THR Second one - hope it's better than the first

[Celle]

Everyone on here seems to be up and about alot more than I am? My leg still feels like it has just been operated on!! Is this because it was a really complicated surgery? My surgeon when asked if it was successful just said " it was a very difficult operation due to the severe dormitory" then walked off! I don't know if I am just being a wimp but I am not normally. Everybody seems to say it's great that the hip pain has gone but I can't really notice as I am in a whole different world of pain right now!

I don't know a lot about hips, but I suspect that your surgeon meant you had a severe deformity (not "dormitory" - I think that autocorrect mistakenly changed what you were typing to "dormitory").
He said it was a difficult surgery, in which case all your tissues would have been handled more and you had more work done. That will explain why you are apparently making slower progress.

But, in any case, it's only a week since you had this major surgery. Your tissues are all still traumatized. Give them time to heal and recover.

Don't try to rush things and don't compare your recovery to anyone else's.
No one else had the same problems or the same surgery as you have had.

 

[Bumblebee]

Anytime a doctor starts by saying "It was a difficult operation...." you can probably anticipate a little more recovery "discomfort". That being said, if you feel that the meds are not doing the job, by all means, call the office and see if they can adjust it.
Hope you feel better soon!

 

[Jamie]

Layla is right that you appear to be undermedicated for your current pain levels. Proper pain management is critical and you should never be "out" of meds for the day. Your pain medications must be taken on a regular schedule through the day and night so you have a steady stream of the medicine in your system.

Tell me what pain meds you're currently on. I'll need the name of the med, the strength, the dose and when you are taking them during a 24 hour period. Since you're in the UK, it will be your GP who will monitor your pain management program, so calling the hospital or surgeon's office probably won't be of any value to you. But first let's what you're currently on and we'll go from there. Be sure and tag me when you post with the information so I see it quickly.

 

[Bevlah]

@Jamie hi there. I am on tramadol 50mg capsules. These work but I can only have 2 every 4 hours up to 8 tablets. This covers me up to 10.30pm at night then the night time loo trips and sleeping are impossible. The doc yesterday gave me Dihydrocodeine which didn't help? I will call again today but appreciate any help from you guys. Thank you

 

[Bevlah]

@Jamie sorry forgot to say I take the first one at 6.30 then 10.30 then 14.30 then 16.30

 

[Jackie222]

Hi @Bevlah, is that all you’re on? That really doesn’t seem much for only a week after surgery. I was on all the pain killers I was on before the op. And was sent home with oral morphine sulfate, codeine phosp and maximum strength ibuprofen. I can’t remember exactly when I started to cut the hospital prescribed ones down but it was well after the first week. My nightime dose of the oral solution was the last to go.
Since then (despite arthritis elsewhere) I have been able to cut right down and now only have one amitriptyline a day.
The pain from a THR doesn’t go away straight away. I spent most of the first few weeks resting, elevating and icing
I would speak to your gp again about pain relief

 

[Bevlah]

@Jackie222 thanks for your reply. Have just called the docs and they have now prescribed morphine for the night. If I could just control the night time pain then all should be good to recover! I know what you mean you may take the arthritis from the hip but it niggles in other places! You are young too but at 53 I feel about 90 and with the strain of the last couple of months I now look 80!!! My ice packs turn up today as the peas don't last long. Little things but I am very excited! My son who has been looking after me since I came out on Monday has gone back today. Cried like a baby when he went. It was really lovely spending some quality time with him and feel.much closer to him so every cloud eh??

 

[Jackie222]

@Bevlah. I completely understand how upsetting it was for you son to leave. My oldest is now away at uni. I’m dreading later this year when the youngest one also goes.
Glad your ice packs are arriving today. I’m using mine now, I honestly believe they are the best pain relief.
I can live with quite a lot of pain before it gets too much. But at 8 weeks out I can’t believe how long I lived in agony before I had my hip replaced. I will not suffer as long with my left hip or my knees. What has surprised me is that my OS said I would notice a big improvement in my knees once the hip was replaced I didn’t believe him. But the pain reduction as been huge - long may it continue

 

[Mojo333]

Do NOT think that should you should be PROGRESSING more.
One week, progress means having pain managed so you can do as little as possible except walk a bit to bathroom and to kitchen if necessary. Ice, elevate, staying hydrated, and dont forget the stool softeners if the meds seem to slow things down.
You will be doing fine...and normal if that is all you do...
Small things like shower wearing you out...also very normal.
Glad you were able to get medication adjusted.
Wishing you have a Good Day.

 

[Bevlah]

You ladies are just wonderful! My partner and friends are sympathetic but nobody really knows what its like. The pain before hand wears you out so you're already shattered before the op! So thank you for the tried and tested remedies and understanding

 

[Mojo333]

The pain before hand wears you out so you're already shattered before the op

Important observation most don't consider. So true.
You are doing just fine. I was same age and it's hard to feel so dependant right now.
But with patience, and proper time to heal...you will be back to a great life!

 

[MammaT]

Glad they are working on getting pain meds straightened out @Bevlah. Interesting they give you morphine at home. I don’t hear much of that used outside the hospital over here. Will obviously be interested in os approach to pain meds this time around. Many docs being a lot more cautious with opioid epidemic.

 

[Bevlah]

@MammaT yes I was surprised but I will take anything at the moment!

 

[Mojo333]

I had Dilaudid, basically morphine, prescribed for 6-8 weeks after BTHR.
Had to be prescribed weekly, but I was lucky to have a surgeon that realized the importance of pain management during recovery.
Enables real rest, increases ability to become mobile, and did not create a drug dependency.
Sounds like yours realises this too.
Good.

 

[Bevlah]

@Mojo333 that's the trouble isn't it? Without proper pain relief your body just won't move! Fingers crossed it works

 

[Jaycey]

@Bevlah so sorry you are struggling with pain management. I hope the additional meds help you get some rest at night. Early days and your op was not a straight forward THR. You'll get there!

 

[Mojo333]

. Once it catches up...Try to take on time...before pain gets bad. It's harder to get rid of when it is in full swing.

 

[Bevlah]

Well top tip ladies, when I take my first one I then work out the next times to take and I ask my Amazon Alexa to set reminders! Then if I am asleep I will wake up and take it!

 

[Tomgirl]

Hello @Bevlah sorry to hear you are having a tough time. Agreeing with others that the meds are the most important bits at the start. I was gobsmacked at how many tablets I was to take daily for the first week (21) , these included codeine which I could tolerate and they certainly helped with sleep. I was also given liquid morphine if I needed it (but didn't) Being able to sleep was so important too, best time for the body to do it's healing - despite the drugs. If I remember right the first 2 weeks were all just about meds and rest, and please please don't attempt any of those exercises they give you to do, especially the one lying flat and raising operated leg - i think a few of us suffered with that one - I tried it once and it was agony. After that just decided BS were right and baby steps walking was all we needed. Your son sounds lovely for helping out and he will have learnt a lot too bless him. Hope you get the meds sorted pronto and manage to get sleep, this will make such a big difference. Take care.

 

[Layla]

Alexa! What a wonderful idea. I want one.....well on second thought, maybe not.
Not if she'll be barking orders at me to clean my house

It sounds like you may be getting the pain management worked out.
Sure hope so as I hate to see you struggling and in pain.
Once it's sorted out and you're able to rest comfortably, you'll be on your way.
Warm wishes for your comfort and a peaceful day!
@Bevlah