THR Trendynana's recovery thread

[Jaycey]

Now convinced I've dislocated my hip. It's not hurting and I can put weight on it.

If you dislocated you could not move and the pain would be horrendous.

You have post op blues. It happens to everyone in some form and the good news is this too shall pass. Here's an article from our Library Post op blues is a reality - be prepared for it.

Ice your knee if it is swollen but be sure and put something between the ice pack and your skin.

Nearly didn't make it to the loo in time.

This often happens just post op. The trick is to "go before you need to go". In the early days it is impossible to rush. Schedule regular times when you get up and walk around with a stop in the loo.

Recovery is a bit of a roller coaster. Just hang on - the ride gets better every day.

 

[Trendynan]

Thank you all. I will be glad on Tues when stitches come out. I've been over anxious and I already suffer from anxiety. I know it will get better just feeling it a bit at the min xxx

 

[Mojo333]

So sorry to hear you are struggling.
Some days are just better to be forgotten.
That hip is going to serve you well...be kind to yourself today.
All temporary and it DOES get easier.
HugsXxx

 

[CricketHip]

Hi @Trendynan Oh boy, you have some post op blues going on, for sure. It's understandable, that shocking bleed would fire up anybody's anxiety. I fight anxiety, too so can relate. Once it gets going....... ugh.
Everything you've posted is so true. but believe me, next week you should see some small improvements. Maybe even some not so small ones. Try to focus on them and savor them.
I can't wait for Tuesday for you, either!! ((hugs))

 

[Calgal]

You've had a rough start and a big scare. . No wonder you're emotional. We've all been to the post op blues club at one point or many points in recovery. Trust us, it will get better! It's not always linear each day getting better, but if you look back weekly I'm sure you'll see progress. Jaycee gave great advice to go before you need to. I barely made it to the toilet many times too! That gets better too. Wish I had read Jaycee's advice earlier. . The important thing is to relax and just do everything slowly and carefully. (Except going to the toilet). Don't move without thinking and planning first. Be cautious with your body and pamper yourself. We're here for any and all concerns. Best wishes for your continued recovery.

 

[Trendynan]

Hi all

Update :
Am back in hospital. Bleeding still. They have taken me off blood thinners as they seem to be the culprit. Since have been taken off them the bleeding has reduced significantly. Dr wants me to stay another 2-3 days to keep me under observation. I'm to walk about because of the dvt possibility altho I am wearing the sexy stockings. Worst case scenario I will have to go into theatre and have hip washed out. Best case scenario the blood leaking under the skin will disperse by itself and all will be well. I am struggling to do the exercises as so worried I will make it bleed more. I am trying to walk every hour but think I overdid it last night and was in awful pain. Xxx

 

[Fiona444]

Oh bless you. I am so sorry to hear of your struggles. I hope that you dont need another operation but at least you are in the right place. Take good care @Trendynan

 

[Layla]

Aww, I'm so sorry, you're suffering this setback. Take comfort in the fact that you're in good hands right now. Prayers you don't need the washout, but if it's determined you do, it's for your own protection.
Trust that the exercises they are requesting you do won't put you in jeopardy. Please talk to them about any pain or discomfort you're dealing with so meds can be adjusted accordingly.
Hugs and wishes for only the best. Please stay in touch, we're here for you!
@Trendynan

 

[Mojo333]

Oh my goodness...hate to hear things for bad and you are back in the hospital.
Do the minimum they require and please try not to worry.
Stress is horrible for us.
I'm sending all the good mojo your way and will be glad when all clears so you can get back home.
Lots of healing hugs coming your way.

 

[Trendynan]

Hi all
I am home. Bleeding has stopped and stitches are dissolving nicely. I am still off blood thinners until Monday when I am to restart them and finish the pack they gave me. Prob two weeks worth.
I am going to see a friend get married tomorrow. I had bought a lovely dress and accessories but didn't give a thought to the lovely green Ted socks! Would support tights be suitable for a couple of hours or so and I can put the socks back on when I get back? Should I leave the socks on and change my outfit and wear trousers? Xx

 

[Layla]

Hi @Trendynan
So good to hear you're home and the bleeding has stopped. Are you wearing the TEDS 24/7? I'd call the office of the OS and see if you could keep them off for a few hours while you attend a wedding so you don't have to look like The Grinch. You'd think if you're up and moving around it may (?) be okay.
If I had to wear them, I'd wear dress pants or a cute maxi dress.
Good Luck and have fun at the wedding!

 

[Trendynan]

Hi yes I'm wearing them 24/7.
Its difficult to get answers here in UK. If I ring the surgeons secretary she isn't very helpful and we don't have a helpline number.
The same with gp the receptionists aren't very helpful x

 

[Layla]

Might be worth a try...you may get lucky and the surgeon's secretary will get back to you...
You'll live through it if you wear them, but you may be surprised and find out you could safely take a break for a few hours.
Best of luck!
@Trendynan

 

[Mojo333]

Would support tights be suitable for a couple of hours or so and I can put the socks back on when I get back?

I vote yes...it should be fine.

 

[Trendynan]

Hi all am nearly 6 weeks post op. How time flies!
I am walking round house without stick or crutches and using one crutch outside. My woubd/scar is healing well. Have been using tissue oil on it to help with dryness.
No major probs that I know if with hip but.. Leg, knee foot swollen. Kept stockings on until this aft - Mon (will be 6 weeks on Wed) the top of stockings digging in and feels so tight and marking my leg. I am pretty active and walking /going up and downstairs when I can. The swelling has, worried me. I've iced but it doesn't do anything. I've elevated but it makes my legs ache. I elevate on two pillows at night. Should it still be swollen at 6 weeks? I see consultant tomorrow for follow up after op. I will ask him but wondered if anyone else had this? X

 

[Mojo333]

Trendynan.
Six weeks is still early days but I hate that you are struggling with the swelling.
If you are moving about quite a bit, I say burn those wretched TEDS

@CricketHip, do you have any suggestions you could give our new hippy pal?

Keep the faith...it will get better.

 

[Trendynan]

Hi all
8 weeks post op and doing OK. Walking outside with one stick. Walking inside without. Am able to lie on non op side for about 15 mins with pillow between knees at night. Op side can't lie on at all. Mainly sleeping on my back still.
No pain in hip at all. Knee swelling much improved however ankle/foot swelling still there. Am elevating as much as I can. Have seen gp who thinks fluid retention is a possibility (I had to stop no tabs Inc water tabs before op. Bp is still quite low so haven't gone back on them as yet) gp given me low dose of ferusemide to see if it helps. At the moment it isn't. He did blood tests while I was there and have just had a letter asking to repeat full blood count and to get b12, folate and ferritin done. Am thinking this is related to blood loss/blood transfusion after op and when the blood thinners caused the excessive bleeding. Bit worried but hoping it gets sorted soon. Xxx

 

[Layla]

Hello,
It sounds like you're doing well aside from the concerns you shared. I'm sure all will regulate and resolve while under you physicians care. Please stay in touch and let us know how you're progressing. We'll be here.
I hope the rest of your week is peaceful.
@Trendynan

 

[Trendynan]

Hi all
10 weeks on Wed post op. Wound healing well. No pain at all in new hip. Minimal pain relief now, only when I've overdone it. Had some physio for the last month as I feel I'm struggling to walk properly outside the house. Inside no probs no stick or crutches but once outside it feels hard going. Physio have given me a walker to use outside (with wheels) and it's helping me stand straighter but am hoping only to use it for a bit as don't want to rely on it. As the consultant said it might the other hip is rearing it's head and I am in pain which is why I think I'm struggling to walk. Consultant said he would send for me in 6 months when I had my 6 week check up to discuss other hip op. My op leg foot and ankle are still swollen altho it has gone down by morning. I'm now able to lie on un op side at night but can't lie on op side too uncomfortable but I will keep trying.
I feel like I'm doing well but other people's comments when they see me suggest otherwise and now I'm using a walker it's getting worse. Eg)" you'll never get better if you use that. Why aren't you walking unaided now you've had your hip done. I thought you would be running by now." the comments are never ending.
Had some blood tests done a couple of weeks ago and all good except haemoglobin which was slightly low. Gp said prob from when I had all the bleeding after my op when I had to stop the blood thinners. They are re doing test in a month.

Can admin add my op date 14th August to the August ops please? Thank you.

Hope everyone is doing OK whatever stage you are at in your recovery xxx

 

[Layla]

I feel like I'm doing well but other people's comments when they see me suggest otherwise and now I'm using a walker it's getting worse. Eg)" you'll never get better if you use that. Why aren't you walking unaided now you've had your hip done. I thought you would be running by now." the comments are never ending.

Hello @Trendynan
Please ignore these people. Have they experienced THR's? If not, what makes them qualified to judge your progress? Even if they have prosthetic hips, we're not to compare progress or recoveries. If you feel your other hip is affected and holding you back, please try to get an appointment sooner than the end of March, if my calculation is right from the timeline you shared. That's a long time to wait if your other hip is stalling your progress.
Wishing you all the best and a happy November.