Week one of recovery

Once home, I felt quite comfortable and continued to take regular paracetamol for the first 3 days. During the first 3 or 4 nights I required more pain relief and took one Tramadol before bed. I am quite a fidget bottom at night and was not used to sleeping on my back for the whole of the night! The Tramadol helped to get a good night’s sleep Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

It is crazy not to take adequate pain control if it is required because pain is a big “inhibitor” of muscle activity and hence movement. Good muscle activation helps you to gain good quality controlled movement. The post op protocols have been developed by an experienced team of specialists, together with previous patients to guide you through your rehabilitation so that you try to strike the right balance between doing too little or too much!

What did I do for the first week?

I rested with my legs up on the sofa or bed for large periods during the day. I was also aware of discomfort around my heel. This is where a clamp was applied to initiate the traction required during the op. I did my exercises religiously (of course), 3 times daily. Post Hip Arthroscopy – Early exercises Short and regular sessions felt the best with 5 to 10 of each exercise. The most uncomfortable exercise was lifting the leg (hip flexion). Gentle exercise definitely made my hip more comfortable and less stiff. I was careful not to force any movement into pain. I also checked the wounds for any signs of infection.

I tried to do short bouts on my feet and by day four I felt as though I could go for a short walk of a few hundred metres with my crutches and it was nice to get a bit of fresh air outside!

People who know me will be well aware that I can’t sit still for long! I managed to find lots of things to do and did not get bored! ;

Fed and watered self with healthy meals ……..not more spicy roasted Parsnip soup!!
Wrote this blog and did some research
Get up to date with my accounts
Read a few books – can recommend a few!
Caught up with Scandie thrillers on TV – gripping!

I altered my desk set up at home so that I could maintain a more open angle at the hip. Not the best of chairs but ok for a temporary measure.