THR RedbirdFL's Recovery Thread

[myglasshalffull]

I use melatonin gummies about 15 minutes before bedtime and they seem to work for me.
Of course always check before taking any new medication with your doctor.

 

[Layla]

Another option is Magnesium which also works for some -

Magnesium supports the following:
Bone health
Healthy blood sugar
Cardiovascular health
Muscle relaxation and nerves
Promotes healthy sleep (falling asleep and staying asleep)

An article on Magnesium -
https://bonesmart.org/forum/threads/magnesium-is-a-star.20301/
@RedbirdFL

 

[Layla]

Hello and Happy Two Month Anniversary, Redbird!
I hope all is well and sleep is coming easier since you last posted.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday weekend!
@RedbirdFL

 

[RedbirdFL]

Thank you, @Layla ! I am sleeping a bit better.

But for the last few days, my thigh has been achy in the early evening. It's mostly achy close to my knee, but is not the knee itself. I haven't done anything unusual lately.

Is this achiness normal?

 

[Layla]

It’s only been eight weeks since your surgery and different aches and pains still occur for many at this point in a recovery that can last a full year for many, and even longer for some.

My surgeon’s PA reminded me early on that our gait changes as our hip deteriorates, then changes once again post op as our body adjusts to the prosthetic. This alone can cause aches and pains as we favor one leg over the other, very often unknowingly. It takes time for the soft tissue surrounding the implant to heal and settle in with the implant and begin working smoothly. It doesn’t seem like it takes much to bring on discomfort in the early weeks and months. Give it some time and if it doesn’t ease, or increases in intensity, check in with your surgeon’s office for reassurance. Wishing you comfort and speedy relief!
@RedbirdFL

 

[RedbirdFL]

Thanks @Layla! It's always so good to be able to come here and get answers to my questions and reassurance that this is all a part of the healing process.

 

[Layla]

You’re welcome, Redbird! We’re thankful you joined us. Stop by any time.
You’re never alone here.
Have a great Sunday and week!
@RedbirdFL

 

[RedbirdFL]

Good morning! I'm back with another question!

My surgical scar still hurts. Not all of the time, but it can often be fairly tender. Otherwise, the scar looks fine. It doesn't look like there's an infection (no redness or heat), but I do still have a bit of swelling sometimes in that left thigh, which I'm pretty sure is just a part of the healing process.

I've been putting Bio-oil on the scar. Sometimes I put triple antibiotic cream or aloe on it, mostly because both of those have a topical pain reliever in them. I've also tried leaving it alone to see if that would help.

Is this normal? How long can I expect the scar to be tender? What would you recommend I put on it or do to the scar (i.e., massage)? It's been 11 weeks since my anterior THR.

 

[Gloucestergal65]

@RedbirdFL - I massage the scar area with Bio-oil too as recommended by my OS. My physio suggested being quite firm in the massaging and she also did some pressure release along the ITB which she said was quite lumpy and knotty. My scar area is also still a bit tender so I don’t sleep on that side. Coming up to 6 months tomorrow. So I guess we both have to be patient. Not always easy.

 

[benne68]

Sensitivity on/around the incision is common, @RedbirdFL, but we are all different. I can't tell you how long it will last, only that it does get better with time. At 11 weeks post-op, you are still in the healing phase.

There's no one "right" approach: some people find that gently massaging it helps, others choose to leave it alone. Only you know how yours feels, so you should do what works best for you.

 

[Gloucestergal65]

@RedbirdFL - echoing @benne68 - I didn’t really start massaging more firmly for quite a while, I started quite gently until I felt confident with how it felt.

 

[RedbirdFL]

Hello! It's been 3 months today since my THR. I've been doing really well, except I think I joined the ODIC yesterday.

We went to dinner with my son and his family. While at dinner, I noticed that I was able to get up from the table and walk right away without having to pause to get my hip settled, iykyk. Yay!

Afterwards, my grandsons (3 1/2 and 1 1/2) wanted to go to Petsmart to "see the fish". While there, I squatted down to be alongside them while we looked at some of the fish, and the hamsters and things. I did fine with that, and hubby helped me up. I squat occasionally at home to get things out of the lower cabinets, but it's not an everyday thing.

I woke up this morning with my hip and thigh hurting! Pretty much like pre-surgery hurting!

I'm guessing that I overdid it with the squats, right?

 

[myglasshalffull]

Who knows for sure but I'm sure if you take it easy for a day or two and ice and relax maybe take some Tylenol you will be ok.
But if you are really worried I'd check in with OS.
Hope it's just a little overdoing.

 

[benne68]

Happy 3 month hip-versary, @RedbirdFL! It sounds like you are doing really well -- even if you are taking a turn on the ODIC bench. Rest and ice today.

 

[Layla]

Happy Three Month Anniversary! Sounds like you had a fun day.
Today is a good day for a time out. I hope lots of ice and some R&R has you feeling better soon!
@RedbirdFL