THR Proud of myself, it feels like a massive achievement!

[Hipopapotamus]

Hey hippies, so far so good. Maybe it’s the painkillers but I’m so pleased with myself today. It’s been a bit bumpy, spinal block wouldn’t take and it was horrible for 20 minutes so they sedated me then had to have GA anyway! Op went well surgeon had no concerns . Night of intolerable pain once I came round and was close to the edge had a panic attack and pain relief got serious after that. Nauseous, low blood pressure and dizzy day 1. I think I was in too much shock to ask for relief. Once pain under control (paracetamol, celexiob, tremedol) things got soooo much better. Physios are marvellous. I’m on restriction free rehab which is listen to your body. Walking with crutches day 1 and bed/standing exercises. Walked up and down stairs and had a lovely shower day 2. Feels a bit too good to be true today. I’ve been painting in my sketchbook and watching the Ashes. Very quiet here. Would love to stay longer.
Leg not to loggy (yet?!) keeping elevated at night. First night there was some sort of compression machine on both legs like inflating/deflating cricket pads. Absolutely brilliant. Also having warfarin jabs. Maybe this is helping?
Wound has a lot of bruising around it, it is a long waterproof strip. Starting to feel a bit itchy but it’s ok. Not too swollen.
Managed a difficult bowel movement today after two doses lactulose. Hopefully that will get easier. Looking forward to my own bed and to seeing my little dog

 

[djklaugh]

@Hipopapotamus It is wonderful to see you here on the recovery side! The bruising will fade with time but may get more colorful in the next few days. Given what your surgeon had to do to give you a new hip, this is to be expected. Other wise it sounds like you are now doing well!

Hip Recovery: The 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.
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
6. Access these pages on the website
Oral And Intravenous Pain Medications
Wound Care In Hospital

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.

 

[CricketHip]

I am so happy to read your update!
Yes indeed this is a big accomplishment!

Please pay close attention to the articles above- the advice there will benefit you during the recovery process.
Sounds like the pain control is finally the perfect combination now …so happy for you!

 

[Hipopapotamus]

That’s really helpful, thanks to you both. My pain was in control in hospital but

They switched me to the
(Standard paracetamol 500mg x2 up 4x day)
Nefopam 30mg X 3 per day
Tramadol 50 mg X 4 per day (if required for additional relief)

But only a 6 day supply of the two strong pain relief.

I’m worried about the pain in a week’s time and whether my GP will prescribe anything like the strength the hospital were able to prescribe.

I do have naproxen left over for my OA pain but this may not be the right choice? Or will the pain be reasonably lees in a week’s time?

 

[Hipopapotamus]

In hospital I was tsking
Oxycodone
Tremadol
Paracetamol

 

[CricketHip]

Usually your surgeon will prescribe more if requested. Be sure to contact them a couple days before you run out in case there’s a bit of delay in communicating with them.
How are you doing on the different meds? Remember that icing can help to give natural pain relief.
I wasn’t shy in letting my doctors know if I needed more pain relief. It’s always worth a try so don’t feel like you shouldn’t ask.

 

[Hipopapotamus]

Good to know, Thankyou. I’ll call the ward in a few days to ask. Last thing I want is more panic attacks about the pain. Re prescribing, I’m in the UK is that the same way? You

Maybe too early to to tell how the new meds are, I am feeling more twinges in my groin and thigh which I didn’t have at all before. Could be different meds or could be having done more ie coming home sitting in different chair/car journey/bed/taking stairs etc.

Yes been icing, which is nice. I invested in a strap on hip pack so useful would recommend as it’s big enough to wrap around hip and thigh.

Thanks

 

[Jaycey]

I’ll call the ward in a few days to ask.

I would call your GP. In most cases any additional prescribing in the UK will be done by your GP.

I do have naproxen left over for my OA pain but this may not be the right choice?

After my RTHR the only medication I used was Naproxen. But do be careful as it can be hard on the stomach.

 

[Hipopapotamus]

I’ll call the ward in a few days to ask.

I would call your GP. In most cases any additional prescribing in the UK will be done by your GP.

I do have naproxen left over for my OA pain but this may not be the right choice?

After my RTHR the only medication I used was Naproxen. But do be careful as it can be hard on the stomach.

Thankyou Jaycey I thought it might be Via GP in UK - good to know.

 

[myglasshalffull]

Welcome, sounds like all that's going on right now is quite normal in these early days of recovery.
The machine on your legs pumping is to prevent blood clots as well as the warfarin is a blood thinner. Did you previously have issue with blood clots???
If not most likely a precautionary step, I've had these pumping things on my legs before as well.
I was told to take aspirin everyday for 30 days I believe. Less you move around more likely that clots form. So aspirin thins the blood.
I didn't care for the oxy, made me woozy and sick to my stomach and I was ok with extra strength Tylenol most nights.
It gets better. Just remember these are early days and each day you will be better with a few hiccups on the recovery road, read here and you will see we all have stories in common.
all my best.

 

[Hipopapotamus]

Thanks! I think it was a precautionary plus I struggle with high blood pressure (usually) and I’m sensitive to aspirin so maybe that combo. The massagers were really lush though! I was given warfarin shots and a months supply of warfarin tablets. I’ve not had any history of DVT. Maybe it’s normal procedure x

 

[Hipopapotamus]

Hi all I’m a bit tired out today! D+5
Had to go through the whole impacted constipation thing again. I took some sennakot as well as the lactulose and started having weetabix twice a day. That soon got things moving but wasn’t much fun. Hope that’s the end of it. Also been having a little prune juice each day.
As if that wasn’t enough joy, my dressing got wet underneath the waterproof cover, thank goodness the ward sister offered to replace it, needed checking as pink itchy rash (very mild) spreading. But her reaction to my wound was brilliant, she declared it was Beautiful . No sign of infection, now got a nice new patch and spares, and no longer afraid of what lies beneath! New ones are hypoallergenic as possibly I had a minor irritation from the first one.
Also gave me a chance to check on meds as my mum was nattering about having too many opiates etc and surely they wouldn’t give any more and I was getting worried about what happens next. The sister assured me letters gone to GP for repeat prescription of same meds, phew.
She also confirmed, exactly as physio had, to take all the pain meds as prescribed because need to not be in pain in order to make good recovery progress (exercise and sleep).
So all good. Managed to spend some quality time with my teenage boys today watching films and eating a meal together, game s etc. v tired now and aching but a good day.

 

[Newhip_Pol]

Sounds as if you are doing well. I had no trouble getting required painkillers after my hip replacement in January (UK). Best wishes.

 

[Hipopapotamus]

Great to know, Thankyou

 

[Hipopapotamus]

Not all perfect, but these are the positives. When I suggested a game, my funny 16 yo suggested “Twister” Have to laugh. Xx

 

[Hipopapotamus]

Hi all, through day 7 already. After a couple of much more mobile days but not much sleep and worries about constipation, I’ve stopped the Tramadol. I was in so much pain the night before last I think I too my Tramadol too quickly then felt really unwell. Couldn’t sleep til Dawn. This morning after finally waking at 10 I was up to get dressed then fell back to sleep til 2 then sleep again from 4-6. I’ve been much more careful with my movements, turning more carefully, not reaching as far and generally slowing down (I have ADHD) My physio friend adjusted a few things, my sticks were too short, showed me how to carry my spare stick on the stairs, turning and my sitting chair downstairs. Following all of this and a more restful day with more icing I have had less pain. However of course now I’m anxious about DVT having been less active (less - but better controlled- pacing around and only 2 rounds of physio) today. It probably all in my head but I’m wiggling my toes and ankles and have my legs elevated. Also still on warfarin. Sure this should be ok? Anyway I should try to get back to sleep. Definitely feeling much better off the opiates don’t seem to agree with me, made me jumpy to sounds and my other sensitivities. I’m also keeping an eye on my BP which has remained in normal zone so I’m still off the high BP meds. Hopefully my GP will sort the prescription for extended Nefopam meds tmrw.

 

[Ldm380]

Hi @Hipopapotamus , you seem to be doing well. like you I always think if I’m not doing enough then i may get a DVT, then do too much and end up regret it, because I then set myself back. I have been walking around if I have found myself laying down for too long, even if a 10 minute walk around the house. At least you’re getting sleep (best thing), icing, which I find is a good pain relief by itself. It is frustrating, but I know from having my previous hip done it is so worth it.
wishing you the best in your recovery

 

[benne68]

Rule #3 of this recovery: Sleep whenever and wherever you can, @Hipopapotamus

Good sleep can be so hard to get to during the first few months -- but your body needs it to repair itself. So, sleep, nap, dream -- doesn't matter what time it is, and doesn't have to be in a bed!

 

[Hipopapotamus]

Hi @Hipopapotamus , you seem to be doing well. like you I always think if I’m not doing enough then i may get a DVT, then do too much and end up regret it, because I then set myself back. I have been walking around if I have found myself laying down for too long, even if a 10 minute walk around the house. At least you’re getting sleep (best thing), icing, which I find is a good pain relief by itself. It is frustrating, but I know from having my previous hip done it is so worth it.
wishing you the best in your recovery

Rule #3 of this recovery: Sleep whenever and wherever you can, @Hipopapotamus

Good sleep can be so hard to get to during the first few months -- but your body needs it to repair itself. So, sleep, nap, dream -- doesn't matter what time it is, and doesn't have to be in a bed!

Hi @Hipopapotamus , you seem to be doing well. like you I always think if I’m not doing enough then i may get a DVT, then do too much and end up regret it, because I then set myself back. I have been walking around if I have found myself laying down for too long, even if a 10 minute walk around the house. At least you’re getting sleep (best thing), icing, which I find is a good pain relief by itself. It is frustrating, but I know from having my previous hip done it is so worth it.
wishing you the best in your recovery

Thankyou for your kind words. It sure is an anxious time.

 

[Hipopapotamus]

Day 8 has been busier. I’ve come off Opiod (style) meds and now just taking cocodomal. My doctor told me not to take NSAIDs. However, feeling a lot more deep pain and jingle jangly sort of nervy pain affecting me all over. Obviously not able to sleep but I couldn’t stand the Nefopam and Tramadol side effects much longer. Now I feel like I can’t lie still need to be up sitting up with feet on floor or wriggling my toes. Help!? Any ideas for relief of this or other type meds