camilla21
06-01-2005, 01:03 PM
Hi,
My husband is due to go for a hip replacement on Monday and i had a few questions! I'm 34 weeks pregnant so want to know what we can expect afterwards as I'm not in great shape to help him.
Basically i wondered if anyone who has had the procedure could let us know what he can expect to feel like afterwards, what are the things you recommend him not to do or do? (stairs, driving, lifting, any other handy hints?) And recovery times.
Also to aid recovery did anyone take any additional vitimins, iron tablets etc to help get over the surgery better? I have read a few posts and a lot of people talk of muscular pain.
Well any advice would be great.
Thanks in advance!
Camilla
x
My husband is due to go for a hip replacement on Monday and i had a few questions! I'm 34 weeks pregnant so want to know what we can expect afterwards as I'm not in great shape to help him.
Basically i wondered if anyone who has had the procedure could let us know what he can expect to feel like afterwards, what are the things you recommend him not to do or do? (stairs, driving, lifting, any other handy hints?) And recovery times.
Also to aid recovery did anyone take any additional vitimins, iron tablets etc to help get over the surgery better? I have read a few posts and a lot of people talk of muscular pain.
Well any advice would be great.
Thanks in advance!
Camilla
x
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MrsLinda
06-03-2005, 04:27 PM
Hi Camilla and welcome.
Your DH's doctor should have already told him basically what the restrictions will be and discussed the recovery. But if not here goes:
Usually for a period of 6-8 weeks after the surgery you cannot do the following until your doctor gives the OK:
drive
sit low - knees have to always be "lower" than hip
bend and lift things
reach for high objects
use regular toilet - raised seat or commode is highly recommended
Now, most are told to sleep on their backs and will have this foam thing to keep between the legs. This prevents the "crossing" of the legs/ankles. You can sleep on the un operated side but still need that "cushion" between the legs.
Pain levels differ. One "hipster" here just had bi-lateral surgery and had no real pain at all. Some have pain only at the sight of the incision due to all the muscles and tendons being cut. I had no hip pain, but did have that "pulling" pain from the cutting.
Let's see what else??? I know one of our other "hippy buddies" will include what I've missed.
Will he be going to rehab or will he have PT home? Has he been given any "gadgets" to help make life easier? His OT should take care of that. I'm sorry you didn't find us sooner...we could have really prepared you.
Recovery is different for each paitent. Each person is an individual and heals differently. Paitence is of the utmost!!!! You will feel like a million, but then when you try to do things, well you may get discouraged at first. Rest is important, but paitence is definately needed.
I came home with pain pills, Vitamine C, Iron, and Cumadin (Blood Thinners) and had to take the latter until I first saw the surgeon, which was around 8 weeks.
If I think of anything else I'll hop back on. I'm hoping one of our other "hippy friends" will see this and add to the list.
Keep asking questions!!
Your DH's doctor should have already told him basically what the restrictions will be and discussed the recovery. But if not here goes:
Usually for a period of 6-8 weeks after the surgery you cannot do the following until your doctor gives the OK:
drive
sit low - knees have to always be "lower" than hip
bend and lift things
reach for high objects
use regular toilet - raised seat or commode is highly recommended
Now, most are told to sleep on their backs and will have this foam thing to keep between the legs. This prevents the "crossing" of the legs/ankles. You can sleep on the un operated side but still need that "cushion" between the legs.
Pain levels differ. One "hipster" here just had bi-lateral surgery and had no real pain at all. Some have pain only at the sight of the incision due to all the muscles and tendons being cut. I had no hip pain, but did have that "pulling" pain from the cutting.
Let's see what else??? I know one of our other "hippy buddies" will include what I've missed.
Will he be going to rehab or will he have PT home? Has he been given any "gadgets" to help make life easier? His OT should take care of that. I'm sorry you didn't find us sooner...we could have really prepared you.
Recovery is different for each paitent. Each person is an individual and heals differently. Paitence is of the utmost!!!! You will feel like a million, but then when you try to do things, well you may get discouraged at first. Rest is important, but paitence is definately needed.
I came home with pain pills, Vitamine C, Iron, and Cumadin (Blood Thinners) and had to take the latter until I first saw the surgeon, which was around 8 weeks.
If I think of anything else I'll hop back on. I'm hoping one of our other "hippy friends" will see this and add to the list.
Keep asking questions!!
hip2it
06-04-2005, 12:32 PM
Well MrsLinda.. you about covered all the biggies... here's another thought.
You will need to set him up in a chair. Be sure the hip area is above the knees. I had to put a pillow under me to do that. My lazy-boy recliner was horrible (I thought it would be where I sat). Instead I used a glider rocking chair with a pillow for my 'seat'. Then, I had a tray table nearby with all my 'stuff' on it (within reach). They gave me a 'grabber' so that if I dropped something I could reach it without bending over. This was quite handy.
Also, be sure there is a clear path with no loose throw rugs between the seat and the bathroom. Other than that, you don't really need to lift him or help him much. Occasionally after I sat down on the bed I needed help lifting the THR leg onto the bed but that should not be too strenous for you (I would think).
Congratulations on your baby! I'm sure this is an exciting time for you. You should read (and have him read) all the other posts in this category. We have all been through all this and give all sorts of tips that I may have forgotten here. He should be fine and able to help you with the baby in no time. Good luck to you all and feel free to ask whatever else you can think of.
You will need to set him up in a chair. Be sure the hip area is above the knees. I had to put a pillow under me to do that. My lazy-boy recliner was horrible (I thought it would be where I sat). Instead I used a glider rocking chair with a pillow for my 'seat'. Then, I had a tray table nearby with all my 'stuff' on it (within reach). They gave me a 'grabber' so that if I dropped something I could reach it without bending over. This was quite handy.
Also, be sure there is a clear path with no loose throw rugs between the seat and the bathroom. Other than that, you don't really need to lift him or help him much. Occasionally after I sat down on the bed I needed help lifting the THR leg onto the bed but that should not be too strenous for you (I would think).
Congratulations on your baby! I'm sure this is an exciting time for you. You should read (and have him read) all the other posts in this category. We have all been through all this and give all sorts of tips that I may have forgotten here. He should be fine and able to help you with the baby in no time. Good luck to you all and feel free to ask whatever else you can think of.
Nancy E
06-04-2005, 05:48 PM
Camilla: I had an gadget for putting on my socks. You put your sock on it then slip your foot into it and pull your sock on. Ask your pt what it is called, as it was so easy putting on socks. No bending over just dropped it onto the floor slipped your foot in and pulled. Used it for about 6 weeks until I could get my right foot up to my knee.
I used a walker for one week then a cane. Just do what the doctor says and be sure he does his exercises each day. I did them at least 3 times a day. I had surgery 5 months ago and I'm getting ready to climb Harney Peek the highest mountain East of the Rockies, 7000 feet in the Black Hills. I only came home with pain pills nothing else and I took 16 out of the 100 they gave me when I left the hospital. My muscles were not cut but I still get twinges because they were moved and stretched and some of those muscles have not been used for a long time. Good Luck.
Also, had a shower chair just because I was afraid I might fall in the shower. I used it for the first week but kept it in the shower for about 3 weeks just in case. If you need one go to Good Will or Salvation Army before you go out and purchase a new one.
Nancy E.
I used a walker for one week then a cane. Just do what the doctor says and be sure he does his exercises each day. I did them at least 3 times a day. I had surgery 5 months ago and I'm getting ready to climb Harney Peek the highest mountain East of the Rockies, 7000 feet in the Black Hills. I only came home with pain pills nothing else and I took 16 out of the 100 they gave me when I left the hospital. My muscles were not cut but I still get twinges because they were moved and stretched and some of those muscles have not been used for a long time. Good Luck.
Also, had a shower chair just because I was afraid I might fall in the shower. I used it for the first week but kept it in the shower for about 3 weeks just in case. If you need one go to Good Will or Salvation Army before you go out and purchase a new one.
Nancy E.
camilla21
06-09-2005, 01:56 PM
Thanks for all your advice. DH has had his op and is doing great, just can't wait to get him home!
We live near Ben Nevis in Scotland (the UKs highest mountain) so i'll tell him to expect to climb it in a few months!
Cheers everyone!
Camilla
We live near Ben Nevis in Scotland (the UKs highest mountain) so i'll tell him to expect to climb it in a few months!
Cheers everyone!
Camilla
MrsLinda
06-09-2005, 02:04 PM
Please keep us posted as to your husbands recovery. Glad things went well!