Over the days 8 - 14 I felt increasingly more comfortable. I managed to walk up to my greenhouse, (about 100 metres from the house) and perched on a stool for a while, I thinned out and potted on a few of my seedlings in readiness for planting out in the warmer days to come.
Thankfully we were having a dry spell, and the sun was warm on my face. My plants were romping away, but it was too early to put them outside. I was SWELTERING in the greenhouse. But I had an idea. If I could get a few of my trays closer to the house, the hosepipe handy and a comfy chair, I could sit in the sunshine and pot on a few trays into larger pots, whilst soaking up the sun. So Roy carried my bits and pieces down to the patio, and I had everything I needed at arm’s length.
‘This is good’ I thought. The sun streamed down, warming my skin. The birds were singing and raiding the feeders. I had visions of tomatoes and cucumbers, courgettes and beetroot later on in the season, and lots of lovely flowers in my borders.
BUT, I had forgotten that sitting upright with your leg dangling is NOT a good idea. Remember the toes above nose? I did have my foot on a plant pot, but that wasn’t good enough.
I started to feel increasingly uncomfortable. My foot was hot and itchy, and felt tight in my shoe. So with Roy’s help; (no bending yet remember) my sock and shoe were removed.
My right foot and ankle were TWICE the size of my left foot.
“Jesus! Roy look at my foot!”
I sent a picture via What’sApp to my bestie, Chris, a very experienced nurse.
“My foot and ankle have swelled up. Eek!”
“Yes take it easy!”
“I was just pottering in the garden, pricking seedlings out and moving my strawberry plants”
‘Faaar too much!! What are you thinking? X’ She chided.
‘Just sitting in the sunshine, I was sitting most of the time at the table’
‘With your leg hanging down and not moving your calf muscle, impeding venous return to your heart causing swelling in a leg that’s already swollen and bruised!!’
Suitably admonished, I retreated to the bedroom and put my legs on a pile of pillows for 45 minutes. I was so worried about blood clots that I rang the hospital for reassurance. I was doing the right thing elevating my leg, and swelling is to be expected if the leg is not elevated. Phew! I knew Chris was right, and I make sure now that if I’m sitting my leg is elevated and I don’t sit for long periods.
Massage
https://www.physio.co.uk/treatments/massage/when-can-massage-help/post-surgery.php
I am a huge fan of massage. It helps with lymphatic drainage, boosts blood flow and healing. It also helps with the pain and scarring. I trained years ago as a masseuse and aromatherapist, and decided that as soon as I could, I would massage my leg and hip. I started gently massaging my leg, avoiding the wound as it was not yet healed.
I created a massage lotion with aromatherapy essential oils and a fragrance free, mineral oil free lotion. I buy big bottles of this from Neal’s Yard, so I can create my own lotions. You could also use grape seed or almond oil, but I prefer a lotion so I don’t have an oily residue on my skin.
I added peppermint oil, which is cooling and helps with the pain, it is also helpful in reducing inflammation. Lavender oil which is anti-viral, anti-septic and relaxing, it also helps to reduce swelling. Frankincense to help regenerate tissue is great on wounds. (Frankincense is used in some VERY expensive face creams) and Patchouli oil because it is my favourite and is another antiseptic.
CAUTION - Aromatherapy oils are NOT harmless. There are contraindications so always check with a professional before creating your own potions and lotions. ALSO Arnica is sometimes advocated for bruising, BUT be careful because if you are taking anti-blood clotting medication post-op, it’s best to avoid it.
ACUPRESSURE
The physio therapist at Ross Hall suggested a couple of simple acupressure points for self-massage. These include:
- Gentle but firm massage around the outside of the kneecap
- 3 finger widths ABOVE the kneecap, find the sweet spot where it is painful and press gently
- 2 finger widths on the inside of the kneecap - again gentle but firm pressure can help the pain.
Good advice re not doing too much! I'll be the same though so thanks for the warning xx
ReplyDeleteI had my hip replacement on May 3. Enjoyed reading about your experience. I put on my sock with a sock aid that I made (although they are inexpensive to buy). My only need is for my teenagers or husband to tie my running shoe (trainer?), because I was too stubborn to swap my lace out for a black elastic shoe lace.
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