Guest guest Posted September 11, 2003 Report Share Posted September 11, 2003 Hi Virginia, I was interested in your point below about why you had the BHR........... and that the femur head had fractured........... When I first had mine done and was communicating on Totallyhip list one of the constantly against Resurface points raised by the people against it was that it would need replacing should it fracture at the femoral neck....... and here you are saying you had one put in because of said fracture......... When I look at my xrays I cannot see why I could expect my femoral neck to fracture - the BHR seems to sit down over it.........so I was somewhat at loss to understand their arguments............ and could only put them down to ignorance about the process.......... Now along you come and suggest that a BHR may actually help in the situation of a femoral neck fracture. Glad to hear you are doing well though............and will no doubt continue to do much better........ Edith LBHR Dr. L Walter Sydney Aust 8/02 > , I thought I had to sleep on my back for several weeks, too, > but developed a nasty pressure sore on my lower back. So the physio > showed me ways of safely lying so that I was off my back, from Day > 9. I have to be *very* careful with placing pillows between my > legs. If they slip, as they did last night, I know about it - the > only time my hip has been sore, at all, post-op. I had no post-op > pain after the epidureal finshed the day after surgery (Day 1), > walked on Day 1 and was climbing stairs on crutches on Day 3. I've > been working on my computer since I arrived home (Day 6) and did a > two-hour client consultation, seated, on Day 11. I should be doing > more walking, as I walked only 2 1/2 blocks on Day 13, though I did > improve my gait. Increasing distance is my goal for this week. > Limitations to going out and about relate to leg room for getting > into cars - taxis are okay - and toilet facilities. > My BHR wasn't for arthritis in the hip joint, but for a fracture > of the femoral neck. It was a real shock. I'm thankful to have been > offered the resurfacing option (on a standard stem) as I'm too active > for the standard THR. It is good to read other hip resurfacers' > experiences as the people I know personally who've had hip " jobs " all > had the standard THR. I knew I couldn't cope with the restrictions > they had. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2003 Report Share Posted September 11, 2003 By Day 3 post-op Dr De Smet told me I could lie on my non-operated side to sleep, provided I put a pillow between my legs. I have a question re the TEDS that Dr de Smet has asked us to wear for 5 weeks post-op. They dirve me crazy, and I seem to recall that some docs don't insist on them. Can anyone tell me about that? He gave me a supply of Heparin which is for about 3 weeks post-op. Sharry s sleeping positions , I thought I had to sleep on my back for several weeks, too, but developed a nasty pressure sore on my lower back. So the physio showed me ways of safely lying so that I was off my back, from Day 9. I have to be *very* careful with placing pillows between my legs. If they slip, as they did last night, I know about it - the only time my hip has been sore, at all, post-op. I had no post-op pain after the epidureal finshed the day after surgery (Day 1), walked on Day 1 and was climbing stairs on crutches on Day 3. I've been working on my computer since I arrived home (Day 6) and did a two-hour client consultation, seated, on Day 11. I should be doing more walking, as I walked only 2 1/2 blocks on Day 13, though I did improve my gait. Increasing distance is my goal for this week. Limitations to going out and about relate to leg room for getting into cars - taxis are okay - and toilet facilities. My BHR wasn't for arthritis in the hip joint, but for a fracture of the femoral neck. It was a real shock. I'm thankful to have been offered the resurfacing option (on a standard stem) as I'm too active for the standard THR. It is good to read other hip resurfacers' experiences as the people I know personally who've had hip " jobs " all had the standard THR. I knew I couldn't cope with the restrictions they had. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2003 Report Share Posted September 11, 2003 Hi Sharry, I have worn the white TEDS for 3 weeks and they drove me crazy too, because it was so hot in july! I asked Dr De Smet if I could stop and he said it was OK. I think it is very important to wear them as your leg is swollen during the first 2/3 weeks. So don't take any risk by not wearing them. So always ask Koen first and look very well if there are any swellings before you ask to stop with the TEDS! Concerning the sleeping with the pillow between the legs, I was so glad to sleep on my side after lying on my back without being able to sleep. Then I could sleep little naps of 1 or 2 hours. The problem was waking up by muscle cramps.After 4 weeks of bad sleeping with sleeping pills as a little help, I asked Koen if I could sleep without the pillow. He said yes if I didn't have pain.From that moment I had the feeling that sleeping was getting fun again. So Sharry, have patience, the first month is the worst period and then everything will be much better!! Ria, LBHR De Smet, 27/06/20003 sleeping positions > > > , I thought I had to sleep on my back for several weeks, too, > but developed a nasty pressure sore on my lower back. So the physio > showed me ways of safely lying so that I was off my back, from Day > 9. I have to be *very* careful with placing pillows between my > legs. If they slip, as they did last night, I know about it - the > only time my hip has been sore, at all, post-op. I had no post-op > pain after the epidureal finshed the day after surgery (Day 1), > walked on Day 1 and was climbing stairs on crutches on Day 3. I've > been working on my computer since I arrived home (Day 6) and did a > two-hour client consultation, seated, on Day 11. I should be doing > more walking, as I walked only 2 1/2 blocks on Day 13, though I did > improve my gait. Increasing distance is my goal for this week. > Limitations to going out and about relate to leg room for getting > into cars - taxis are okay - and toilet facilities. > My BHR wasn't for arthritis in the hip joint, but for a fracture > of the femoral neck. It was a real shock. I'm thankful to have been > offered the resurfacing option (on a standard stem) as I'm too active > for the standard THR. It is good to read other hip resurfacers' > experiences as the people I know personally who've had hip " jobs " all > had the standard THR. I knew I couldn't cope with the restrictions > they had. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2003 Report Share Posted September 11, 2003 Sharry, I'm nine days post op and have been able to rest on the non operated side with a pillow reasonably comfortably. A couple of times I've " forgot " a started to let the leg cross over but the pain and scary sensations have reinforced the instructions to avoid doing so. I did not wear Teds but did have some nifty cuffs around my lower legs that inflated automatically every minute or so for the first few days. I also do exercises obviously designed to aid circulation and avoid blood pooling in the extremities. There were also strong admonitions to keep my feet up with no sitting more than 30 minutes unelivated. I did not have to take a strong anticoagulant at all. Dr. Kennedy has me taking Ecotrin (aspirin)325mg/day as my anticoagulant. It sounds like Dr. S is much more concerned about clots in your case. What is your general health and activity level? Could you be a more serious candidate for problems due to poor circulation? Perhaps the stress and enforced sitting position of traveling put you at risk? I would certainly suggest doing everything he suggests since he's the one in charge of your health and most familiar with your situation. All the best! Mike MLTDMD On Thu, 11 Sep 2003 10:31:40 -0700 " Sharry Schneider " writes: By Day 3 post-op Dr De Smet told me I could lie on my non-operated side to sleep, provided I put a pillow between my legs. I have a question re the TEDS that Dr de Smet has asked us to wear for 5 weeks post-op. They dirve me crazy, and I seem to recall that some docs don't insist on them. Can anyone tell me about that? He gave me a supply of Heparin which is for about 3 weeks post-op. Sharry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2003 Report Share Posted September 11, 2003 > By Day 3 post-op Dr De Smet told me I could lie on my non-operated side to sleep, provided I put a pillow between my legs. > I have a question re the TEDS that Dr de Smet has asked us to wear for 5 weeks post-op. They dirve me crazy, and I seem to recall that some docs don't insist on them. Can anyone tell me about that? He gave me a supply of Heparin which is for about 3 weeks post-op. > Sharry > Sharry, I've been told to wear TEDS for 6 weeks, so I guess that advice is fairly standard. After one week they already bother me. I have found that folding over the tops a couple of times reduces the irritation of the elastic around my thighs. The home PT who visited me said that some doctors allow people to take them off at night, when they are lying down with legs elevated. It might be worth inquiring whether that would be an option for you. I'm going to stick it out for a while and see how I feel after three or four weeks before asking to reduce time wearing them. A friend of mine who had a THR actually developed a blood clot in her leg about 2 weeks post surgery. It was quite serious. Not worth risking. I am only taking an aspirin a day as a blood thinner -- until the 6 week mark. But also take a variety of nutritional supplements that have positive effects -- Vitamin E, MaxEPA (fish oil), etc. Good luck, Robyn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 12, 2003 Report Share Posted September 12, 2003 ---i found that i could relieve the stress on my lower back after a nights uncomfortable sleep (if you can call it that), or during it, by lying on the bed on my belly with the edge of the bed just above my knees and with my toes on a pillow on the floor. i once actually fell asleep this way. dr boyds pa said this was ok so i went with it. some nights, even with pillows stacked between my legs, it hurt to sleep on the non operative side. i go with the reasoning if it hurts, do not do it. usually getting up and moving about for twenty minutes or so would loosen up things so i could go back to sleep. i have been fortunate and have not been wearing my teds since day ten. my swelling has been gone since then. i am still on the cumadin though. i have been walking a mile or two a day and things get better every day. last night i got op off the couch and walked three steps before realizing i left the crutchs behind. i yelled at myself for being so careless, but smiled a little afterwards. i find i am having to hold myself back at this point. i am so lucky and thankful. beeohbe c+ 8-28-03 boyd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 12, 2003 Report Share Posted September 12, 2003 There is a position that seems to have helped some people posting here (and myself as well) to relieve lower back pain. Try sleeping flat on your back. Bend your knees slightly and put a fluffy pillow under your knees. See if this helps the next morning. Hope this helps. Lois C+ 3/27/03 Dr. Mont Re: sleeping positions ---i found that i could relieve the stress on my lower back after a nights uncomfortable sleep (if you can call it that), or during it, by lying on the bed on my belly with the edge of the bed just above my knees and with my toes on a pillow on the floor. i once actually fell asleep this way. dr boyds pa said this was ok so i went with it. some nights, even with pillows stacked between my legs, it hurt to sleep on the non operative side. i go with the reasoning if it hurts, do not do it. usually getting up and moving about for twenty minutes or so would loosen up things so i could go back to sleep. i have been fortunate and have not been wearing my teds since day ten. my swelling has been gone since then. i am still on the cumadin though. i have been walking a mile or two a day and things get better every day. last night i got op off the couch and walked three steps before realizing i left the crutchs behind. i yelled at myself for being so careless, but smiled a little afterwards. i find i am having to hold myself back at this point. i am so lucky and thankful. beeohbe c+ 8-28-03 boyd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 12, 2003 Report Share Posted September 12, 2003 Hi Sharry The TEDS are quite an experience aren't they!! I highly recommend that you stick with them - as a small price to pay for their benefit. After 4 weeks I used to give myself a little relief by taking them off when I was walking around - but was then diligent about putting them on again (most of the time!). Best wishes ine C2K RHS 04/03 Mr Stranks(UK) > By Day 3 post-op Dr De Smet told me I could lie on my non-operated side to sleep, provided I put a pillow between my legs. > I have a question re the TEDS that Dr de Smet has asked us to wear for 5 weeks post-op. They dirve me crazy, and I seem to recall that some docs don't insist on them. Can anyone tell me about that? He gave me a supply of Heparin which is for about 3 weeks post-op. > Sharry > > s sleeping positions > > > , I thought I had to sleep on my back for several weeks, too, > but developed a nasty pressure sore on my lower back. So the physio > showed me ways of safely lying so that I was off my back, from Day > 9. I have to be *very* careful with placing pillows between my > legs. If they slip, as they did last night, I know about it - the > only time my hip has been sore, at all, post-op. I had no post- op > pain after the epidureal finshed the day after surgery (Day 1), > walked on Day 1 and was climbing stairs on crutches on Day 3. I've > been working on my computer since I arrived home (Day 6) and did a > two-hour client consultation, seated, on Day 11. I should be doing > more walking, as I walked only 2 1/2 blocks on Day 13, though I did > improve my gait. Increasing distance is my goal for this week. > Limitations to going out and about relate to leg room for getting > into cars - taxis are okay - and toilet facilities. > My BHR wasn't for arthritis in the hip joint, but for a fracture > of the femoral neck. It was a real shock. I'm thankful to have been > offered the resurfacing option (on a standard stem) as I'm too active > for the standard THR. It is good to read other hip resurfacers' > experiences as the people I know personally who've had hip " jobs " all > had the standard THR. I knew I couldn't cope with the restrictions > they had. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 12, 2003 Report Share Posted September 12, 2003 > ---i found that i could relieve the stress on my lower back after a > nights uncomfortable sleep (if you can call it that), or during it, > by lying on the bed on my belly with the edge of the bed just above > my knees and with my toes on a pillow on the floor. i once actually > fell asleep this way. dr boyds pa said this was ok so i went with > it. some nights, even with pillows stacked between my legs, it hurt > to sleep on the non operative side. i go with the reasoning if it > hurts, do not do it. I still have trouble getting comfortable sleeping. 5+ weeks out, and I can't make it a whole night in bed. Not comfortable to lay on either side, and pillows don't help at all between the knees. (or back, or legs, or anywhere) I usually do pretty well for the first 5 hours, wake up religiously at 4 AM, go to the bathroom, then fidget for the rest of the night. However, in my recliner, life is good - very good. Still get up at 4, but am able to get right back to sleep. I hope this doesn't last too much longer. I really miss my bed During the day, however, am in no pain most of the time (except for the twinges the groin muscles in my GOOD leg are giving me, dammit) I'm up to a normal routine with a nap in the afternoon for good measure. End up walking miles every day due to just normal activities, and am having a ball! This is great! Lois Gross Aug 6 '03 RHR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 12, 2003 Report Share Posted September 12, 2003 de Smet prescribes the same meds for everyone, regardless. Sharry Re: sleeping positions Sharry, I'm nine days post op and have been able to rest on the non operated side with a pillow reasonably comfortably. A couple of times I've " forgot " a started to let the leg cross over but the pain and scary sensations have reinforced the instructions to avoid doing so. I did not wear Teds but did have some nifty cuffs around my lower legs that inflated automatically every minute or so for the first few days. I also do exercises obviously designed to aid circulation and avoid blood pooling in the extremities. There were also strong admonitions to keep my feet up with no sitting more than 30 minutes unelivated. I did not have to take a strong anticoagulant at all. Dr. Kennedy has me taking Ecotrin (aspirin)325mg/day as my anticoagulant. It sounds like Dr. S is much more concerned about clots in your case. What is your general health and activity level? Could you be a more serious candidate for problems due to poor circulation? Perhaps the stress and enforced sitting position of traveling put you at risk? I would certainly suggest doing everything he suggests since he's the one in charge of your health and most familiar with your situation. All the best! Mike MLTDMD On Thu, 11 Sep 2003 10:31:40 -0700 " Sharry Schneider " writes: By Day 3 post-op Dr De Smet told me I could lie on my non-operated side to sleep, provided I put a pillow between my legs. I have a question re the TEDS that Dr de Smet has asked us to wear for 5 weeks post-op. They dirve me crazy, and I seem to recall that some docs don't insist on them. Can anyone tell me about that? He gave me a supply of Heparin which is for about 3 weeks post-op. Sharry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 12, 2003 Report Share Posted September 12, 2003 Lois Sorry to hear of your lower back pain problem.. So far I am okay with sleeping with a pilow between my knees, on the non-operated side. Thank goodness, because I'm a side sleeper. I am not walking long distances yet, now 2 weeks opst-op, but when I am strong enough possibly other muscles willl start to complain. Right now it's the muscles and tendons in the operated leg which scream a lot - Dr De Smet said because i effectvely had an instant 1 " lenghthening of the right leg, everything is protesting. I am sure looking forward to walking a lot, as you are now able to do. Sharry Re: sleeping positions > ---i found that i could relieve the stress on my lower back after a > nights uncomfortable sleep (if you can call it that), or during it, > by lying on the bed on my belly with the edge of the bed just above > my knees and with my toes on a pillow on the floor. i once actually > fell asleep this way. dr boyds pa said this was ok so i went with > it. some nights, even with pillows stacked between my legs, it hurt > to sleep on the non operative side. i go with the reasoning if it > hurts, do not do it. I still have trouble getting comfortable sleeping. 5+ weeks out, and I can't make it a whole night in bed. Not comfortable to lay on either side, and pillows don't help at all between the knees. (or back, or legs, or anywhere) I usually do pretty well for the first 5 hours, wake up religiously at 4 AM, go to the bathroom, then fidget for the rest of the night. However, in my recliner, life is good - very good. Still get up at 4, but am able to get right back to sleep. I hope this doesn't last too much longer. I really miss my bed During the day, however, am in no pain most of the time (except for the twinges the groin muscles in my GOOD leg are giving me, dammit) I'm up to a normal routine with a nap in the afternoon for good measure. End up walking miles every day due to just normal activities, and am having a ball! This is great! Lois Gross Aug 6 '03 RHR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 12, 2003 Report Share Posted September 12, 2003 Lois and Sharry Lots of sympathy to you both. You rekindle my memories of only a few months ago - already a distant memory for me....and soon for you too - and my anxiety about my next one! But you are both doing so well. Each week will show great significant improvement over the one before. Best wishes to you both for a smooth recovery. ine C2K RHS 04/04 > > ---i found that i could relieve the stress on my lower back after a > > nights uncomfortable sleep (if you can call it that), or during it, > > by lying on the bed on my belly with the edge of the bed just above > > my knees and with my toes on a pillow on the floor. i once > actually > > fell asleep this way. dr boyds pa said this was ok so i went with > > it. some nights, even with pillows stacked between my legs, it > hurt > > to sleep on the non operative side. i go with the reasoning if it > > hurts, do not do it. > > I still have trouble getting comfortable sleeping. 5+ weeks out, and > I can't make it a whole night in bed. Not comfortable to lay on > either side, and pillows don't help at all between the knees. (or > back, or legs, or anywhere) I usually do pretty well for the first 5 > hours, wake up religiously at 4 AM, go to the bathroom, then fidget > for the rest of the night. However, in my recliner, life is good - > very good. Still get up at 4, but am able to get right back to > sleep. I hope this doesn't last too much longer. I really miss my > bed > > During the day, however, am in no pain most of the time (except for > the twinges the groin muscles in my GOOD leg are giving me, dammit) > I'm up to a normal routine with a nap in the afternoon for good > measure. End up walking miles every day due to just normal > activities, and am having a ball! This is great! > > Lois > Gross Aug 6 '03 RHR > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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