Swelling After Hip Replacement

[HedgeHogHome]

Hi,

My husband had a 2nd hip replacement 2 weeks ago. His leg is extremely swollen , is very uncomfortable and not improving. It is not thrombosis as that was checked a few days ago when the physiotherapist registered concern. He is walking well and exercised religiously before and after the operation, The swelling is so severe we are wondering if it will ever go. Has anyone else had this problem? It would be very useful to know. He goes to hospital on Tuesday to have the staples removed .

Thanks

[piglette]

My thigh was quite swollen for several weeks but slowly went down. Is your husband having a lot of pain?

[Jalia]

I'm assuming that he is wearing compression stockings? I found it took many months for the swelling to go completely.

[willat]

This is really major surgery and Teo weeks in the scheme is nothing. He needs to make sure he is not being stoic and is taking meds to keep on top of the pain to allow regular stretching. Soft massage May help plus hot and cold packs alternating.

[LD1954]

I had the same when I had my hip replaced in March. I found elevation and ice packs helpful especially in the first couple of weeks, aand when in bed my feet and lower legs were kept elevated on pillows. If you check out bonesmart.org there is a vast amount of information on there which may help, plus other people's experiences.

[HedgeHogHome]

Hello,

I want to say a big thank you to you all for taking the time and trouble to respond to my post. You were all very reassuring and informative. As a consequence my husband is less anxious and miserable. In fact there is an almost imperceptible improvement today which gives him hope that he won't have an elephantine leg forever !!

I hope you all have a Merry Christmas in spite of the gloom

[Cat33]

I've had both my hips replaced and the swelling was quite bad afterwards but it all went and I was fine It's still early days for your husband

Try not to worry too much and he's going to hospital on Tuesday so you will get great advice there

Wishing him all the very best and hope like me it gives him a new lease of life without the pain

[HedgeHogHome in reply to Cat33]

Thank you so much for your reassuring response. As a result he is not worrying as much and doesn't keep measuring the swelling. He had his staples out and the nurse wasn't concerned at all about the swelling. He is walking really well and no limp. At the moment he is baking pumpkin scones so a very good sign.

I wish you all a very happy, healthy and peaceful Christmas

[Cat33]

I was so thrilled to hear about your husband It was great that the nurse wasn't concerned that must have put your minds at rest

I wish him a good recovery and 2023 without pain

Have a lovely Christmas I'm sure you will now

PS My favourite present I bought this year is a pair of knitted hedgehog mittens for my granddaughter that I bought from a local hedgehog rescue stall at our village Christmas fair

I'm guessing you are a lover of hedgehogs x