I am posting this here because I am using kindle fire, typing with one hand and don't know what else to do.

I am three weeks post op with metal rod and pin in hip.

There is a bulge in my left hip where metall rod is. Staples have been removed, doctors say all looks good. My question is. Is this bulge normal? Is this post op swelling becsuse it's three weeks later?

Every person I ask has a different answer. Haven't seen doctor who operated because I am in rehab facility. I am all alone. But doctors on call here say it looks good and is healing.

So if any of you had a metal rod put in hip. Well was there swelling afterwards? Or was your hip flat and smooth with no swelling. I am not going through another operation. Too much pain.

Thanks to anyone who has experienced this.

Melody

Hi Melody

Sorry I can't answer your query from personal experience but I do understand your concern so I googled a few sites to see if what you were experiencing is common. Here's a quote from one site which seems to address the question:

"Swelling

+How long will I have swelling and warmth in the surgical site?

Swelling and warmth around the scar are common after a hip replacement or hip resurfacing operation. The ankle may also swell on the operated leg. This represents the normal process of healing and can last for several weeks to months, depending on factors such as circulation, body weight, diabetes, and other variables."

The website it's from has other useful info if you're interested: After Hip Surgery - Dr. Bal Orthopedics | Dr. Bal Orthopedics

Although it discusses hip replacement the after effects are probably similar for repair surgery. Recovery time can be up to 6 mths from what I've read. Hang in there.

The Rehab facility you are in will be monitoring what's happening - if you still have concerns further on or are experiencing any additional symptoms then keep asking about it. Are you scheduled for a post-op consult with the original orthopedic surgeon?

All the best for your continued recovery.

Hi. Thanks so much. It's neither red, nor tender or hot. I had a nurse who sees these kinds of surgeries all the the time, check me and she proclaimed all was proceeding normally, that this is indeed normal swelling, that this will take time. Naturally I felt reassured. I then showed another nurse who said "I WILL ASK THE DOCTOR TO COME AND SEE YOU TO REST YOUR MIND"

She came back later and said "When I described your hip to the doctor he said "normal swelling and as long as there is no redness and the area is not hot, tell her not to worry"

I have decided to believe people and not to scare myself.

So I shall continue my rehab and hopefully will be able to go home soon
I thank you very much

Melody