Post op pain

[cmjoyce]

Hip operation 9 weeks ago. Was told I have a markedly swollen leg. Struggling with pain in knee leg and feet. How did you manage pain and how long before any relief. I guess I expected to be pain free more quickly. Would love to hear from anyone who took months to heal that this can happen and I will get there in the end. Strangely enough to hear it took many weeks Would give me reassurance I am not alone. Thank you.

[HeronNS]

You should be seen I think. Infection must be ruled out. I've not had a hip op myself, but know a couple of people who have, and they both said they felt much better and had less pain after the op than they had before. Both of them, one rather old the other middle aged, were got up and moving soon after the surgery while still in hospital. I remember this because I was so impressed with how quickly they got on with life. They did have to walk with support while strength came back, and I think one has to be very careful with how much one flexes the hip joint for a while, but you'll know all that better than I do. So it seems to me you should be feeling much better now and if needs be, be a squeaky wheel and insist you be seen. Do you have someone to help you?

[piglette]

I have had two hip ops. The top of my leg was swollen for a month or so, but I did not have any pain after the first week. As HeronNS says contact your surgein. You should be having an appointment with them to check things are OK anyway, has that been arranged?

[katieoxo60]

Don't know about hip ops but I had a knee op and my whole leg was bruised and took quite some time for swelling and bruising to go down . However we were warned this can happen. But I was well supervised and had two monthly appointments after the initial physio. My son was quite shocked at the amount of swelling and bruising. But everyone is different if concerned I would ask to see GP at least . Best wishes for a good recovery given time.

[Poetry19]

Hello cmjoice. I had my right hip operated on 6 years ago and I still experience some pain. Like you I expected to be pain free and so many others I have spoken to who have had this op have got on so much better than myself. My whole leg swelled soon after my op and I was sent to hospital to be tested for any blood clots. My leg felt vv hot most of the time and I found the only way I could sleep was to have my operated leg elevated on a lot of pillows. My hip was so painful and I found it difficult to do the excercises or put any pressure on my leg. I was prescribed amitriptyline to help me sleep and to help with the pain . I had x-rays but was told the operation was a success by the surgeon. In the end I was told I could have possible nerve damage and it would get better in time ! I do find walking long distances impossible and think some of this is due to osteoarthritis in both my hips and spine. After time I’m sure your hip will be less painful but for some like us it’s not all straightforward and pain free and unfortunately can take quite some time to settle down. Take any pain killers offered and try raising your operated hip under pillows for a while every day. Good luck and I truly hope your hip improves daily.