THR Catlover51's Right THR Recovery

[Catlover51]

Thank you Layla! I wasn't sure how to start a new thread. My THR on the right side went well and I'm back home recovering. The pain was bad initially but I think I'm able to manage it better now. I saw the Home PT today and I felt pushed to do some of the exercises (e.g. hip abduction) while I'm still in pain and only 2 days out from surgery. I thought I read something about that on here, how walking is the best exercise and not necessarily strengthening right away.

 

[Layla]

Hi Catlover,
Welcome to recovery and congrats on the new hip!
Do you want a new thread for this hip, or do you prefer all of your info for both hips be in the same place. You can make the call and if you want a separate thread for this recovery, let us know and we can start it for you.

Try not to feel pushed into anything, especially if it hurts. The PT leaves on her merry way and you're the one hurting, not her, so it's best to STOP if it hurts, or say, "NO, that hurts, I'm choosing not to do that one"...next.

This is likely what you're referencing -
It is not necessary to exercise your injured hip to promote healing. The controlled trauma sustained through THR will heal on its own. Often though, we're impatient and want to move the process along. In doing so we run the risk of struggling with pain and setbacks stalling the healing process. The best therapy for recovery is walking, but not to excess. Start slowly increasing time and distance incrementally in an effort not to overdo it. Give yourself the TLC you deserve and reap the benefits of a successful recovery.

Lots of comfort to you. I hope you sleep well tonight!
@Catlover51

 

[Eman85]

I would push back. I saw people bullied in PT at the hospital the day after surgery, not pretty. No reason to do anything that hurts especially in the very early weeks of recovery.

 

[Catlover51]

Layla, yes I would like a new thread for this hip and thank you. I pushed back to the PT but she seemed rigid about what she thinks. I believe I only see this particular PT one more time.
I'm noticing some swelling above my knee which I don't remember having last time. Anyway, how can you tell if it's a blood clot or not? Most likely swelling and not cause for alarm?

 

[Eman85]

Ask the PT how many hips she has had replaced, everyone here has had at least one.
I have no idea how to tell if there's a clot but for me if I rested and iced and things got better it showed me there was no cause for alarm.

 

[Layla]

Hi Catlover51,
Started a new thread for you. Please let us know how you'd like it titled and we will edit accordingly.

I will leave the Recovery Guideline articles here with best wishes as you begin healing!

HIP RECOVERY GUIDELINES
As you begin healing, please keep in mind that each recovery is unique. While the BoneSmart philosophy successfully works for many, there will be exceptions. Between the recommendations found here, your surgeon's recovery protocol and any physical therapy you may engage in, the key is to find what works best for you.

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.

If you want to use something to assist with healing and scar management, BoneSmart recommends hypochlorous solution. Members in the US can purchase ACTIVE Antimicrobial Hydrogel through BoneSmart at a discount. Similar products should be available in the UK and other countries.

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 these
BoneSmart philosophy for sensible post op therapy
5. At week 4 and after you should follow this
Activity progression for THRs
The recovery articles
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?

Nutrition is of paramount importance. Available here are dietary tips, nutrition basics and additional food supplements. These articles are both general advice on food and specific guidelines aimed at people both pre- and post-surgery.

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.
@Catlover51

 

[myglasshalffull]

Swelling is to be expected, is it warm to touch?
I wouldn't think it's a blood clot but if it feels warm/hot maybe check in with OS & ask.

 

[Catlover51]

Swelling is to be expected, is it warm to touch?
I wouldn't think it's a blood clot but if it feels warm/hot maybe check in with OS & ask.

Hi there, swelling went down. I had an in-home PT visit and she was able to tell that it was normal swelling and not a blood clot. Thank you.