Summary of First Five Days Post THR

On my birthday, Dec 1, 2015, I had my right side, THR completed.  The procedure was completed with a spinal (morphine), which worked great.  I do not remember a thing about the surgery and I had no nausea afterwards.  I thought there was no way I was getting out of bed on Day 1, but I quickly learned that progress comes relatively quick, even if it seems very distant at the time.  I recall feeling that my leg and butt were crazy glued to the bed and I would never be able to move. But with the assistance of a walker, I was able to go for a short little stint in the room.  Day two, they took away the walker and had me use crutches.  The main reason for that was to prepare me for home.  I live in a very old farm house, with shallow stairs.  Since I told them that I intended on being able to get up those stairs when I get home, PT decided crutches were my best bet.  Day Three, some more PT, teaching me to do stairs and I was sent home.  This was basically 48 hours from the time of the operation.

Home is interesting, because my wife decided to have ankle/foot surgery two weeks before my hip.  She GREATLY underestimated the toll the surgery would have on her and she needs to be non-weight bearing for 6 weeks.  So, I needed to buck up pretty quick.  The first day home, I made it up our crazy stairs.  Went up and down a couple of times.

Day 4, Home health nurse had me do some exercises.

Day 5, I took an unassisted shower and dressed myself.  I noticed how hugely swollen my right leg is, so I have been even more diligent about raising my legs.

Do I pain, certainly.  But I am using half of what they suggested pain wise because the pain med are causing constipation.  Nothing has happened on that front since before surgery.  Have taken the stool softeners each day, but no action yet on that front.  Also looking to lose the narcs asap so i can drive again, but taking my time, as I don’t want to be in a world of hurt and not be able to move.

As with my pre-op pain, I feel that moving about is always helpful.

I have no indication of improved range of motion, as I am very swollen in that leg.  Hopefully, once the swelling goes down, I can enjoy my renewed range of motion.