My Right Total Hip Replacement.

[Paignton]

Thought I would start a new thread rather than carry on in my old one about the hip arthroscopy.

Well had my surgery on Friday 18th March and went down to theatre at 2.20p.m. They put in the spinal and then the next thing I heard was the anaesthitist handing me over to recovery staff at 5.10p.m I was up on the ward at 5.30p.m

Mr Ashworth came up to see me at 5.40p.m I already knew that I was having a ceramic hip and he said that all had gone well, and he had to lengthen it by 5mm instead of 3mm, but he said that I should not notice the difference. He then told me that he had sent the ball off to the lab for testing! Around the back was a ridge/lump of tissue, bone, but he was not sure what it was. He did say that it was nothing sinister. What he did say though was that it looked like it could have been catching causing me to have even more pain, as this had not shown up on any scans or x-rays. Cannot wait to find out at me six week check then what it is or was?

On Saturday the physios helped me out of bed and stood me up to walk me. All I could manage was from the bed to the chair before needing oxygen and having a panic attack due to the excrutiating pain from the surgery and not the old pain that I used to have before the THR. I spent the rest of the day in the chair dreading being put back to bed The nextmorning when the nursing staff got me up it was a little easier and managed to get into the chair without a panic attack. After breakafst they walked me halfway to the bathroom and then commoded me the rest of the way!! lololol. As I walked around more it did get easier I must say.

Last night they let me come home at 6.00p.m Got in the house and into the lounge and I was totally exhausted and in pain. By eight I needed to go to bed but could not get out of the sofa for ages

This morning I have got down stairs and am now sat on some cushions to make me a more comfortable height for getting up off the sofa.

What I will say is that the original pain that I had before going into hospital has gone and the pain I have now is only from surgery. However the groin is not liking any of it, and they are not sure if further nerve damage has been done at this stage, or if it is from all the pushing and pulling from surgery. They are making me an appointment to go back within six weeks to Chronic Pain Management to get it all checked out.

Thanks everybody for being here and listening, it does help.

[Dee34]

Hi Paignton,

so glad you've finally had the op and I promise it does get better from here. Well done for getting downstairs today !! And yes, cushions, or pillows make a big difference ! The first two weeks are difficult, and I remember feeling uncomfortable a lot -especially if I sat for too long - good to get up and move around if you can and remember to ice the area of the wound (over your trousers !) to help with swelling - I found that made a big difference. I actually found lying on the bed to be the most comfortable place, but felt I was missing out if I didn't come downstairs and sit on the sofa ! It does get better and you will turn the corner - isn't it lovely not to have the nasty bone dragging joint pain ?

I really hope there is no further nerve damage and that things do settle down for you quickly. Remember your leg/pelvis has been through a lot so it will hurt a bit for a while yet.

Take care and keep us posted.

d x

[oscarsmum]

Hi,

Glad you made it home and back on here as, although its been good to follow you on FB, its nice to be able to get all the nitty gritty details that non hippies find so boring

I also found after the first two weeks following the PAO things settled down so much and were far less painful.Hang in there, every day should hopefully get a little easier, and bear in mind you have the worst part behind you.

I hope there is no more nerve damage and you soon get the pain under control.

Meanwhile, remember to milk it like crazy over the next few weeks and get everyone waiting on you hand and foot, because before you know it you'll be back at their beck and call so try and relax and enjoy it while you can

Hugs
Kate xx

[Paignton]

Dee i have got the OT's coming back out tomorrow with the Outreach Nurses as since my FAI we have had a new memory foam mattress and this morning I could not get out of bed!! Zoe had to gently kneel on bed behind me, whilst hubby pulled me up gently from the front which isnt any good for me or them :-(

Kate thanks for that vital information about miking it lolol. Paul goes back to work next week and I have already decided that I cannot do breakfast for myself never mind kids whilst my leg feels a dead weight, so just arranged for MIL to come on Sunday.

[Rayray]

Hi Paignton,

I'm glad everything has gone well. I remember the pain after the Open (which I understand is pretty similar pain wise) was nasty to start with but settled with amazing speed. The biggest issue I had was with tiredness so milk it all you can. This is major surgery and my letter I received today from The Duchy said no heavy tasks for six weeks such as cleaning! Remind the family of that one - it will be good training for them.

Take care and I hope you feel better soon and also work out a way of getting out of bed!!!

X

[Dee34]

I still don't do the hoovering ! One of those tasks I 'forgot' was mine to take back - now hubby has adopted it so I don't have to ! Not that I couldn't you understand....:-)

Paignton - silky pj's or nightie might be the answer - allows you to manouevre a lot more easily in and out of bed. You should be sleeping on the right hand side of the bed so the op leg is last in and first out if that makes sense and you probably also need a pillow between your knees and maybe under the knee of the op leg. Dressing gown cords can also be very helpful in hooking round your operated leg's foot to encourage it to move when it doesn't want to. Remember you can probably bend your knee a little too and that helps with getting out of bed - you just need to remember the knee should never be higher than the hip if you're sitting ..e.g beyond 90 degrees..

[Paignton]

Thanks for everything Dee I really do appreciate it. I appreciate all of your help on this forum.

I am tired now so going to have tea and then rest, and relax before going bed about eight again :-)

[Paignton]

Day five post op.

Some lovely nice coloured bruising coming out now¬ Youngest said last night eugh mum I cannot look, it is horrible lolol.

Pain a wee bit easier today. Outreach nurses due today to check dressing etc.... Plus I have just had a delivery from the OT's to help me get out of bed!

[Katz]

WOW at long last Paignton - congratulations - for me it its one of the best things I have ever done for myself - am proud to be bionic
I agree with Dee about wearing silky clothing ---I wore silky boxers which made getting in and out of bed soooo much easier! Mind you memory foam is difficult enough to get out of prefectly healthy and pain free.

xxxKat

[Dee34]

How are you doing today Paignton ?