I mentioned one or two additional comments on what to expect, Post-Op, might be worthy of consideration in your “new hip owner’s manual”.
1. During the first 2-6 hours, post-op I was apparently still be dealing with the affects of the spinal-anesthesia and had difficulty urinating. It would be good to know the spinal-anesthesia may affect your bladder/urethra muscles occasionally making it difficult to initiate. (The duty-nurse advised me he was to catheterize me if I didn’t pass urine within a certain period; I think it was 6-hours post-op. This was great motivation and I ultimately did pass a few ounces; apparently enough to satisfy the requirement.) The RN also mentioned at one point I was expected to demonstrate I could experience a normal bowl-movement before discharge. They never followed-though on that assessment.
2. I became quite nauseous for several hours after being moved to my room on Monday afternoon. I assume this was a reaction to the anesthetic, but was unexpected. I would certainly not have tried to eat the evening meal they brought me had I suspected that reaction.
3. I observed some swelling in the affected hip during the second day and third days at home. Apparently this is normal and not a concern. However, not knowing, I called Ashley on Wednesday as my right upper thigh was (I thought) quite swollen. She said “normal” and also that I could apply cold compresses to the area if I wished.
4. The pain I realized for the first four or five days post-operatively was mild overall, but “migrated”. Wednesday there was more pain in my right buttock. Later the primary incision seemed the most pronounced pain. During the weekend (5th – 6th days) the smaller incision (where I believe you insert the “pin” to maneuver the femur during the procedure) was VERY tender; it awoke me from a sound-sleep if I moved-around enough to contact it.
5. On Monday the 4th I suddenly developed a 2-3″ diameter bruise just above my tail-bone. No pain, but a fairly remarkable bruise I initially couldn’t understand. I’ve concluded it was where I was administered the spinal injection?

At 2.5 weeks I’m doing very well, and am experiencing no restrictions what so-ever from the procedure. Thanks very much! I started a one-day-per-week PT series with the Rehab Dept of the W’burg hospital on Tuesday. The Director of Rehabilitation there, Ms. Tara Littell, PT, DPT, is MOST impressed with how quickly I’ve recovered. She said she’s worked with many hip and knee replacements and has never seen anyone recover as quickly as I have. She had many questions about the procedure, which I answered to the best of my ability. I still exhibit some muscular / tendon restrictions to full mobility, but have a series of specific exercises to work on between sessions at the PT Facility. And, I thought you might appreciate hearing Ms. Littell’s professional reaction to your procedure.

Best regards,
Chad Haring