How much swelling is normal following anterior hip replacement surgery

Your attitude "I’m 64 and active, but I’m listening to my body and giving it a year" is exactly right, yesterday I realized I am over 9 month from complex rotator cuff surgery, and I haven't reached 100% yet. Today I am listening to my body - I will be doing lighter tasks!

I am 74 and 13 years past my last two hip revision surgeries, 19 from the original implants - now I find myself wondering if every new tweak or pain is a sign that they are wearing out, even though the surgeon told me last year that they look good.

It is important for those of us who have healed and have a good life to encourage those who are struggling. Too bad surgeons are not quite honest about what they need by 4-6-8 week recovery times!

Thank you @sueinmn. I have seen many of your replies and you have gone through many surgeries! Self care is top priority when recovering and listening to our body’s signals are so important. Healing at our own pace!

@valleygirl1955
I would read stories about fast recoveries and people who had no pain after surgery. Well, I had a lot of pain! I also took opioids for about 3 weeks, weaning down to just at night. Having your femoral head cut off hurts! Pain tolerance is so different for everyone.
I used my cane for 3-4 weeks. Don’t feel pressure to stop using it too soon. I still need it occasionally as I’ve had rectus femoris muscle issues, due to scar adhesions, from Anterior approach. Went back to PT at 5 months for deep muscle massage.
That’s why I know it takes a “good” year to be close to 100%.
Take your own sweet time with recovery. I loved journaling about my recovery. It’s inspiring to look back and see how far I’ve come.
Rest a lot during the day, it helps your body recover. It sounds like you know now that it’s your own recovery. Best.

Are you using an ice machine? Resting and using the ice machine a lot was my one instruction from my surgeon. BTW, most ice machines require you to put ice into the machine. There is one that my doctor ordered that just uses water and like a refrigerator makes it cold. It works great and I would urge you or anyone getting an ice machine to ask for one like I have described.

My one issue was that I had the common problem of not being able to pull up my socks. So I did PT for that and I felt that the massaging by the therapist helped a lot.

Can't afford an "ice machine" but I've heard of people who have used them that swear they are the best. Didn't realize there was a model out there that cools itself without having to load it up with ice every few hours. Not that it matters. Swelli g has gotten manageable. I couldn't put on socks either; but PT person taught me how to use my sock aid that came with my nifty "hip kit". Hopefully soon I'll be able to bend down and do it myself; not yet though. Thanks for your words of wisdom. We all need to help each other!

Please be careful and follow PT instructions. I ended up straining my hip flexor muscle and it was brutal pain.

I agree that icing is crucial to reducing swelling, therefore pain. I was provided with an ice machine at the hospital, before discharge. I also was informed that freezing water bottles will work for cooling machine, as I do not have an ice maker. I believe it held 3 or 4 , 16oz bottles. I kept extra bottles in freezer to rotate. Your doctor should be able to write a script for it as well as for a walker, cane, etc. Hope your insurance will cover. I was fortunate that the hospital where I had surgery provided an information session prior to surgery. They showed us how to use all the adaptive equipment; sock adapter, reacher/grabber, how to adjust appropriate height for cane and walker. I was able to borrow an elevated chair with handrails for over toilet. Good luck!

You ate indeed fortunate that your provider/hospital took such great care in telling you what to expect and helping in getting you the tools you would need following surgery. Mine did neither!!! It was all about the money and getting it done as quickly as possible where they can wash their hands of you soon afterwards. It has been a slow learning experience to say the least. If not for this forum and wonderful people as yourself reaching out to me; I would have been completely in the dark!!!

My first TKR had my leg three times the size of my other one swollen for THREE months. Five days is nothing. However, you probably should not have a temperature and you should not have an infection. You should not be by yourself and your doctor should’ve never let you go home to an empty house. That is malpractice. You should’ve went to a healthcare facility where someone would’ve been with you for a couple weeks before you were released to your own home. You can’t do this alone successfully. I suggest you find a temporary caregiver. I’ve had many joint replacement surgeries and each time I get a paid professional to come stay with me For about 10 days and then I line up some cousins and neighbors to come check in on me for the next month or two. I really like to be by myself, but I can tell you for sure you’re not doing yourselves any favors. Home health should’ve been started right away since you were on your own. How are you gonna get to your postop? You need to be attended to at home if you’ve had a total hip replacement. Someone needs to help you with your food with your medicine and watch your symptoms. Not to mention changing your bandage. Call your doctors team right away and see what you can do about arranging for needed and necessary help and monitoring.

Absolutely no bending! You will dislocate your new hip! You need to talk to your doctors care team right away and get some help so you don’t end up back in the hospital. If you can’t afford care, then Medi-cal Medicaid provides home attendance and home healthcare.