Thinking of Speedalong

speedalong

Hi Marion, no computer - nightmare - glad you have got it up and running again.

8 hours sleep!!! That's incredible - what is your secret??!!! Tell me EXACTLY how you positioned it etc!!

Sounds like you have a good balance of visitors and time alone.

A shower?! Do you have a walk in shower? I only have a bath.... At pre-op nurse said I would have to wait 3 months ....though I think a few more weeks down the line I would be able to do it without breaking the 90 degree rule. I practised my technique before the op.

I'm not heparin, I'm on clexine. Am used to doing it now and it is better doing it to yourself than having someone else do it.

Re your heels - I have woken a few times with my leg muscles contracting tightly and my heel pushing down really hard on the bed ... I now put a cushion under the duvet at the foot of the bed to support my feet - stops the feet really pointing but allows it to relax. Seems to help.

That is good the reduction of pain killer - very impressive. I'm taking less - but nowhere near as good as you yet.

I'm on iron 3 x a day - was borderline for a blood transfuion.

Speedalon

tkachev

Hi Speedalong,

I was hopeless at fitting in the exercises.Managed once a day at best. I broke the 90 degree bending rule as soon as I was home. Nobody picks anything up except me! I told my surgeon and he tut tutted but whats a mum to do ?

Elizabeth

speedalong

Hi Elizabeth -

it's not easy when you are caring for others too is it?!

I'm sure I'm doing what I shouldn't. Have found if I stick my op hip out at the back I can bend and not break the 90 rule. However I'm sure I'm twisting more than I should to reach things. I really don't want to break the rules - I need to stay out of hospital ... I don't think our friends could repeat this level of support for quite a few years to come!!! However I'm so much better off at this point than last time - I have to really think about the restrictions.

I managed my physio twice yesterday. But I also really overdid it generally. We had a lovely family supporting us for the day. I had my first trip out in a car and we had lunch at the carvery. Then the grown ups did chores for me and I entertained the children. It was such fun, but I did not elevate my leg enough and it is very swollen today. Can't wait for my new chair to arrive ... as at the mo only place comfy to elevate leg is on the bed and that is not always practical.

Speedalong

maria09

Hi Speedalong i must have been living in another world glad you are doing well just take things easy try not to do too much! The swelling will take a long time to go down. Glad you had a good time with your family love Maria x

marion1952

Ouch Speedalong - that was a lot of activity for someone who was only 11 days post op! You must take it easy now for at least a few days.

I am finding avoiding the twisting and bending very difficult and have had a few 'twinges' in my new hip today. I don't actually know if the twinge is coming from the hip or the muscles.. I'm also finding I am taking chances and just using one crutch when crossing a room - I really must stop this as I don't want any setbacks..

I suppose we will have 'up' and 'down' days over the forthcoming weeks...

Marion x

hileena111

Hi Speedalong
No sorry I meant going up and downstairs to do the exercises...the first few days I wasnt up and down them much. Still struggling to get 4 lots fitted oin to a day LOL
I was told I could go into the shower as soon as I got home...the dressing was waterproof. I was told 6 weeks and I could go into the bath {I hate a shower}....I saw the consultant 3 days after the 6 weeks and was good for those 3 days...still on my back etc but the minute the 6 weeks was up I was straight into the bath LOL.
Marion how are you managing 8 hours {are you on your back?}
I couldnt manage more than 2 or 3 hrs a night for that 6 weeks. Whats yuour secret !!!!
My OT equipment was taken away today...4 months post op....quite likely need it again soon ...never mind.
Glad you are both doing well
Love
Hileena

speedalong

Thank you, Maria.

Speedalong

speedalong

Hi Marion, I really paid for it today!!! And was exhausted by the time our supporting friend came to take over with S at 8pm. She took him to the park first thing to wear him out a bit and then she went back to her own town to teach for periods of the day and eve. So we were on our own then. Really fancied a snooze after lunch .. but can't really do so unless is asleep himself ie he nods of is in bed for the night. MY friends 18year old son who is earning a bit of pocket money cutting my grass pushed me in my wheelchair and S walked alongside to buy icecream/pop from the shop this p.m. This evening I somehow managed to cook dinner with S's help and wash up but had to hop up the stairs (like I'd been taught after my 13 year old THR when on weight bearing restrictions) as op leg had had enough. Once friend arrived she took over and I feel asleep until just now when went to loo ... and will be going back to sleep again hopefully soon. T'row our friend is taking S to stay at her house tues to Fri - so should get a break - but also means will be home totally alone - not yet sure how going to put away food deliver. empty rubbish/put out bins etc

I am finding avoiding the twisting and bending very difficult and have had a few 'twinges' in my new hip today. I don't actually know if the twinge is coming from the hip or the muscles.. I'm also finding I am taking chances and just using one crutch when crossing a room - I really must stop this as I don't want any setbacks..

I'm finding following the restrictions hard too - but haven't felt any twinges etc I think that if you are fully weight bearing - it means just that and the sticks are just there for balance, support etc No one said to me I must use the crutches ...nor for how long for .... I often use one crutch and the worksurface to get around the kitchen. I can stand unsupported on both legs but cant walk without something to lean on as cannot yet bear whole body weight on op leg when lifting other leg to step forwards. Let me know if you learn otherwise...

I suppose we will have 'up' and 'down' days over the forthcoming weeks...

Nothing changes there then!! It is essential I learn to pace myself otherwise I'm not going to cope with S ...

Speedalong

tkachev

Oh poor you speedalong. I cant sleep either until I am certain my son is asleep.He fights it to the bitter end but then finally takes my hand and says goodnight mummy see you in the morning to which I have to reply correctly otherwise he gets upset and has to start again.I have found son going for walks/trips out make him more awake and alert which i understand can be quite common.
Cooking can be a prob for me too. Often I cant face the standing and waiting and dishing up. It can be unbearable and like you I then hobble up the stairs in pain.i do my best to get food out the way as soon as school is over but they tend to want more stuff later on so have crisps and drinks upstairs ready!
I really feel for you....

Elizabeth

marion1952

Hi Hleena:
I learnt to sleep on my back 2 years ago when I had really bad RA and was so stiff that I couldn't move once I had gone to bed. I now sleep on my back with all my limbs/joints perfectly lined up and that's the way I wake up too! That must be the silver lining to the RA cloud!

I can't believe it - but I actually slept for 9 hours last night ....(sorry if I'm making you jealous)..

Hi Speedalong:
Hope you feel better over the next 3 days. I am just living on salads at the moment (lots of salmon, chicken, quiche), with new potatoes/beans/peas and fruit afterwards.! As far as rubbish goes - I'm just putting any rubbish in double black bin liners outside the back door and asking visitors if they wouldn't mind putting them in the bin for me.
I'm just about to squirt water into the cat's nearly empty water bowl, without bending down, using my plastic gym water bottle ...

Marion x

hileena111

Hi Marion
Yes I'm feeling very jealous LOL

Love

Hileena