up date/ 5 weeks post op RTHR

nearlybionic

Hi
I just thought I would pop in and let you all know how things have been going for me.
I am 5 weeks post op today, and feel my hip is healing quite well. The wound is healed well and the swelling comes and goes depending how much I have been doing. I was told this happens for up to 6 months (I can`t remember from last time!! :oops: ) I am still using my crutches as advised, as if I try to walk without them(this is ok too a little indoors) I have a terrible limp/rocking gait which is also called `Trendelenburg` gait and is common in dysplasia patients like me. I have been told it will be worse if I am not managing my pain enough, but i feel I am taking the correct pain relief.
My main issue is my lower back. I was told I have bulging discs and OA in my lumbar spine, and this is causing me pain and sleepless nights. i am still trying to sleep on my back, as advised until my 6 week check up next week, but the pain and stiffness is terrible. I have re referred myself back to physio, and have an appointment after my check up so can tell physio anything the surgeon wants them to look at/do.
I have managed to get in the car as a passenger a couple of times and this was good to have a change of scene, but i am always shattered afterwards!!
So I am keeping up with my little walks, building it up gently. Enjoying the sun at the moment, and my Kindle
I will let you all know how I get on next week at the hospital, pocket dwellers welcomed xx
NB

mig

Good to hear from you NB pleased things are going Ok ish I will be in your pocket next week.Keep up the good work. Mig

villier

Glad things are going quite well NB, count me in for next week hope all oes well......tc..........Marie xx

dreamdaisy

You appear to be going in the right direction with all this, NB, and it is still relatively early days, yes? It might seem like an age but it isn't, not really. Keep up the good work and I am sure that your patience will be rewarded. Good luck. DD

stickywicket

It sounds to be going well, NB, and that's good. I think we all loathe the 6 weeks sleeping on our backs and I don't really have a back problem. Well done, you, for keeping it up. I hope the news is good next week.

nearlybionic

Hi
Thanks Mig, Marie, DD and Sticky x
I am not sure if I am really that patient DD!! I am a very `impatient` patient. I have slept a little better last night, well, waking only 3-4 times is good for me :roll:
My back is very painful at the moment, but I have just taken my pills so hope they will take the edge off soon.
I went out with my Mum yesterday to the post office to post more clothes I have sold on Ebay that are now too big, and a look around a clothes shop to buy smaller clothes to replace the ones sold! I felt dizzy at one point from standing so long, but I think the heat had something to do with it.
When I got home I was exhausted, but too tired to fall asleep, (does anyone else get this?? so frustrating!!) At least after some sleep last night the groggy feeling that followed me round yesterday has gone.
I am planning to give my full attention to my Kindle today, maybe a little sit n the garden if I can get comfy there.
Enjoy the sun all!! 8)
NB

barbara12

Hello NB
You are doing so well, and Im glad you have the sun to recuperate in...I suppose the tiredness is down to it being a major operation,so hopefully has time goes on you will be able to do more...
I do feel for you with your back being so painful, has you know I am sort of in the same position, and I'm dreading the sleeping on my back..hopefully they will give you the all clear to sleep on your side soon...you keep on improving..xx

Numptydumpty

Well done NB, keep up the good work.
Take care,
Numpty

dreamdaisy

I suppose that one of the benefits of still waiting to be considered for surgery is that I have no option but to be a patient patient.

I do think surgeons are a little to blame for the fact we expect almost instant results; as far as they are concerned we are 'fixed' as soon as we leave their theatre, they don't have to think about the weeks and maybe months of physio, healing and general recuperation because they've done their bit. It takes years for joints to reach the extent where they need repair so it stands to reason that an instant benefit won't be felt, especially given the general mauling they undergo whilst being done.

At least the weather is on your side - trying to convalesce in the winter is no fun. You are getting there so keep up the good work. DD

nearlybionic

Hi DD
You are so right about the surgeons expecting you to be `fixed` once out of theatre! On day 3 in hospital, the day after I had fainted whilst the physio was trying to help me to walk , and I ended up blacked out on the floor (scarey!) I told him (the Reg who assisted in theatre) this and said that when I was walking I could feel my hip `clunk`. His reply was " NO it isn`t!!" Strange that, I didn`t know he could actually walk in my shoes and my new hip!!I wasn`t criticising his workmanship just making an observation. I am seeing the Reg next week and expect him to be dismissive of my `observations` about my lumbar spine pain. Good job I am feeling quite assertive, just hope I will be then too! Or I will just demand to see the Consultant, (just hope he is in clinic . I should be seeing the Arthroplasty Nurse as is the routine thing, but she is on holiday so have been booked in with the Reg. I don`t want to delay the appointment until she is back as I want ot get my OK for physio as soon as I can.
I had a walk in the sun yesterday, with my 2 crutches, on my own, and was a bit surprised to have a man pull up next to me and offer to give me a lift. I complete stranger too!! So either crutches are an aid to getting chatted up, or I am not walking as well as I thought I was!! I quickly declined and hobbled off!! :oops: Mr NB was quite amused when i told him later!!
Take care all x
NB

frogmella

It really sounds like you are doing well, NB. I am so pleased. I have had the same experience with my old surgeon. He never believed me when I told him I wasn't right. My new surgeon is like a breath of fresh air - but then I have no problems this time! He really does think about the months/years of recovery too. I got lucky this time!
I hope that something will get sorted for your back. If you ever need any help or advice on that I have been through the mill with mine and have loads of info in my head! At least I got something out of it all!!

Keep up the hard work and enjoy the sun! xx

lazicat

Oh well done NB - so pleased for you. I totally inderstand , its a slow process & agree that they do the "nuts & bolts" & think we are fixed ! I too was exhausted after my THR for many weeks, often fell asleep & small tasks felt like mountains. I still get tired, have good & bad days, my new hip is a massive improvement but Im not as good as new , plus other hip & spine really hurt & still cant walk far without pain & exhaustion. I did manage a stroll on the beach last week, which is my favourite place, really lifted my spirits & had a paddle in the sea !

frogmorton

Blimey Nearly only you could 'pull' on crutches

I am so sorry I am late on, but I can see you are doing really really well

I am so sorry about your poor back, but know that no way could I sleep on mine without agony so totally sympathise.

Take care now

Love

Toni xxx

nearlybionic

Hi Lazicat and Toni
Thanks for your replies.
Toni, forget cheesy chat up lines eh? !! I have no interest in another man, Mr NB is enough trouble for me!!
I had my check up yesterday, but I will start a new thread for that.
Thanks
NB