Swelling & Stiffness after sitting...?

[tom w]

I'm 5 1/2 weeks out of THR and seem to be making progress but have questions regarding slight swelling around incision and stiffness in joint after even brief sitting.

Walk about 1/2 mile with cane and feel fine but any sitting really irritates the hip....

looking for any input on subject


tom w

 

[Josephine]

Tom, do not forget that whilst you were pushed out of hospital after 2 or 3 days it does not mean the op was minor. You have had a MAJOR surgery and 5½ weeks is pretty much still early days. I'd say that, given the description you offer of your activities, you are doing just fine and shouldn't be too concerned. If anything, I'd say you are probably doing too much and should rest more. "Hip getting irritated" to me equates with pain. I would take some simple pain relief like paracetamol and I think you'll find it much more comfortable.

 

[kheiden]

5 weeks tomorrow after having left hip total replacement, I had the dePuy Summit cementless metal on metal. I am very stiff. I can walk (with a good size limp) without my cane for quite some time, still cannot do a lot with my left leg & hip. It does hurt like *#@* to sit, but, thankfully, Josephine explained that to me in one of my other posts. I think when leaving the hospital, they should give you a sort of timeline on what to expect and what you should be able to achieve each week after having this surgery so that a person at least knows where they stand. I know that everyone is different, but there has to be son general expectations to go by. Such as how far I should be able to lift my knee up at this point, should I be climbing stairs (cuz I can not the normal way), should I be able to put on my socks? etc, etc. Just a guideline would be nice.
Especially in my situation, I am having my right side done in 10 days, so will I be ok, with my other leg not up to 100%. Good Luck to all

 

[newwheels08]

I agree about the time line issues brought up...I left the hospital on day 3 with no weight bearing instructions and had to fend for myself during the ensuing weeks of rehab by going online and making my own calls to the doctors office. A post surgery healing timeline would have been great, as I thought I was doing damage every time I had a random pain... sitting on the incisions is still tender for long periods...especially on my left side..which was weaker-pre surgery.

I just left my 4 week check up for bilateral THR today (I also received the metal on metal cementless type joints)...and the prognosis was very good. Seeing the post op x-ray really helped relieve my concerns. I thought I was way behind on the rehab process and the doctor said I was actually way ahead of the curve and should slow down to just let nature take its course..and to expect some pain and soreness for some time. On the pre-surgery stuff I give my medical support an A+....post surgery is about a D-. I felt really abandoned once it was over (except for the Cumodin clinic calls)...I I had one of the better surgeons there too.

 

[kheiden]

my sentiments exactly!! Hopefully we will get some more input here that will help us to realize where we should be in our recovery, on a weekly timeline!!!???

 

[Ginny]

Hi Everyone!
Here are my thoughts. You guys are doing a lot more than I was at 5 weeks! I was on toe touch weight bearing, no driving, working etc. for 6 weeks! I'm 9 weeks post op and just started walking without a cane and going back to work. My suggestion. TAKE IT EASY, and BE PATIENT. Josephine is right. We have all had MAJOR surgery. Be gentle with yourself.
As far as expectations after surgery: I asked a million and one questions...right yours down and ask away. My surgeon spent over an hour with me during my initial consult. It was great. Remember, everyone is different, and every surgeon has their own way of doing business. This site is a great place for info. But always consult your surgeon before doing anything.
Here's my timeline:
Week 1-6: no driving, not even as a passenger, toe touch weight bearing, PT twice a day (in home, i did it on my own with the exercises they gave me in the hospital), walk with crutches, no bending, twisting, lifting etc.
Week 7: weight bearing as tolerated, walking, working, driving permitted, bicycle, swimming, walking, no yoga or stretching.
I will not start out patient pt until after my 3 month post op. He does not want me stretching until all the scar tissue is healed and solid.
I'm week 9 post op and still can't tie my shoe or put on socks. I can walk without my cane, but have a slight limp, i know it will go away as my leg becomes stronger. Still using the "hip kit" from the medical supply store.
The hip kit is great..it has a reacher tool, shoe horn, and sock gadget.

Focus on what you can do verses what you can not and be patient.

All the best
Ginny

35 yr old female, THR left hip, smith and nephew metal on metal, non-cement, at UAB in Birmingham, AL; Dr. K Moore.