunny. Suffice to say they somehow found the time to do the physical assessment the next day, & I was able to go home!

 

[RaphPalo]

I didn't have a cough but my throat was really gravelly for a while. I used a pink salt mouthwash and that helped a lot. Plenty of water and eventually it cleared. Sorry I don't remember how long it took. I'm a fan of Vicks vapour rub. Years ago I read the leaflet and it suggested, rubbing it on the back of the neck helped a cough. Seemed bizarre but I tried it and it worked. My kids were little at the time and I ditched giving them cough syrup at night in favour of the rub and it worked a treat. Basically it's camphor, eucalyptus oil, menthol, and turpentine oil. Medical teams differ but I was cleared to use this post surgery. I took it along to my pre assessment because I know I often use it.

Oooh I enjoy Pink Himalayan Salt. Don’t think I’ve seen the mouth wash @Deni444

 

[RaphPalo]

I didn't have a cough but my throat was really gravelly for a while. I used a pink salt mouthwash and that helped a lot. Plenty of water and eventually it cleared. Sorry I don't remember how long it took. I'm a fan of Vicks vapour rub. Years ago I read the leaflet and it suggested, rubbing it on the back of the neck helped a cough. Seemed bizarre but I tried it and it worked. My kids were little at the time and I ditched giving them cough syrup at night in favour of the rub and it worked a treat. Basically it's camphor, eucalyptus oil, menthol, and turpentine oil. Medical teams differ but I was cleared to use this post surgery. I took it along to my pre assessment because I know I often use it.

Oooh I enjoy Pink Himalayan Salt. Don’t think I’ve seen the mouth wash @Deni444

I’m also a fan of Vick’s Vapo Rub! Agreed using in ways other than directed can work wonders. For instance in the past in order to help ward off or shorten the duration of a respiratory illness…I’ve slathered some on my feet and covered them with socks before bed. That has helped lots. Today my Surgeon’s office approved using the commercial brand of throat spray that I bought, gargling with warm salt water, drinking slippery elm tea with honey etc…For now, I‘ll fully employ those methods and see if it makes a difference. Thanks for sharing your Vick’s method @Deni444

 

[RaphPalo]

I didn't have a cough but my throat was really gravelly for a while. I used a pink salt mouthwash and that helped a lot. Plenty of water and eventually it cleared. Sorry I don't remember how long it took. I'm a fan of Vicks vapour rub. Years ago I read the leaflet and it suggested, rubbing it on the back of the neck helped a cough. Seemed bizarre but I tried it and it worked. My kids were little at the time and I ditched giving them cough syrup at night in favour of the rub and it worked a treat. Basically it's camphor, eucalyptus oil, menthol, and turpentine oil. Medical teams differ but I was cleared to use this post surgery. I took it along to my pre assessment because I know I often use it.

Never used Vick’s on the back on my neck but if these other methods don’t help I’ll ask about using the Vick. So smart of you to ask about using it in your pre-assessment @Deni444!! Such great stuff! I even travel with a little travel sized pot when I travel. Do you find that the ointment works better than the cream? For me that has been the case.

 

[RaphPalo]

I was also quite nauseous after the surgery although not at first as I remember eating toast after surgery! Rather unfortunately I was sick in the early hours of the morning, which isn't a good time as the poor nurse had to wash me and change the sheets, whilst I apologised profusely (as if it was my fault!)

Fortunately that was the only time, although I do remember drinking quite a lot of water as I felt really dehydrated.

As others have said, the first few days & weeks can be tough. I am quite an assertive patient so I think that can be a bit of a challenge for health professionals. Basically I hate to be patronised. Although I always get on well with the nurses, it's the doctors making decisions from on high without actually seeing me, that irritates me. Yep, I'm stubborn!

It is important to advocate for yourself though as it's your body. Hope things improve soon.

@Annekin You’ve got me chuckling with how you describe your self as a patient. “Yep, I’m stubborn!” I love it. Lol. So, sorry that you had to contend with such nausea and getting sick from it. Sounds like you’re stubborn when needed and considerate too. Being that you apologized to the nurse when of course you couldn’t help getting sick at your stomach. I get very emotional too on the rare occasions that I up chuck.

You should have seen me after the first operation (I've had both hips done).

During the 1st operation I developed an embolism, so they transferred me out of orthopaedics to monitor me. Unfortunately that meant the physio seem to forget about me. In the meantime, after about 3 days, the ward I was in discharged me because I had no further symptoms, but the physio refused to let me go home bc they hadn't signed me off -assessed I could do the basics. Well....I let my feelings about this be known! Had I been given crutches by then I'd have hobbled out of the hospital by myself!

I think a lot of this was being so tired because I hadn't been sleeping. But I was not a happy bunny. Suffice to say they somehow found the time to do the physical assessment the next day, & I was able to go home!

Oh no! So sorry that you developed an embolism @Annekin Glad that you made it out of that! Yeah, the sleep deprivation while being hospitalized is no joke! Maybe even dangerous. Sounds like making your feelings known was essential. Glad that they came to their senses and got it together in order to properly assess and release you!

 

[Deni444]

I've only used the traditional stuff in little blue tub... Looks like vasalen. It's my go to for anything respiratory. Mostly just chest or neck rub but I sometimes add a little to water to inhale the steam.

I buy medical grade pink Himalayan salt in bulk because it's very useful, lasts indefinitely and is much cheaper that way. I just add it to filtered warmed water to create a gargle.

 

[Layla]

drinking slippery elm tea with honey

This is great! Chamomile tea may help also as it can be soothing and anti-inflammatory.
Cool mist humidifier in the room overnight may be beneficial in reducing the overnight throat irritation.

I've always been a fan of Vicks Vapor Rub for colds, it seems to bring relief and the scent and sensation are a pleasant diversion...if nothing else, lol.
I hope the throat irritation eases for you soon!

 

[Annekin]

I was also quite nauseous after the surgery although not at first as I remember eating toast after surgery! Rather unfortunately I was sick in the early hours of the morning, which isn't a good time as the poor nurse had to wash me and change the sheets, whilst I apologised profusely (as if it was my fault!)

Fortunately that was the only time, although I do remember drinking quite a lot of water as I felt really dehydrated.

As others have said, the first few days & weeks can be tough. I am quite an assertive patient so I think that can be a bit of a challenge for health professionals. Basically I hate to be patronised. Although I always get on well with the nurses, it's the doctors making decisions from on high without actually seeing me, that irritates me. Yep, I'm stubborn!

It is important to advocate for yourself though as it's your body. Hope things improve soon.

@Annekin You’ve got me chuckling with how you describe your self as a patient. “Yep, I’m stubborn!” I love it. Lol. So, sorry that you had to contend with such nausea and getting sick from it. Sounds like you’re stubborn when needed and considerate too. Being that you apologized to the nurse when of course you couldn’t help getting sick at your stomach. I get very emotional too on the rare occasions that I up chuck.

You should have seen me after the first operation (I've had both hips done).

During the 1st operation I developed an embolism, so they transferred me out of orthopaedics to monitor me. Unfortunately that meant the physio seem to forget about me. In the meantime, after about 3 days, the ward I was in discharged me because I had no further symptoms, but the physio refused to let me go home bc they hadn't signed me off -assessed I could do the basics. Well....I let my feelings about this be known! Had I been given crutches by then I'd have hobbled out of the hospital by myself!

I think a lot of this was being so tired because I hadn't been sleeping. But I was not a happy bunny. Suffice to say they somehow found the time to do the physical assessment the next day, & I was able to go home!

Oh no! So sorry that you developed an embolism @Annekin Glad that you made it out of that! Yeah, the sleep deprivation while being hospitalized is no joke! Maybe even dangerous. Sounds like making your feelings known was essential. Glad that they came to their senses and got it together in order to properly assess and release you!

They think the embolism was caused by a bit of cement getting into the blood stream during surgery. Apparently my blood pressure dropped but then rose again quite quickly. It was only when I complained of chest pain when I woke up that things sprang into action! Fortunately no recurrences and I recovered quite quickly.

 

[RaphPalo]

I've only used the traditional stuff in little blue tub... Looks like vasalen. It's my go to for anything respiratory. Mostly just chest or neck rub but I sometimes add a little to water to inhale the steam.

I buy medical grade pink Himalayan salt in bulk because it's very useful, lasts indefinitely and is much cheaper that way. I just add it to filtered warmed water to create a gargle.

Awesome @Deni444. Yeah….that’s the one. I’m slathered in a bit right now.

 

[RaphPalo]

drinking slippery elm tea with honey

This is great! Chamomile tea may help also as it can be soothing and anti-inflammatory.
Cool mist humidifier in the room overnight may be beneficial in reducing the overnight throat irritation.

I've always been a fan of Vicks Vapor Rub for colds, it seems to bring relief and the scent and sensation are a pleasant diversion...if nothing else, lol.
I hope the throat irritation eases for you soon!

Lol, so true @Layla if nothing else the scent is so comforting. Thanks for the recommendations and well wishes. You’re right a cool mist humidifier could help quite a bit too. Might have to get a new one. Hmmmm….

 

[RaphPalo]

I was also quite nauseous after the surgery although not at first as I remember eating toast after surgery! Rather unfortunately I was sick in the early hours of the morning, which isn't a good time as the poor nurse had to wash me and change the sheets, whilst I apologised profusely (as if it was my fault!)

Fortunately that was the only time, although I do remember drinking quite a lot of water as I felt really dehydrated.

As others have said, the first few days & weeks can be tough. I am quite an assertive patient so I think that can be a bit of a challenge for health professionals. Basically I hate to be patronised. Although I always get on well with the nurses, it's the doctors making decisions from on high without actually seeing me, that irritates me. Yep, I'm stubborn!

It is important to advocate for yourself though as it's your body. Hope things improve soon.

@Annekin You’ve got me chuckling with how you describe your self as a patient. “Yep, I’m stubborn!” I love it. Lol. So, sorry that you had to contend with such nausea and getting sick from it. Sounds like you’re stubborn when needed and considerate too. Being that you apologized to the nurse when of course you couldn’t help getting sick at your stomach. I get very emotional too on the rare occasions that I up chuck.

You should have seen me after the first operation (I've had both hips done).

During the 1st operation I developed an embolism, so they transferred me out of orthopaedics to monitor me. Unfortunately that meant the physio seem to forget about me. In the meantime, after about 3 days, the ward I was in discharged me because I had no further symptoms, but the physio refused to let me go home bc they hadn't signed me off -assessed I could do the basics. Well....I let my feelings about this be known! Had I been given crutches by then I'd have hobbled out of the hospital by myself!

I think a lot of this was being so tired because I hadn't been sleeping. But I was not a happy bunny. Suffice to say they somehow found the time to do the physical assessment the next day, & I was able to go home!

Oh no! So sorry that you developed an embolism @Annekin Glad that you made it out of that! Yeah, the sleep deprivation while being hospitalized is no joke! Maybe even dangerous. Sounds like making your feelings known was essential. Glad that they came to their senses and got it together in order to properly assess and release you!

They think the embolism was caused by a bit of cement getting into the blood stream during surgery. Apparently my blood pressure dropped but then rose again quite quickly. It was only when I complained of chest pain when I woke up that things sprang into action! Fortunately no recurrences and I recovered quite quickly.

Whoa…@Annekin I’m so glad they acted quickly, that you had no recurrences and recovered quickly.

 

[benne68]

Thinking about you and checking in to see how your recovery is coming along, @RaphPalo.

Give us an update when you have a chance.