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THR Solar 7's recovery
- Thread starter Solar7
- Start date
OP
OP
Solar7
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Thanks @Layla!
I'm doing pretty well... sleep seems to have gotten at least a little better in the sense of how my legs are taking it, but I'm having other sleep issues unrelated to the implant. The time change really hasn't vibed well with me and I'm finding myself sleeping into the afternoons. I picked up a little 3-day cold or whatever that's going around and ended up sleeping 15 straight hours... yeesh!
I had a dislocation scare yesterday on account of pride. I've felt bad zipping around in my Camaro, taking up a handicap spot, and then walking into wherever without a limp. So at Target, I ended up in a spot that was a pretty tight squeeze, and did exactly what the doctor told me not to do - pointed my foot outward like a soccer motion, and ended up putting most of my weight on it. That's how I used to get out of the car.
Definitely felt the pain, the worst I've felt in a while. But, I was still able to walk, so I tried to tough it out. Ended up abandoning the Target run and just returning home. By the time I got home, I was alright.
I'm doing pretty well... sleep seems to have gotten at least a little better in the sense of how my legs are taking it, but I'm having other sleep issues unrelated to the implant. The time change really hasn't vibed well with me and I'm finding myself sleeping into the afternoons. I picked up a little 3-day cold or whatever that's going around and ended up sleeping 15 straight hours... yeesh!
I had a dislocation scare yesterday on account of pride. I've felt bad zipping around in my Camaro, taking up a handicap spot, and then walking into wherever without a limp. So at Target, I ended up in a spot that was a pretty tight squeeze, and did exactly what the doctor told me not to do - pointed my foot outward like a soccer motion, and ended up putting most of my weight on it. That's how I used to get out of the car.
Definitely felt the pain, the worst I've felt in a while. But, I was still able to walk, so I tried to tough it out. Ended up abandoning the Target run and just returning home. By the time I got home, I was alright.
OP
OP
Solar7
member
Separate post for a question though - does Bonesmart have any good articles on recognizing infection? I'm almost certain I'm in my own head (that's common for me). But, every time I feel warmth in the region I start to freak out. Most of the time I put both of my hands on my hips and realize the temperature difference is barely discernible, and my scar is closed with no signs of anything bad happening.
But I do get concerned about how hot is "infection hot" and such. Since I'm no longer in PT, my surgeon is gone, and my doctor works across the city and takes a month and a half to book appointments, I just want to know when to be concerned and not a hypochondriac.
But I do get concerned about how hot is "infection hot" and such. Since I'm no longer in PT, my surgeon is gone, and my doctor works across the city and takes a month and a half to book appointments, I just want to know when to be concerned and not a hypochondriac.
Infection symptoms are more than just heat in the incision area. Have a read in the recovery area - the threads with the red Hip Infection prefix.
OP
OP
Solar7
member
I totally understand that, but I really haven't been able to find any consistent stories about what to look for to catch it early, or when head to a doctor. I can't even find pictures of what to be looking for after the wound is sealed.
Most of what's out there looks like it's focused on infection immediately after surgery.
Mojo333
Former BoneSmart Staff Member
@Solar7
I understand it can be a stressor worrying about complications and these are the common signs of infection:
Fever
Unusual or increasing pain
The incision is hot to the touch
A change in the size of the incision
A change in the odor of the discharge
A yellow or green discharge that is increasing
Redness or hardening of the surrounding area
Excessive bleeding that has soaked through the incision
Now, regarding the hardess and warmth you reference....
warmth and hardness post op can last for months. Both are signs of inflammation, which is typical after surgery. Your body heals by bringing blood flow to the area with healing cells. It will take several months for this process to complete and I experienced this for quite a while.
If you feel it worsens, or other symptoms appear, I would check with my OS ...if for no other reason, reassurance.
I understand it can be a stressor worrying about complications and these are the common signs of infection:
Fever
Unusual or increasing pain
The incision is hot to the touch
A change in the size of the incision
A change in the odor of the discharge
A yellow or green discharge that is increasing
Redness or hardening of the surrounding area
Excessive bleeding that has soaked through the incision
Now, regarding the hardess and warmth you reference....
warmth and hardness post op can last for months. Both are signs of inflammation, which is typical after surgery. Your body heals by bringing blood flow to the area with healing cells. It will take several months for this process to complete and I experienced this for quite a while.
If you feel it worsens, or other symptoms appear, I would check with my OS ...if for no other reason, reassurance.
Hi, I'm glad you're making great progress. I'm almost 6 weeks post op now and have had almost all of my restriction lifted. All that I'm not allowed to do is run or jump and I can happily leave those 2 things alone!!
I'm very impressed that you've managed to dispense with the leg lifter as early as you did, I found my muscles wouldn't fire properly for around 10 days!!
Stay positive and you'll be much better for it.
I'm very impressed that you've managed to dispense with the leg lifter as early as you did, I found my muscles wouldn't fire properly for around 10 days!!
Stay positive and you'll be much better for it.
OP
OP
Solar7
member
Well, we're into December... half of the time I feel like I've made great strides and half of the time I'm really down on my progress. I have a tendency to dwell on the negative. The mysterious night time leg pain is still really hitting hard. What I don't understand is that 20-30 minutes after I wake up, it subsides. The best hypothesis I have right now is that when I side sleep, my knee is bending awkwardly because it isn't getting enough support. Sometimes a pillow between the legs helps, sometimes it doesn't.
I don't have any solution besides to wait it out since my surgeon is officially gone and insurance barriers (approvals to switch doctors again) are preventing me from going back to the doctor. My general practitioner said "I'm not really sure what I can do for you on this," lol. Very comforting. But I got what he meant. He can send me for scans all day and night but my x-rays look fine and I'm only 4 months removed from a knee MRI showing no problems.
Tweaked my back again yesterday which is weird, I've never had a back problem until post-surgery and now it's the 2nd time. All in all it's probably an effect of how sedentary I've been since I got out of PT. I went to a park with friends and their kids last Friday and didn't throw the ball around (everyone was standing in place) because I was afraid of falling. Might need to see a sports psychologist or something, I'm constantly thinking about how I don't want to fall or dislocate.
I've definitely hit a recovery plateau. Canceled my tickets for the college football game tomorrow.
Sorry for the negativity, just needed to vent.
I don't have any solution besides to wait it out since my surgeon is officially gone and insurance barriers (approvals to switch doctors again) are preventing me from going back to the doctor. My general practitioner said "I'm not really sure what I can do for you on this," lol. Very comforting. But I got what he meant. He can send me for scans all day and night but my x-rays look fine and I'm only 4 months removed from a knee MRI showing no problems.
Tweaked my back again yesterday which is weird, I've never had a back problem until post-surgery and now it's the 2nd time. All in all it's probably an effect of how sedentary I've been since I got out of PT. I went to a park with friends and their kids last Friday and didn't throw the ball around (everyone was standing in place) because I was afraid of falling. Might need to see a sports psychologist or something, I'm constantly thinking about how I don't want to fall or dislocate.
I've definitely hit a recovery plateau. Canceled my tickets for the college football game tomorrow.
Sorry for the negativity, just needed to vent.
That's a bummer about your back discomfort which then prompted a cancelation of your football game plans.
You are still fairly early into your recovery and I strongly suspect your back is adjusting to your new hip, plus due to your ability to walk better in addition to longer periods on your feet.
If you think about it, your hip joints and pelvis have a working relationship with your lower back, sharing the same muscles in their mechanics.
What helped me was using a thick pillow under my knees when lying on your back and would also place a large flat ice pack under my back while lying there with a good support under my knees. Oh and massage therapy. That was a huge help for me.
You are still fairly early into your recovery and I strongly suspect your back is adjusting to your new hip, plus due to your ability to walk better in addition to longer periods on your feet.
If you think about it, your hip joints and pelvis have a working relationship with your lower back, sharing the same muscles in their mechanics.
What helped me was using a thick pillow under my knees when lying on your back and would also place a large flat ice pack under my back while lying there with a good support under my knees. Oh and massage therapy. That was a huge help for me.
myglasshalffull
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Hey we all get a little down now & then, it's natural. And I'm almost 2 years post op and I'm still worried about falling so you are not alone there!
Plus my OS kept saying, "just don't fall." Well who the heck wants to fall, falling was got me here in the first place!
You may want to try a nice massage on those back muscles. I have some low back pain now and then that's when I hit the couch and heating pad for 1/2 hour.
All my best.
Plus my OS kept saying, "just don't fall." Well who the heck wants to fall, falling was got me here in the first place!
You may want to try a nice massage on those back muscles. I have some low back pain now and then that's when I hit the couch and heating pad for 1/2 hour.
All my best.
dnordo220
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@Solar7 sleeping is still an issue for me. I’ve been sleeping on the recliner love seat, which lets me wedge myself against the back for support. And sleeping through the night. I tried to go back to my bed last night, but couldn’t get comfortable. I’m not ready for side sleeping. I’m about a month behind you.
I completely understand not wanting to fall or dislocate my hip (again, hip #1).
I have to say for me, walking on the treadmill really helped me because I was able to have the side rails to keep me from limping. Limping gave me back pain. Of course I started with the lowest speed, and progressed from there.
Side note, I’ll be in LV Dec 11 for a few weeks, one of our offices is in Henderson. Haven’t been to LV in a few years, how’s the weather this time of year?
I completely understand not wanting to fall or dislocate my hip (again, hip #1).
I have to say for me, walking on the treadmill really helped me because I was able to have the side rails to keep me from limping. Limping gave me back pain. Of course I started with the lowest speed, and progressed from there.
Side note, I’ll be in LV Dec 11 for a few weeks, one of our offices is in Henderson. Haven’t been to LV in a few years, how’s the weather this time of year?
Here in the United States we have Licensed Massage Therapists. (LMT)
They can offer a relaxing Swedish massage which consists of smooth, sweeping strokes that can relax the muscles and also offer some gentle pain relief.
Therapeutic Massage is usually a more deliberate type massage where the LMT begins with Swedish techniques but then may focus on areas that need a little more pressure or more time.
There are plenty of YouTube videos to help show someone how to work on themselves but nothing beats being on a massage table with a trained LMT doing the work so you can relax.
Swedish massage sounds good but here in Australia I see alot of "Thai massages" shops with happy ending. 
In all seriousness there are professional massage therapists but I've never had a massage...not my thing but I'll check out YouTube if I can do it myself.
Thank you.
In all seriousness there are professional massage therapists but I've never had a massage...not my thing but I'll check out YouTube if I can do it myself.
Thank you.
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I'm the same date and I'm also wary of falling. Not just for the hip but in general.
Perhaps you should get your knee looked at again. The knee may be adjusting to the new hip and the mechanics of the leg are different now even if it's very minor.
You'd be walking differently now.
If I have a busy day my upper hip muscles hurt, my hip aches and I limp. If it's really bad my sciatica nerve hurts and that's a definite that I know that's time to rest. In my case heat helps. These are the days I'm looking after my baby grandaughters.
It all sounds muscular particularly at night as you say it's ok after you get up. At night you stiffen up the muscles and you're probably working them too hard during the day as your confidence in your progress can be deceiving.
Perhaps you should get your knee looked at again. The knee may be adjusting to the new hip and the mechanics of the leg are different now even if it's very minor.
You'd be walking differently now.
If I have a busy day my upper hip muscles hurt, my hip aches and I limp. If it's really bad my sciatica nerve hurts and that's a definite that I know that's time to rest. In my case heat helps. These are the days I'm looking after my baby grandaughters.
It all sounds muscular particularly at night as you say it's ok after you get up. At night you stiffen up the muscles and you're probably working them too hard during the day as your confidence in your progress can be deceiving.
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Hi Goma, Aussie here too. A happy ending would be nice, but not the kind offered by the Thai Massage Parlours.Swedish massage sounds good but here in Australia I see alot of "Thai massages" shops with happy ending.
In all seriousness there are professional massage therapists but I've never had a massage...not my thing but I'll check out YouTube if I can do it myself.
Thank you.
A lot of physio practices have Remedial Massage. You can even claim that on some private health insurance depending on who you are with.
I think I might look into myself, because I have very sore glute and thigh muscles. You would be able to instruct them in the amount of pressure they apply.
If you can tolerate massages it would be an option. There are trigger point massage clinics which would be helpful.
My husband had extremely sore calves and hamstrings and over time the massage was beneficial.
Heat works and I take magnesium for sore muscles. I just rub my own aches and pains or do stretches..... but that's my own preference.
My husband had extremely sore calves and hamstrings and over time the massage was beneficial.
Heat works and I take magnesium for sore muscles. I just rub my own aches and pains or do stretches..... but that's my own preference.
OP
OP
Solar7
member
Unfortunately I definitely know I'm not overdoing it, if anything I'm under doing it. Having a really hard time getting out and about for anything... it's too much work. And even then I'm alone so the risks get me a little anxious. I also never got back in the gym after I graduated PT so I spend most days going from my bed to the computer chair and back, mostly staying upstairs in the bedroom.
My friends are obviously getting tired of the "excuses" and don't want to hear it anymore.
I'm suffering from depression undoubtedly, not sure what to do about it though. Most days I'm sleeping in until the afternoon and the sun goes down about an hour or two after I wake up.
@dnordo220 the weather is pretty nice right now, warmer than usual for this time of year. Definitely easily handled with a jacket or sweater and pants. But the nights still get unexpectedly chilly.
Hotchocolate
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You should absolutely, 100% try to get in touch with a therapist. Therapy can help you put your situation in context. If you can get to your regular doctor sooner, ask about trying antidepressants. There's no shame in getting help for the depression.
Get up more and move around the house. Get more drinks of water. Make nice tea. It doesn't matter if you need to use your cane or walker for stability/to avoid pain, just get your body moving. It'll help with the depression, and you don't want your muscles getting weaker because you completely stopped moving.
I'm a professional Depressed Person, so I understand how slow and heavy and empty everything probably feels right now, but push towards getting through this, even if your have to break each step down into smaller steps, just keep working on it.
Get up more and move around the house. Get more drinks of water. Make nice tea. It doesn't matter if you need to use your cane or walker for stability/to avoid pain, just get your body moving. It'll help with the depression, and you don't want your muscles getting weaker because you completely stopped moving.
I'm a professional Depressed Person, so I understand how slow and heavy and empty everything probably feels right now, but push towards getting through this, even if your have to break each step down into smaller steps, just keep working on it.
Hey, I think your mental health is a priority and if in the past you've had treatment then go back to your physician. If not then find one that can help you and if you find that too hard to do ask your parents or a friend to help you.
Problems are so much bigger and harder when you're on your own.
I live in Australia and we go to the local doctor for a referral to a specialist and go from there. We can choose our own specialist/surgeon or use the doctors choice. If this is the same in your area making an appointment would be a good start.
Problems are so much bigger and harder when you're on your own.
I live in Australia and we go to the local doctor for a referral to a specialist and go from there. We can choose our own specialist/surgeon or use the doctors choice. If this is the same in your area making an appointment would be a good start.
