THR The Halloween Left Hip. Trick or Treat?

[Miss Muffet]

I think you're due for review now. Let us know how you get on.

 

[Cas]

how are you doing today? Hope you're feeling better

 

[HorseyLady]

Hello!
Yes, I had my 6 week review with my surgeon yesterday. He is very happy with it and I don't have to see him for a year. I did mention again about the hard lump on the end of the wound in my buttock but he just said "it's fine". I also mentioned about my knee which is swollen and more painful but he didn't seem bothered by it and explained that he would have moved my knee in horrible ways when he was doing the hip replacement. Thinks it should start to improve over the following weeks.

I should be really happy not to go back for a year but I kind of feel a bit lost at the moment! Am I being stupid? It feels very early days to me but I guess this is normal? I am still walking with one crutch to go out and I am still a bit sore with the buttock wound and a bit achy. My surgeon did say I have to be careful for another 6-8 weeks and not do too much.

As for my right hip, which is painful and I was hoping to have my RTHR next year, my surgeon said he could do it if it deteriorates and to contact him but he would prefer to talk about it in a years time. Is that normal or do other people have a second THR quite quickly?

A very jovial meeting though, and wishing me a Happy Christmas which was lovely :santawave:

 

[Cas]

so glad you got the all clear from your OS. I think I will feel the same as you when I see mine. It's as though all medical support has gone and you're left up in the air as to what you can actually do. Also what does he mean about not doing too much for the next 8 weeks? A bit vague but then I think surgeons are like that ! At least you've got this forum and am sure there will be lots of help and support on here. Are you driving yet? Can't remember if you said you were LOL ! That will give you more freedom and the urge to get out there. Maybe your right hip is playing up more because it's been supporting your left one for so long - don't know I'm not an expert. Keep smiling I'm sure we will find a way to do more and more each day - at least I hope so.

 

[Krista]

@HorseyLady, it's nice that your surgeon says all is well with your hip. Regarding him saying that you don't have to see him for a year -- here in the US, in the two orthopedic practices where I have had surgeries, insurance give appointments with the surgeon's office at 2 week, 6 weeks and 3 months of a surgery. I would think that, in your situation in the UK, if down the road you have any remaining concerns, that you could call and see that surgeon again. If not, because of their rules, then perhaps you could see your GP. I would think that if your knee does not get better in a reasonable amount of time, that would warrant an appointment with someone. I never have any problems with my knees post surgery, beyond what was wrong with them beforehand, anyway!

Also, I do not understand your surgeon's comment about waiting a year to do the other hip. When a hip needs to be done, it needs to be done. You can't just arbitrarily assign a date without knowing the state of the hip joint. So i would say that if your non-surgical hip is painful, then it should be assessed, regardless of how much time has passed since the THR. All it usually takes is an x-ray, and that shouldn't be hard for an orthopedist or GP to order. I've read about plenty of people on this and another forum who have THR's quite close together.

That's my 2 cents, anyway! Wishing you all the best as you recover, and hope you get relief from hip #2 soon!

 

[SwimGirl]

@HorseyLady I am in the same boat as you about the return visit to OS at 10 months. I am about 6 weeks plus and had my 6 week check up with OS. He said all is fine postop on X-ray and did an exam. However, I had lots of questions of which he answered some as he inched towards the door. How do they decide on 10 months or a year for your return? Also, I was told to call if any problems arise. My hips were done at 8 weeks apart. I agree with Krista that if your hip is painful an X-ray can let you know when you are ready!