THR Right hip done - four years after left hip replaced

[TheTerrier]

Three weeks post op on right hip (April 12), following November 2018 THR on left hip.
Male, West Yorkshire in England and aged 50.
I used this forum in 2018 but have just dipped in and out this time. Here are my observations - they might help.
1. The fatigue - this is the hardest for me. Advice is just nap. And then nap. And you know what? Have another nap.
2. Swelling - plenty of it so unless it becomes painful don’t worry too much.
3. Bruising - very little this time compared to 2018 left hip. Weird.
4. Sleep. Horrible. Hate being on back. Last night decided to go on non op side with pillows between legs to stop crossing. Might be a risk but I just can’t do on back all night.
5. Meds - after discharge from hospital only been on paracetamol and ibuprofen (plus blood thinner) but now only on ibuprofen as very little pain.
6. Surgical stockings - horrible but just crack on and wear them.
7. Home physio - just do it as there’s nothing else to do.
8. End game? Knowing how brilliant my left THR was there is an end game and it’s ace!!!!
All the best everyone!!!!

 

[Giddsy1]

spot on Terrier.

sounded like my first 3 weeks post op.

 

[Jaycey]

@TheTerrier Welcome back to BoneSmart and the other side. You are now a member of the double hippie club! And you know the drill already - ice, elevate, meds, repeat.

I'll leave your recovery guidelines here for you in case you need a refresher.

Hip Recovery: The Guidelines
We are all different, as are the approaches to this recovery and rehab. The key is, “Find what works for YOU.“ Your doctor(s), physiotherapist(s) and BoneSmart are here to help. But you have the final decision as to what approach you use.

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 this BoneSmart philosophy for sensible post op therapy
5. Here is a week-by-week guide for Activity progression for THRs
6. Access these pages on the website

Oral And Intravenous Pain Medications​

Wound Closure​

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.

 

[Layla]

Welcome back.

I love your update! You have a healthy attitude and a pleasant sense of humor.
Stay in touch and let us know how you’re progressing. Happy Tuesday!
@TheTerrier

 

[TheTerrier]

Four weeks now and down to one or no crutch. Getting up and down steps really well. But that bloody fatigue!!!!!! Anyway- rather have naps than hip pain!!!!

 

[newguy]

Indeed the fatigue. It is our bodies telling you to rest . They .. the surgeon and his surgery were assaulting our bodies. It needs the rest to heal .

 

[Layla]

But that bloody fatigue!!!!!! Anyway- rather have naps than hip pain!!!!

Our body doesn’t it’s best healing while we’re sleeping, so snooze away!