My hip replacement diary
Comments
-
I was scared of falling too, at first. In fact I carried my one "super crutch" purchased from Amazon, way after needing it, just to give myself a bit of extra confidence, warn other people I was vulnerable, pavements round here are narrow and badly maintained, and ward off dogs! Confidence does come with time though, and I've now leant my crutch to a friend who is 6 weeks behind me.
1 -
@swimmer60 I didn't realise how bad was the pavement until yesterday. Potholes digged and patched one thousand times, tree roots breaking the ground, spits, fruit pieces of glass, candy wraps, you name it. I was really concerned to put the crutch on a wrong place. I had to walk looking down and I was very unstable on this obstacle race.
My road is a very busy road. On our way to home, there was a big truck, removing a scafolding, parked on the pavement with literally no space to pass by. My husband had to talk to them seriously because they said they didn't have any other place to park. Meanwhile I was stand there feeling like Tiny Tim. After several minutes, they moved the truck on the road, out of the pavement. Driver staring at me from the mirror until I was out of their sight to drive the truck backwards on the pavement again. Meanwhile angry drivers, that had to wait, staring at me too trying to find out what was going on. I was really embarrassed, for me, for my husband, for the workers, for the drivers, for everything.
I've asked my husband today to drive me to a solitaire place with a straight new road so I can concentrate on my walk. X
2 -
@swimmer60 Actually I was thinking about having a walk in a beautiful and quiet Victorian graveyard we can park close to it thanks to my brand new blue badge but I feel a little bit sore today and I'm worried. I had a bad night because of this new pain. Maybe it's normal as we start returning to walk but the idea of my old arthritic pain coming back terrifies me. I'm not overdoing but maybe, If I force myself into walking today, It'll be worse.
What are your thoughts? Is the pain going up and down depending on the day?
X
0 -
Day 36 - @Nurina I only managed 7000 today! For years I walked or ran daily and averaged 12,000-13,000 but I think those days are gone. Well done for getting out and for deciding to stay in if it rained. I think it is just as important to be kind to ourselves, probably more important, than to push ourselves. All in good time. Remember it's only just over a week since your life-changing op.
I agree with you, I still find myself amazed that my groin and hip pain is missing. I went to the theatre tonight for the first time since my surgery and found myself a parking space about 5-10 minutes walk away. As the ice had gone I decided that I wouldn't take my stick as I now find it more of a nuisance than a help - how did that happen? I found myself telling the leader of a local walking group that I might be rejoining - I'm not sure it will be any time soon but it is a possibility, at least for the shorter walks.
I realised whilst I was sat watching the play that I wasn't constantly moving my legs to get comfortable as I had been doing for such a long time. I felt almost normal again which was wonderful, and I wore a normal pair of 'going out' boots which I managed to get zipped up without any help/aids.
Now to see whether I sleep tonight or not. I've moved most of my extra pillows/cushions out of the way and am cautiously sleeping on my side, both operated and non-operated, but also on my back, and somewhere in between. I think the main difficulty of the back-sleeping was the not being able to change position.
Take care everyone, x
2 -
@Janlyn I promise something: your days of 13000 steps are yet to come and more. We were talking about this yesterday. You're just beginning the process of healing. For some reason it's said that it's 12 months to fully heal. It's just a month since you had your surgery and look at you! In a year we'll be laughing reading our diaries.
Remember the recipe:
- Marathon, not sprint
- Be gentle with yourself
- Listen to your body
- Patience
0 -
Yes, I think the pain really does depend on how much you do and it really is about pacing yourself. I still go to bed in the afternoon sometimes, as I can still get tired especially if I've done quite a bit of exercise. Still not sleeping well which is a bit of a bummer! And, as the wind is roaring round the house as I write, ear plugs might be in order tonight!
1 -
Day 37 - @Nurina my physio said after six months I would feel something like normal but that it would be 12, maybe 18-24 months to reach full potential. I have noticed they try to get us back to where we were wherever that is/was. But I'm already so much better than I was pre-op so if I didn't get any better it has all have been worthwhile but I will definitely try to get as far as possible.
Today I have a visit from my family and was able to play hide and seek around the house with my 2 and 5 year old grandchildren. A week ago I would have said no, I can't do it.
Only 5000 steps today and no long walks but plenty of movement around the house and more exercise. I realised I had been concentrating on my walking and neglecting my exercises a little so best to get the balance right, I think. I also added in some wrist exercises as I had been leaning on my stick so much pre-op that my wrist has been painful. The exercises seem to be working so that's a win.
Only slight, very I think, concern is I had a questionnaire from my hospital asking about my wound/any infection/issues, so I had a good look and realised I've a reddish bit at the bottom. I had noticed it before but thought at five weeks it was normal healing but it got me thinking. I've just spent time googling photos of scars and have found other photos of hip operations and photos of all parts of the process popped up - some quite gruesome.
Think I'd better get to bed now and hope I don't dream too much of anything too gruesome!
Take care all, x
1 -
Day 38 - nothing much to report, just seem to be progressing steadily and very happy with that.
Take care all, xx
1 -
On Saturday went to a film, Poor Things-brilliant lunacy, and then a meal afterwards.
Normal life here I come!
Exercising on bed was useless, as you said Nurina, you just sink into the mattress. I graduated to the floor asap. I think the physio advice I got was over cautious.
I don't think I'll ever get the full range of movement back, but being able to do more and more without pain is enough! I guess you get used to what you can/can't do and that becomes the "new normal." That word again!
0 -
Day 39
@swimmer60 - wow normal life - isn't it great? Well done.
I think I will try exercising on the floor - since you gave me confidence to get down there I have practised a little and it's not too scary, but the exercises will definitely be easier that way. I noticed I've a lot more strength in my operated leg. Initially climbing into the bath for my shower meant sitting down and lifting my leg and making sure the other one had joined it before standing up - now I can actually stand on my operated leg - what an achievement!
I agree about the full range of movement and I remember reading about this before my surgery and wondering whether I really wanted to go ahead if I was still 'restricted'. The answer is absolutely I'm glad I did - my 'new normal' gives me a better life already than I had - any more gains will be the icing on the cake.
Take care all, x
1 -
@swimmer60 I've never had full range of movement because I had RA when I was a child. Before the recent painful OA, I had a "normal" life, riding my bike, never used the car, yoga, fitness. I could do a lot of things, with just "enough range". I'd be happy to get just my old "enough range" and, as @Janlyn said, any more gain would be the ice on the cake. X
1 -
@Janlyn How do you get down/up from the floor? Before the surgery I had to get up/down all fours, Mowgli style, hands on the floor, putting my legs straight thanks to my good flexibility in hamstrings and back. I couldn't do a squat to get up and down because I had zero mobility where my upper thigh and hip joint together.
Currently, getting on the floor is like thinking how big the Universe is. It blows my mind. X
0 -
Day 40
@Nurina I'm panicking a bit now as I'm sure I'm probably not keeping to the 90 degree rule by holding onto a chair and sliding down onto one knee, then the other, and then somehow turning to sit/lay on the floor, in the bath it's even more tricky. I didn't even attempt it until I was way past your stage though and do tend to go by if I don't feel any pain/discomfort it's probably okay.
Today's my first day without blood thinners so a little bit more of 'normal' to my day and I'm hoping my little bit of scar that is resisting healing might now get the message and heal.
Take care all, x
1 -
Wow! Forty days! How do you feel so far? I'm amazed at the 14th day so I can imagine how good it feels.
The diagonal leg raise, the non-crutches in bathroom and kitchen and the standing/sitting has made my Ground Zero really sore, feeling like a step back. I've had to use the TENS machine and 2 paracetamol to go to sleep. Take care x
0 -
Day 41
@Nurina How do I feel - very much stronger - a sudden realisation that my left leg is stronger than it has been for years. Yesterday I was a bit sore, seemed to get up feeling sore - but had slept better so I'll take that. Today my walk was very pleasant and my Fitbit was happy.
Sleeping better at night and not slept during the day for two days now - feels like progress.
Take care all, xx
0 -
Day 42 - my Fitbit tells me I have topped 9,000 steps today. Just had my normal 20 minute walk but was out to the pharmacy, for a coffee, the garden centre then drove to visit a friend. So a good day without pain, missed a dose of paracetamol and didn't notice any difference. The sun has been shining and life is good!
3 -
Fantastic news! Life is good indeed! X
1 -
Day 43 - another bright and sunny day, another walk, a little bit of potting some primroses and a bit more decluttering. Probably a tiny bit too much as a little bit sore and slightly stiff, but an early afternoon nap seemed to sort it. No complaints at all.
Take care everyone, xx
1 -
Day 44 - a trip out for lunch with friends - that hasn't happened for a long time. Went by train and took my stick just in case .... It was very busy on the trains and lovely that people noticed my stick and offered to help me. No pain today, everything feels to be going well - feeling very lucky.
Take care all, xx
3 -
Day 45 - my six week appointment with my surgeon and I felt went very well - certainly I never expected pre-surgery to be walking in to his room so confidently, telling him I felt fantastic and that he had performed a miracle!
Last week I had been a little worried as my wound had healed well apart from the bottom stitch which was a little red and not healing as well. However, since coming off blood thinners a few days ago (may be a coincidence) it has started to heal. Consultant had a look and said it can happen that the top or bottom stitch take a little longer to heal. He said he starts and finishes his stitches with a knot and the knot was possibly a little infected last week but it was definitely ok now.
I asked about side sleeping - I'm finding I'm cautiously sleeping on my side, my operated side is more comfortable than my non-operated side. But during the night I'm obviously tossing and turning and often wake up sleeping on my back - I must have trained myself to do that in the first couple of weeks! I think in the early days it was more the not being able to move position, than the sleeping on my back, that made it so difficult to sleep. He said to use a pillow between my knees for a couple of weeks, or so, more.
I asked when I should start to cut my own toe nails, bend down to put socks on, and so on. He said no particular time but to see how I felt and how easily I could bend. To keep testing but any resistance and not to do it. But when I started to bend towards my feet then to sit (rather inelegantly) with my knees wide apart. He demonstrated and said it would be so much easier than with my knees closer together.
Take care all, xx
1 -
So different from my consultant who turned pale and shrieked at the thought of toe nail cutting at 6 weeks! Perhaps he's just extremely old fashioned! BTW about 4 weeks ago I accidentally crossed my operated leg over non, at the knee, and definitely felt some pain in the groin area. Haven't done that again!
0 -
Well done @Janlyn So inspirational! My scar is bumpy and not healing well because the anti coagulant. I've put normal plasters on places that should be more closed. I still have the scabs of the drainage needles and the IV on my hand and a big bruise on the non operated leg.
About sleeping on our backs. I said that as a joke, but probably I'll end enjoying it. X
0 -
@Janlyn thanks for posting your diary it's been really helpful and interesting given we were so close in operation dates. I think your idea of posting changes after your appointments this week makes sense. I'm certainly view this week as a significant watershed in my recovery. Always assuming the consultant and physio agree that I'm progressing well and can get back to work in some capacity
Take care
0 -
Day 46 - I came out of my physio appointment really happy and excited about life. I've been discharged but can phone if I have worries but he doesn't think I'll need to. I know all consultants/physios have their own ways of working so best to listen to your own though, as not only they are all different, but we are all different.
My physio said he wants his patients to be back to how they were when they were at their best, not just enough to get by. He told me that at six weeks post surgery any pain/soreness I get will not be from my wound/new hip but from my muscles that haven't been properly used for some time. He said if I fell now I would be no more likely to dislocate my new hip than I would my other hip, or my shoulder, or anything else. He said the way I was doing my exercises showed my strength was back and that is what he wanted to see in his patients. His view is that much advice and many patients are too cautious and the strength doesn't build up as quickly as it could do. I suppose the managing without a raised toilet seat and sitting on a normal chair have helped, however awkward it might have been initially. As he thought I was doing my exercises too easily he said he would give me a present and popped off to find a band to use to increase resistance!
I had been using the three Ps - Paracetamol, Patience and Pacing. He said to try slowly dropping the paracetamol to see if I still need them, no problem if I do but I may not. He said to add Perseverance as it will be a long haul but to get back to my previous level of fitness I will need it. I may need to add Pain too as that will tell me how far to go with my exercise and daily activities. I actually think I get soreness rather than pain.
He asked if I'd been down on the floor and I said I got in a bit of a pickle the first time I got in the bath as I stood there and thought how do I get down to sitting, but I found a way, firstly down onto my knees then manoeuvred around to sitting and reversed it to get back up. He said it is really important to do so as he sees many patients who don't ever get down to the floor, either because they think they can't or don't need to but if they fall are completely unable to get up.
He said apart from doing the splits there was nothing I shouldn't attempt but be guided by how everything feels as to how far to go, but to try to push it a little further. I will inevitably sometimes overdo it but should recover quickly. With shoes, socks, boots he said to try to copy how I put them on my non-operated side and slowly start to do the same with my operated leg as and when I can. Not to rush but if I don't try I never will manage it.
He said sleeping on my side, and tossing and turning is okay. He said the sleeping rigidly on our backs is so unnatural that no one sleeps that way - thank goodness those days are over although I do find I often wake up on my back now.
@swimmer60 0uch - there are some things we learn not to do and I've just tried to cross my operated leg over the other and it definitely told me not to!
@Nurina poor you, I do hope your scars and bruising improve soon - it's a vicious circle isn't it? The blood thinners to prevent DVT and then the wound that won't heal due to the blood thinners.
I think I'm quite enjoying sleeping on my back now, it's the having to stay there all night I couldn't manage. So good not to be up and awake most of the night now.
@Denis68 I definitely agree with you about this week being a watershed. I'm sure your consultant and physio will agree you're doing well - you certainly sound to be doing well. That feeling of being well on the way to our old self takes some beating - amazing how quickly it actually happens.
Take care all, x
3
Categories
- All Categories
- 12.1K Our Community
- 9.6K Living with arthritis
- 774 Chat to our Helpline Team
- 390 Coffee Lounge
- 20 Food and Diet
- 223 Work and financial support
- 6 Want to Get Involved?
- 169 Hints and Tips
- 398 Young people's community
- 12 Parents of Child with Arthritis
- 38 My Triumphs
- 127 Let's Move
- 33 Sports and Hobbies
- 244 Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- 21 How to use your online community
- 35 Community Feedback and ideas