?‍♀️Hip Replacement #2 ?‍♀️ (Knees Welcome!) ?‍♀️

Fanny...it was only in Feb when I straightened my right (operated) leg and my left foot came off the floor. I was totally disconcerted as I had never been aware of it before....I put it down to the way I was walking/limping but post op it was more marked and I was really upset (sort of vanity I admit but I didn't want to limp down the aisle next year). I stopped using my crutches very quickly in the cottage but used one on the operated side or held onto my partner when we were out to support my right side and discourage the limp. In the beginning it was really painful to stand with my right leg completely straight but I did 10 sets of 5 seconds twice a day and gradually it became easier. Now
12 weeks on nearly and I have no limp ...so don't lose heart.

At my 6 week physio appointment I was measured and was told that I had a 1cm discrepancy in the length, but that it would improve as the muscles strengthen. I think it has or I’ve got used to it !
I’ve been remiss over the last few days as spent far too long watching the tennis . Apart from a good “water work out” this morning very little exercise has gone on ! I must do a good walk tomorrow.

I'm so glad you are doing well, Fanny. Perhaps the limp will simply disappear soon, hopefully. And the difference in leg length too.
I was told that I had bow legs, but they could correct it during knee replacement. This has happened and I no longer walk like an old cowboy.

Just to make you all have a little giggle even though it doesn't apply to any of us post op hipsters.

Love it!!! ??

I don’t know what I’m doing wrong , my posts keep disappearing ?. Travels you will be really tired . Even though we are only in hospital a few days and quite rightly up and about immediately, it is a massive shock to the system . Get your afternoon snooze each day and I went to bed early, mainly as by the evening I was most comfortable in bed to rest my aching body! Plenty of protein and veg and fruit to help mend your wound.
I have now been referred to a cardiologist ( not urgent so months of waiting no doubt) to review my irregular heart beats. I’m beginning to think even though I tested Covid negative several times when I was so unwell over the jubilee bank holiday, that I did in fact have it which has left me with after effects : cough, palpitations and no appetite ?‍♀️ . Who knows .
But that isn’t about hips etc
My GP when she examined me yesterday was amazed at the “long scar”. She said that was how they all used to look but usually much smaller nowadays. Probably because I had a spinal orthopaedic specialist do my surgery! But quite happy with the outcome…
I’m bored with walking locally so going to get a bus to another area and visit a nice park this afternoon and get a good walk in, I must stop watching the tennis .

Noooo SusieB50 don't stop watching the tennis! It's on for such a short time in the year. All my babes were summer born so I've spent many a Wimbledon either resting during pregnancy or feeding - brings back such happy memories. Good advice there for Travelsafar.
If you don't mind me asking.... how long is your scar?

My scar is quite long. It's antero lateral and op was done using the Mako system. I think that one reason I made such a rapid recovery was because the large opening gave the surgeon and robot space to do the necessary very well. With a smaller incision there might have had to be more pushing and pulling about. Yuk yuk yuk. I couldn't bring myself to watch a hip replacement video on YouTube but others might have?

Good Lord No!
I don’t really have much of an idea what they did at all!
My scar is long too.
I might even post a photo!

I was really tired too. And I generally felt quite ill.
I couldn’t get comfortable at all, as my leg ballooned.
Nearly three weeks on, I’m feeling really good now.
I walked quite a bit yesterday (on crutches) as I took the dog to the vets (that’s another story) and walked further than usual.
Both hips are aching today.
I’m less aware of the leg difference/ limp though.
So all in all -

I think that I might have had a lot of ‘pushing and pulling’ as my knee and lower leg were very painful and bruised for a few days.
I’ve also heard (I think) that the larger you are, the longer the scar (this may be absolute gubbins)

Nooo! Don’t stop watching the tennis Susie!
Even I’m enjoying it - and I haven’t a clue what’s going on!

My scar is long too. Probably around 8”/10” abd was glued with no stitches or clips.
It is mainly hidden under my underwear but shows a few inches down my leg. Sometimes it feels sore inside which is strange as its 12 weeks now.
Glad you are feeling better Fanny and take heart Susie if you aren’t an urgent case that’s good news.
I never watch tv in the day, though saw a bit after BJ resignation, don’t understand the rules. Nor does he.

My scar is also about 10 inches , I am short - 5ft 1 in’s so maybe it looks longer in comparison ! The GP is new and very young so probably hasn’t seen many . I haven’t been able to see my ( or any GP) usual GP for over two years. The only reason why I had a face to face is that it’s not possible to listen to heart and lungs over the phone!
I managed to put moisturiser on my lower legs and feet this morning with my hands rather than my spatula gadget . Progress indeed ….

I am even slightly shorter than you Susie, 5'1 and a very important half so this is why my scar looks long too.

Well done with reaching tye feet, I still cant but might be because I have a couple of blubber rolls in the way. As much as I try they refuse to leave me, devoted that they are. .

I was at a hospital this morning about a painful toe which is affecting the way I walk. Had to remove my shoe and only then realised I had forgotten my trusty ikea shoe horn. (

I need a an operation to fuse the toe so will probably do a new post as he pointed out all that can go wrong and Its made me nervous.

Hope all was well with your heart etc and congratulations on seeing a real live doctor. Hooray.

ACTually I am think I am 5.1 as well. Wishful thinking. Not thinking straight.

I saw a plasticene version of a hip replacement op on Facebook. That was bad enough for me!

Travelsafar... So just to reassure you even more how worthwhile the hip op is..... today I painted a shed...12 weeks exactly since I came home...I was able to bend lots and even perch on some bricks to do the top bits. ... This has been a good week...I wore heels for the first time in over a year. I was called in to DOH place of work...and felt my comfy birkenstocks were not quite the thing....I did walk a bit a la Miss Piggy when I first got out of the car but then I got back in my stride and sashayed on into reception. ...

Well done Naughtyneine. High heels ?? Brilliant.
For me, I had a swim in the sea today and it was invigorating! Felt wonderful ( after the first 5 minutes).

Aveline

My scar is quite long. It's antero lateral and op was done using the Mako system. I think that one reason I made such a rapid recovery was because the large opening gave the surgeon and robot space to do the necessary very well. With a smaller incision there might have had to be more pushing and pulling about. Yuk yuk yuk. I couldn't bring myself to watch a hip replacement video on YouTube but others might have?

I'm not sure about that Aveline. Mine was also done using the Mako system (robotic assisted) and is exactly 5" long. I have my next review with the surgeon later this month so it would be an interesting question to ask.

Wow well done *Naughtyneine *??
I am feeling a bit more relaxed about op now I have had pre op and my daughter has discussed staying for a couple of days?. Plus I now have a number to ring as soon as I get home and they will arrange for meals on wheels if needed, a person to do shopping again if needed and someone to do light housework etc. This service I found through the red cross website after sending an email to see if I was eligible for any help from them. My biggest fear now is getting covid, it is doing the rounds in my area,don't want op to be cancelled due to that!!!

It seems you are sorted travels. That must be s relief.
I think I mentioned the Red Cross earlier and glad they can help,your daughter too.
Try not to overthink, it will be fine. Avoid crowds etc and COVID should pass you by,
Nearly there now.

GrannyLaine- I'm a big girl! Tall and wide so I reckon access would be required! I didn't have staples or stitches so the scar is very neat.
I've just been to check and the scar is 8 ins long.
I noticed on Bonesmart that lots of people seem to have a short scar at the front. This access approach seem to have led to lots more complications. I'm not vain or interested in having a scar that's hidden in my 'beach body ready' bikini!

Instinct tells me its more about preference of the surgeon. Mine's antero-lateral too. Is anyone vain on here? Wouldn't have thought so.

I meant the Americans who seem to go for the short incision down the front. I doubt anyone in here cares much what their scar looks like as long as it's safely healed.