Two weeks post hip replacement

[Baumeister]

First hip replacement 11 April second 11 October. Make sure you start laxatives as soon as possible didn’t get them first time until just before I left hospital on day three. Also make sure that compression socks are the correct size first time round found we were struggling because they were too small. On returning home follow all instructions maintaining 90 degree plus angle between hip and leg, no bending, use all aids provided - I have chair, tipping stool, seat to raise lavatory, shower stool, small trolley bought grabber, leg raiser ( helped getting going with exercises) and small steps. Once home - I had difficulty sleeping on my back - started half lying half sitting aided by two posture cushions - then switched to lying flat on my back with my legs raised by a pile of pillows maintaining 100 degree hip leg angle - very cosy and helped reduce swelling in second week helped by arnica gel and 20 min ice pack wrapped in tea towel over the plaster that covers the gel-invested in a satin sheet that helps me do in bed leg movement exercises and makes getting in and out of bed easier.

First time I had awful constipation which I eventually relieved by gently applying hot soapy facecloths to my anus. No problem this time because I asked for laxative in hospital from day 1.

I used the raised toilet seat between ops and the tipping stool whenever I prep vegetables and for my ironing.