THR There is light at the end of the tunnel

[Canarydwarf]

I had a replacement hip op on July 19th and although I'm walking better all the time , I'm still quite swollen is this normal?

 

[Jaycey]

@Canarydwarf Welcome to BoneSmart! Yes, it is very normal to see swelling many months out of surgery. Are you icing and elevating that op leg? Icing for 45-60 minutes several times per day will help ease that swelling.

Which hip did you have replaced? We will put the information in a signature for you.

And here are your recovery guidelines:

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.

 

[Canarydwarf]

I had operation on July 19th last year and got an infection two weeks later. I had to be cut open again, but fortunately the infection was only two layers down. I felt aches and pains for awhile, but I've been completely pain free for several weeks now. Don't get down and depressed about it you will get better. All the best and good luck to you all.

 

[Mojo333]

Hi @Canarydwarf
Thanks for joining us and sharing your story.
So you had a hip replacment on July 19, 2022?
Which hip was replaced?

Would you mind sharing when the infection was detected and any details about the procedure to deal with your infection?

I'm glad you are out of pain and healing now.
Sharing stories like yours certainly can serve as an inspiration to others dealing with complications...
Thank you for sharing yours.

 

[Canarydwarf]

Yes, it was my left hip and two weeks after the op my hip swelled up and was very red I was worried, but I went to bed and woke up and pus was seeping out of the incision. I went to A&E and they checked me over and told me I had an infection. They kept me in for awhile and then took me down to theatre and cut me open again, but fortunately it was two layers down so just under the surface. They took samples and put me on a drip for six days then released me. I ached and was sore for a bit, but I've improved all the while, so keep your hopes up everyone! (There is a 1 percent chance of infection from a hip replacement)

 

[Layla]

Hi Canarydwarf,
Please notice that we have merged your newest thread with your original recovery thread. Having your recovery information contained in one place will make it easier for you to reflect back on. It is also helpful for those stopping by to be able to review your history before advising or commenting.
Please post any updates, questions or concerns about your recovery here.