THR Phoebie's recovery THR- left side. Uncemented, minimally invasive posterior.

[Phoebie]

Hi! Had my operation on the 29th October and now at home alone. I have kind neighbours and a helper coming in for a couple of hours. My family lives in the US, so far away but checking on me constantly over WhatsApp.
It is very early days but it is harder than I expected. I am trying to be kind to myself. I am incredibly stiff and ice packs are my friend. I have a cocktail of drugs to take to control the pain with stern instructions to take them and not be a martyr. The downside is they make me constipated but I am hoping that will ease over the next day or so. (Has anyone else had this complication?).
I don't find the physio exercises that hard to do and am trying not to sit for long periods as that makes me even more stiff and sore. Only short walks to and from the kitchen or bathroom.
The frustration of the restrictions is hardest for this independent woman and the time it takes to do everything!
My surgeon was very positive about my recovery. He did not cut any muscles, tendons or ligaments but moved everything aside. I am guessing that is why my muscles are so sore. I also had spinal anaesthetic with sedation. That worried me but I only heard the hammering and felt nothing.
My surgeon told me I would be driving in four weeks and can fly in six weeks. That seems impossible right now but I am keeping my eye on the prize of visiting my family for Christmas.

 

[Layla]

Hi Phoebie,
I will leave our Recovery Guidelines to get you started and type more in a post below that.

HIP RECOVERY GUIDELINES
As you begin healing, please keep in mind that each recovery is unique. While the BoneSmart philosophy successfully works for many, there will be exceptions. Between the recommendations found here, your surgeon's recovery protocol and any physical therapy you may engage in, the key is to find what works best for you.

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?

Nutrition is of paramount importance. Available here are dietary tips, nutrition basics and additional food supplements. These articles are both general advice on food and specific guidelines aimed at people both pre- and post-surgery.

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.

 

[Layla]

Hello and Happy Thursday! Welcome to BoneSmart and recovery.
Since your family is far removed geographically, it's wonderful you have thoughtful friends and neighbors checking in on you daily. The early days can be a challenge, but that will soon ease. One week from now you'll be feeling better than you feel currently. Icing, elevating and meds on schedule will help.

Many experience constipation. HERE is an article from the BoneSmart Library on constipation.
You're doing well with taking walks rather than sit for extended periods of time. Walking to the bathroom or kitchen every hour or so should suffice in these early days. I found the Activity Progression for THR from the Recovery Guidelines useful. It kept me comfortably mobile without overdoing it. You'll find the article under Number Five in the Recovery Guidelines above.

You will be driving and traveling before you know it. Keep a journal and pick a day of the week. Then, on that same day each week, note the improvements you've made, you will be surprised and it is encouraging also.

I wish you comfort as you begin healing. We'll be here when you need us and I look forward to following your journey. Thanks for joining us, Phoebie!
@Phoebie

 

[Layla]

You can try Smooth Move Tea by Traditional Medicinals for constipation which can be found in most grocery stores and on Amazon. Many have found this to be effective.

Also, (Senna) of which there are many forms, powder, tablets, capsules etc, and for many, warm beverages sometimes help bring relief. Plus, it comes in a variety of flavors which may sound appealing or feel soothing.

 

[Phoebie]

Thank you, you are very kind.

 

[mendogal]

Welcome!
A bit of caution: don't take your senna with a mug of Smooth Move tea as the active ingredient in Smooth Move is senna.

If you're going to try either the tea or pill form - and the Smooth Move is a great choice! - it's worthwhile considering a low dose of a stool softener (docusate sodium) alongside.

The senna directly stimulates the gut muscles - countering the effect of the pain med - and the docusate helps hold moisture in the stool. The combination has been safely used by folks on pain meds for generations.

 

[Phoebie]

Thank you. Great advice.

 

[benne68]

Welcome to BoneSmart, @Phoebie. Glad you found us.

He did not cut any muscles, tendons or ligaments but moved everything aside. I am guessing that is why my muscles are so sore.

You are correct. All the soft tissue in your leg were pushed and pulled and upset by the procedure. Even though nothing was cut, you should expect to be sore for weeks while things settled down.

Also, don't be surprised if you have a lot of bruising and swelling too. It's normal.

You are very early days in this recovery, so take things slowly. Ice and elevate as much as possible and stay on schedule with your pain medication. You will feel better; it just takes time.

 

[Phoebie]

You are very kind, thank you. Today has been a mission. Very tired and everything seems like an epic task but I can almost tick off another day of recovery.

 

[Sparks22]

Hi I had my op on the 25th, same approach Sounds like you are doing great. I struggled going to the loo for the first few days, I was given 'softeners' but for me it was mainly the position that was the problem! I found it was getting easier to sit on the loo about 2 days ago which has helped!

I've started to keep a diary of how things are going and at the end of the day add any achievements I've noticed, no matter how small. It's been a real mental boost.

Everyone on here has given great advice and support

 

[Phoebie]

Hi! It will be interesting to follow your progress. I think the overwhelming feeling I have is of exhaustion. Just taking a shower and hair wash this morning took an hour and half. I was tempted to fall back into bed but came downstairs for breakfast. I was very stiff but had a lovely reunion with some fresh ice packs - my new best friends.

I also have some bloating and understand this is usual after surgery. Things are moving now so I expect the bloating to settle down.

I am so glad I found this forum and great advice. I don't feel guilty if I do my physio once or twice a day rather than three to four times. It is only Day 4 of recovery.

 

[Layla]

Happy Saturday!

I think the overwhelming feeling I have is of exhaustion.

Energy drain....you're certainly not alone in experiencing the exhaustion.
Our body's energy supply isn't limitless. So when we're in healing mode after major surgery
our energy will be used for healing first, not leaving a great reserve for all the other activity of daily life. It is completely normal to feel tired for quite some time. How long....most likely relates to your body's rate of healing. Making our best effort to get adequate sleep and rest is beneficial. Our body does it's best healing while we're sleeping.

I don't feel guilty if I do my physio once or twice a day rather than three to four times.

Good news, Phoebie! Glad to hear it. Keep this in mind -
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.

I hope today is a good day!

 

[Sparks22]

I realised the first thing I need to do when I wake up is eat! I don't normaly eat till a few hours after getting up (early morning routine) and it was only after a 'funny turn' on day 4 that I realised how silly I was being. Energy is all being focused on the trauma area and it needs to be fuelled. I've been going back for a nap at about 9am after brekkie has settled and the oh has gone to work, even if I don't fall asleep, just stopping and laying down helps recover my energy levels a bit. I'm an evening shower person and have found its been beneficial as I'm nice and relaxed for bed after my shower and supper.
Keep going with whatever exercise you are comfy with

 

[Phoebie]

I was also guilty of not eating first thing. I used to have a brunch around 11:30 and then my evening meal around 6. Not a healthy plan but I was not moving around much before the operation so tried hard not to consume too much. Since the operation my appetite has been zero. I have to force myself to eat some protein. Fruit I can consume with ease. I had toast for breakfast and that was enough. Today is Day 5 and I am determined to have some fish and vegetables.

Rough night as I am not used to sleeping on my back and my good hip told me off for being in one position for too long.

My instructions after my MITHR was that I can sleep on my back or side (with a pillow between my legs) as I feel comfortable but I haven't had the courage to do the side sleeping in case I get stuck. I think I will give it a couple more days. It is my preferred sleeping position and would give my backside a break!

I am curious about instructions given to others following MI surgery. My consultant doesn't recommend compression stockings but prescribes blood thinners. He also said the 90% is a guide but as long as I don't fully bend at the hip I should not worry too much. He has more confidence then me!!

Funny story: Just before the surgery he came to see me for a chat and started sneezing. I asked if he was O.K. and he said, "I always sneeze when I am nervous"!

 

[myglasshalffull]

My regimen in AM is coffee & two metamucil fiber wafers. Keeps everything "moving."
I'm not a breakfast eater, I get hungry maybe 10:30-11 then I can eat soup or sandwich even a meal!
I cook breakfast but just doesn't appeal to me early, I guess I'm more a brunch person.

 

[Sparks22]

My surgeon also gave no restrictions, apart from bungee jumping
I am a side sleeper and my dysplasia has affected that for the past few years. Yesterday I'd had enough and very careful got on to my side for my afternoon lay down. I had 45 minutes of total bliss! I'm not going to try it sleeping just yet though, but it's really good to know I can do it!
I couldn't wear the stocking as I have amazing varicose veins (thanks kids!) And had the massage things on while in hospital. I'm on blood thinners for a month.

 

[Phoebie]

Ah, yes the foot pump massage thing. I had that in hospital too and didn't mind it. Same with the blood thinners. Apparently the compression stockings are not needed as we are supposed to move around frequently, if only for trips to the bathroom.

Wishing I had invested in a recliner for recovery but I figured when I am recovered I would never sit in it. My sitting room looks like my late Great Aunt's place: all mobility clutter.

 

[Sparks22]

I would love to have a recliner! I'm stuck in an office chair - the only chair I have been able to sit in for the past 2 years with any comfort! The only upside of the back/butt discomfort is it does motivate moving around I'm hopeful that I will be able to sit on my lovely couch in the not to distant future...I miss sitting on it

 

[benne68]

Rough night as I am not used to sleeping on my back and my good hip told me off for being in one position for too long.

I struggled with this after my hip replacement, too. My solution was lots and lots of pillow so I could prop my legs up, support my back, support my other hip. Then I fidgeted a lot during the night, rearranging them to try to get comfortable. I had so many pillows around me, there was no room in the bed for my husband.

 

[Phoebie]

I have my king bed to myself but with my tower of pillows there is hardly room for me! I am hoping that as the days pass I will feel confident to move from back to side sleeping through the night. I am sure it will be more comfortable. Day 5 and moving slowly forwards.