What is normal recovery after hip replacement?

Posted by tigergr @tigergr, Jun 6, 2022

Left hip replacement 9 weeks ago. Is it normal to still have foot/ankle swelling? Doesn’t seem to help much to elevate, ice, exercise— still swollen, tight, feeling, redness. My knee is also very stiff. At 6 week check surgeon asst said everything looked good, but when I checked my portal, radiologist noted possible loosening of acetabular, whatever that is! Beginning to wonder if I should have had the replacement.

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Some swelling and soreness are normal at this stage, especially if you are trying to return to normal daily activities and you are standing/sitting without elevating the leg quite a few hours a day.

We all want to think we will mend instantly, but hip replacement is a big deal - your body has been assaulted, bones cut, muscles and nerves separated or cut, blood has been lost - healing takes time, especially if you have any other health conditions. Swelling is your body sending out fluid to "bathe" the injured tissues. To reduce it, the swollen body part must be elevated above the heart, and the fluid will flow back toward your torso, where it can be eliminated by the kidneys. If you have someone who can massage from foot toward torso for a few minutes a couple times a day, while the leg is elevated, it will help. And until the swelling is gone, always elevate foot and leg when seated. Even in a recliner, add a few pillows to raise the leg even more.

The "acetabular" refers to the acetabular shell inserted into the socket where the hip joins your pelvis. These are fitted into place a number of ways, depending on how much damage is there to begin with. Rarely, the method of fastening doesn't work well and it may loosen. This finding by the radiologist, combined with your swelling, means your case should be reviewed by the surgeon, not just the PA or assistant.

If I were you, I would call and ask for a direct consult with the surgeon. Are you able to do that?
Sue

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Thank you for your advice. I did talk to the assistant after reading the radiologist’s notes, and she messaged in my portal that the surgeon reviewed the X-rays, and didn’t agree with the radiologist. My next appointment is July 21st.

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Hello from Canada, I am happy that you received the help needed . To live with pain and swelling leads to loneliness . You seem to be on the right track.though. . I had a triple bypass and I have very swollen legs which prevents me from enjoying life. I wish you well God speed.
..

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Has anyone heard of Scenar for pain management

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I never had any foot swelling after my hip replacement

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@marytodd6

Has anyone heard of Scenar for pain management

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Hello Mary,
I always look up unfamiliar treatments or solutions for pain to see what the experts say...not just physicians, but the researchers who study these things.
I had never heard of "Scenar" before, so I googled as a beginning and found many ads an promotions, but no evidence of independent testing or scientific studies. So, I dug a little further, to see if there were any clinical studies (one started but results never reported), research papers (none), reports from universities or teaching hospitals (no) or in clinical journals (no). So is the device tested or approved by the FDA No. Is there any information about the qualifications of the people selling and/or recommending the devices? No.
Do we hear about it in mainstream medicine or PT? No, and we surely would have if it was as fabulous as advertised - it has been on the market for about 30 years.

Where did you hear about it? What kind of pain are you hoping to relieve?
Sue

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I was just searching on the internet for pain alternatives for hip pain while waiting for hip replacement. Thanks u for responding

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@sueinmn

Some swelling and soreness are normal at this stage, especially if you are trying to return to normal daily activities and you are standing/sitting without elevating the leg quite a few hours a day.

We all want to think we will mend instantly, but hip replacement is a big deal - your body has been assaulted, bones cut, muscles and nerves separated or cut, blood has been lost - healing takes time, especially if you have any other health conditions. Swelling is your body sending out fluid to "bathe" the injured tissues. To reduce it, the swollen body part must be elevated above the heart, and the fluid will flow back toward your torso, where it can be eliminated by the kidneys. If you have someone who can massage from foot toward torso for a few minutes a couple times a day, while the leg is elevated, it will help. And until the swelling is gone, always elevate foot and leg when seated. Even in a recliner, add a few pillows to raise the leg even more.

The "acetabular" refers to the acetabular shell inserted into the socket where the hip joins your pelvis. These are fitted into place a number of ways, depending on how much damage is there to begin with. Rarely, the method of fastening doesn't work well and it may loosen. This finding by the radiologist, combined with your swelling, means your case should be reviewed by the surgeon, not just the PA or assistant.

If I were you, I would call and ask for a direct consult with the surgeon. Are you able to do that?
Sue

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Thank you for your kind reply. Everything seems to be going down hill. I am on diabetic medication now. I don’t even know why. I was not told by my cardiologist anything about having diabetes. Lack of communication is the last thing I need. I am going to try to go back to my original cardiologist ASAP. I am very concerned to say the least.Today I am in mourning for my daughter who passed away 3 years ago.It is her Birthday today.The pain never leaves me. Blessings to you.

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@heria

Thank you for your kind reply. Everything seems to be going down hill. I am on diabetic medication now. I don’t even know why. I was not told by my cardiologist anything about having diabetes. Lack of communication is the last thing I need. I am going to try to go back to my original cardiologist ASAP. I am very concerned to say the least.Today I am in mourning for my daughter who passed away 3 years ago.It is her Birthday today.The pain never leaves me. Blessings to you.

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I am sorry for the loss of your daughter, the sadness never does go way completely, does it? I hope you can ease your loss with a few good memories of her.

I am not sure how your care works in Canada, but do you have online access to your medical records? If so, you may be able to see the doctor's notes, or the results of blood tests, to see why you have new medication. At the very least, call and ask for an explanation.

Always remember that you, the patient, must be an educated and active participant in your care. Sometimes that means you must be the "squeaky wheel" to get the attention and answers you deserve.
Sue

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@sueinmn

I am sorry for the loss of your daughter, the sadness never does go way completely, does it? I hope you can ease your loss with a few good memories of her.

I am not sure how your care works in Canada, but do you have online access to your medical records? If so, you may be able to see the doctor's notes, or the results of blood tests, to see why you have new medication. At the very least, call and ask for an explanation.

Always remember that you, the patient, must be an educated and active participant in your care. Sometimes that means you must be the "squeaky wheel" to get the attention and answers you deserve.
Sue

Jump to this post

Thank you so much for giving me courage today. Today would have been my
daughter’s birthday. I grieve always ,for my dear daughter.like the
song”she was the wind beneath my wings” blessings to you.

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