THR Progress Reports

[Jackie222]

Hi, in answer to your question on @Bumblebee thread. After the op I saw my OS at 2 weeks and again at 10 weeks. But each time all he did was to check my range of movement there were no further x-rays etc

I hope that your eyes settle down soon

 

[Jaycey]

@Newhip_Pol Thanks for the update! Really appreciate the detail as I am soon in the "same boat". I have worn contact lens for years so I don't have a problem with anyone near my eyes. But I do have a needle phobia and the thought of anything near my eyes like that freaks me!

Bummer about the double vision. Hope it settles soon. Are you in any pain?

 

[Newhip_Pol]

Hi @Jaycey, no real pain involved for me.
Eye a bit itchy at times and I had a vague headache above the operated eye for the first few days - easily controlled with paracetamol (which I still take at night for my hips!) I didn't see any needles, local anaesthetic was in the form of drops and the operating light is too bright for you to really see what is happening - it's just the awareness of someone poking about with your eye (and my anatomy/pathology visualisation works overtime!)
Good luck for your re placement- sure it will all be worth it in the end. I'll try to keep you posted on my progress.

 

[Newhip_Pol]

So - found a different optometrist willing to help with my mismatched eyes - she fitted a contact lens to unoperated eye and vision is restored. Cheap glasses from the pound shop aid reading. Yay!!!
I feel so much better, able to drive to the park and see the flowers!
Hip holding up well for short walks. Postop check up with orthopaedic nurse next week.
Hope all hippies are progressing well.

 

[Jaycey]

she fitted a contact lens to unoperated eye and vision is restored

This is good news. Why were they reluctant to do this previously. Surely you can't walk around half blind until you get your other eye done!

 

[Newhip_Pol]

My thoughts entirely @Jaycey
Previous optician wouldn't see me for test because 'eye needs to settle' and 'just wear old glasses, operated eye will be blurred out and you only need one eye to drive'. But of course it doesn't work like that - vision from blurred eye obscures the other one! I won't be going back to see him!!
Now all I need to do is find a way to improve function and reduce pain in my left ankle before I push for 2nd hip replacement. LOL

 

[Jaycey]

just wear old glasses, operated eye will be blurred out and you only need one eye to drive

Attitude adjustment needed! That's downright dangerous!

Does icing your ankle help? Gentle stretches?

 

[Newhip_Pol]

Ankle is old injury, no heat or swelling, think the problem is combination of loose joints and scar tissue so I haven't thought about ice. Ice certainly helps with greater trochanter area though.

 

[Mojo333]

Glad all is getting better!
New hip and being able to see!
Hope today is a good day!

 

[jramsey1]

Just fyi I asked my surgeon when I could get back to cycling and he said six weeks!

 

[Newhip_Pol]

Thanks @jramsey1 - I've tried semi-recumbent bike in gym but am waiting till after check-up next week until I venture out on two wheels! I was just getting my confidence back after years of not cycling and then it was time for the hip op!

 

[Mojo333]

Just my opinion

Just fyi I asked my surgeon when I could get back to cycling and he said six weeks!

But how would he know?
The body will take the time it needs and I didn't want to have chronic tendinitis or other problems just because I wanted to get back to it quickly.
Just because we can, doesn't mean we should.

 

[Layla]

Wishing you the best for your post op appointment next week.
Let us know how it goes.
Hope you have a nice weekend!
@Newhip_Pol

 

[Newhip_Pol]

Thanks @Layla.
So post-op assessment with 'outcomes nurse' was this afternoon. I had a questionnaire to complete relating to pain and ease of movement over the last four weeks, then a chat.
Have to say she was very good, knows her stuff and explains it well. Warned against expecting too much too soon but thinks I am doing very well for 3m. Still some weakness in hip muscles so advised to continue with simple exercises as given in the immediate post-op period at the hospital. Ten slow and controlled better than 20 fast.
No running, jumping or moving heavy furniture (as if!) but I can get back to gentle cycling so long as I don't fall off!
X-rays taken but I won't hear anything unless there is a problem which, she says, is highly unlikely given current progress.
I did get to see my post-op x-ray: apparently I have metal stem cemented into femoral canal, ceramic head and metal cup (not cemented but hammered into acetabulum - OUCH) with polyethylene liner. Because I have a ceramic head, they want to see me for follow-up in 10 years!!!

 

[Newhip_Pol]

@Mojo333 @jramsey1
The advice I was given this afternoon was to take things slowly and if it hurts - stop.
The nurse advisor pointed out it's not just the muscles that were cut that have to heal but the muscles of the back, the entire pelvis and the upper and lower legs have to adjust to the altered movements so it's not surprising to get aches and pains in various places.

 

[Newhip_Pol]

@Jaycey Following this afternoon's check up I will be referred to a consultant surgeon who specialises in ankle and foot. His bio say he always explores non-surgical options first because outcomes are not entirely predictable. The only downside is the likely wait but I intend to try to strengthen hip muscles while I'm waiting.

 

[Jaycey]

Sounds like you are headed in the right direction but I agree - these days the wait can be frustrating. Please keep us updated.

 

[Newhip_Pol]

Well, after telling nurse any pain from operated hip was now mild, last night the area around greater trochanter was very tender. Put an ice pack on it which helped enormously and I fell asleep lying in the operated side on the ice pack. Must have been all the getting on and off exam and xray tables and the ROM tests. Much better this morning but still a bit tender. Will take it easy today. Would like a gentle swim but at 12 days still a bit too early after cataract surgery - ho hum.

 

[Jaycey]

Trochanter pain is very common post THR. You did the right thing. Ice and elevate and give that hip a rest. You don't want to get into a chronic pain situation.

 

[Newhip_Pol]

Thanks @Jaycey, Seems I tend towards all or nothing (although all isn't very much) - I must try to get into a steady routine. Mentioned trochanter tendinitis to the nurse yesterday and she was not at all perturbed, suggesting it was not unexpected.