My hip op recovery diary
Comments
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@KC1 hi like you were,I am a bit worried about the car ride home from the Hospital when I eventually have my operations, It is really great to see so many positive post operation stories, having joined this forum and reading about the positive operations, has made me feel less worried about having my operations now.
Thank you all for your helpful suggestions.
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week 4
Well where did the last 4 weeks go? I can’t quite believe I’m this far post op (plus a bit more as I’m a day or so late with my update).
It’s been a really interesting week. One where I feel I’ve made lots of progress but one full of frustration.
If I listen to my own advice (rare 😂) and am kind to myself I can only be pleased with where things are at. I’ve been so much more active. Stairs are no longer daunting or difficult- I go up and down without a second thought. I’m getting on and off the loo and in and out of the car with greater ease and more comfortably than even a week ago. Getting into bed is so much easier now. My scar is still bumpy and lumpy but the swelling has reduced significantly.
I’m doing much more around the house - some cleaning, vacuuming, dishes, bed making, sorting washing, putting the washing on the line and taking the dry washing off again and lots more cooking. Did a small shop at the supermarket on my own (MC did other things in town) and have been more active in the garden - mostly harvesting and chopping things down with long handled shears but still managing to do more and for longer. I’m walking up to 2 miles in the morning and the afternoon (4 miles in total on a really good day) taking care to think about my posture and the way I’m walking. I mentioned previously I was all askew pre-op so am trying to ensure I’m straighter when I walk now. I call it mindful walking. I’m also keeping up with my other exercises although I change them around depending on how I’m feeling - some days I’ll do more than others. I’ve had a few visitors and been out for coffee and to the garden centre all without that awful nagging ache, limp and skewed walk - this new hip is absolutely liberating.
Sleeping on my back can still be difficult at times - I can’t wait to be able to roll onto my side again. So sometimes I have backache, or a bit of an ache in my hip which can mean sleeping is tricky. I have been frustrated at not being able to just get on with things in the kitchen without needing some help to get things from low shelves or the back of the fridge (sometimes my trusty grabber just isn’t up to the job). I’ve got annoyed with myself when I’ve dropped something on the floor and have needed to get my trusty grabber to pick it up - whether it’s my glasses 😂or a piece of paper it can be a real pain. That said I did manage to sweep the kitchen floor and use my grabber to hold the dustpan while I swept the dirt onto it with my broom so that felt like a victory. I’m also a bit frustrated with my garden, just can’t quite get to cut flowers for indoors or to harvest some fruit and veg - I have managed to encourage the grandchildren to help with harvesting so not all doom and gloom on that front. The weeds though are another matter! They are romping away. I tried using the hoe and that was okay as I wasn’t bending or twisting so maybe I’ll keep that up for the next few weeks. I’ve been reading a lot more but have little interest in other past times at the moment I guess that will retain due course.
Physio yesterday was hard work. I was definitely pushed hard (still within okay boundaries) but I knew I’d had a good session. Feeling it a bit today so have not been for such a long walk. The physio agreed I can start to walk up the hill near where I live. We discussed tactics and have agreed I can build up in stages (the way I’ve done with the walking) going an extra 50 - 100 steps a day if I feel up to it and using walking poles to make sure I’m upright. I rarely use my crutches x I take 1 with me when I’m going to be in a crowd or if walking narrow lanes and use it if I feel a bit vulnerable (people are being a bit pushy or swift around me) or of a vehicle is coming, otherwise I don’t use them.
My physio and I discussed how frustrating it is not being able to bend, twist etc at the moment and I was reminded it’s only for a couple more weeks and then I’ll be able to start to do more. So I just need to be a little more patient and to be kind to myself 😂.I hope you are all okay and continuing to make a good recovery or progressing towards your own hip operation. Keep positive, keep smiling and be very kind to yourself ❤️
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You are doing extremely well. I am five weeks four days post op but there is no way I could walk four miles per day. But then I have M.E. so couldn't walk that far anyway not even one mile. I am finding it much easier to get in and out of a car and bed, and am doing light housework. I haven't tried vacuuming yet as it says to wait until six weeks for that. I shall be glad to be able to sleep on my side again this weekend as I don't like sleeping on my back. However I have coped with it better than expected. I use one crutch outside and vary it inside between having no aids and the crutch. However I still walk with a limp unaided. I go to a group physio session next week so will see how I get on with that. I am allowed to drive from this weekend but will see how I feel. I might leave it for another few days or a week. I haven't done any supermarket shopping yet or gone upstairs although I think I could do the latter now.
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It sounds like you are doing amazingly and finding the right balance in terms of what works for you in your situation. It’s funny, isn’t it, how different physios and consultants have different ideas about what you can and can’t do and when you can start certain tasks etc again.
I’m a bit uncertain about whether I’ll try to start driving again when I reach 6 weeks. We have an automatic so technically it should be pretty easy but it’s strange how a few weeks break can leave you with a sense of nervousness.I hope your group physio session goes well. Ask loads of questions and I hope you enjoy it.
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Thank you for your encouraging words. I think you will be fine with an automatic. The physio told me I could have driven from four weeks with one of them, but six weeks with a manual. You do lose your confidence as you say and also we are naturally concerned about not harming the hip. I went upstairs today for the first time and ironed something and I was fine. In fact it's the other hip that was aching after walking upstairs not the operated one! Best wishes for your recovery.
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@KC1 you are doing incredibly well. I'm not sure I could walk four miles at your stage and although I can do now at eight months I still pace myself. I have on a number of occasions walked between 19,000 and 20,000 steps in a day but always walk a bit, do something different, walk again, and repeat. We must listen to our bodies and take our lead and remember exercise (appropriately again) is so important to get a full recovery eventually.
Regarding driving I was apprehensive but my physio said to get in, switch on, see how I felt, if I felt up to it to drive up the road and back. I have an automatic and it was my left leg that had been operated on so I was told I could drive at two weeks. I didn't try until three weeks and then only cautiously. Amazingly once I'd gone up the road I felt so confident I went much further.
Bending and twisting will happen, you'll suddenly realise you are doing it without realising - or at least that's how it happened for me.
Looking forward to your next update.
@shacklock25 you're right, we do lose confidence. Sometimes it's good just to have a little try to do something new but not worry if it doesn't feel right - eventually you'll be doing all you want to do without even thinking. It is still early days and you're doing fine.
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thanks @shacklock25 really appreciate your good wishes ❤️
Sounds like you’ve made some courageous steps forward. Funny isn’t it how different parts of our body react when we do something we’ve not done for a while? Take it one day at a time and be kind to yourself along the way.
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thanks @Janlyn . I certainly pace myself when walking - I think I’m doing a 25 - 28 minute mile which is much slower than before the OA really took hold. Mind you in the many months leading up to my op walking a mile wasn’t really on the cards at all, I pottered about and, with walking poles, could maybe walk a reasonable distance but it took a very long time and was exhausting. Walking now feels liberating and is such a joy again. I know I have to be careful and sensible and listen to my body - you are right to remind us all about that. And thanks for your insights on bending, driving etc it really helps to know things change and progress almost without us noticing. I think I’ve said before that our bodies are just amazing. Thanks for your ongoing encouragement and here’s to your ongoing journey
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Hi everyone well I’m 5 weeks post op and mostly feeling great. As I’ve mentioned in other posts I do get back ache etc and have tried sleeping on my non-op side with a pillow between my legs for the first time last night (I did check it would be okay with the physio btw). Not sure I’ll do that again for a while as it didn’t really help.
Overall it’s been a pretty good week with progress continuing to be made. I’ve been balancing walking and exercises a bit more now the exercises are harder. I’m mindful of not overdoing it especially as strengthening exercises can bring a bit of a reaction - muscle ache etc.
Although I did manage to achieve my goal of walking up the hill this week - as with all my walking it’s a gentle build. I tend to walk a few extra steps each day so not to overdo it. If I find I am a bit achy the following day I refine my walk and don’t push it by trying to go further. Less clicking this week although my knee clicks every now and then. So after a week I got to the top of the hill - it’s not a long hill (about 6-700 steps) but it is a bit steep in places. So slow and steady it has been and I’ve taken a crutch with me. The joy of getting to the top was immense. The main thing though is that it opens up so many other walks for me unlike the other lane I’ve been back and forth on for the last 3-4 weeks. It’s genuinely a lovely change of scenery and now I can gradually add different routes and lengths of walk over the coming weeks and months.
I was given harder exercises yesterday and my glutes let me know about it today so only 1 walk today - mind you I’d need a boat to go out this afternoon as we have torrential rain here. No other exercises today just the walk.I’ve only got a week to go now before technically I can drive again - although as we’ve discussed before that feels a bit daunting. And bending, twisting and crossing my legs are still a no no for now. Again this shall pass.
As others have said I think that sense of the world opening up again and being able to think about doing the things that bring you joy is part of what having a THR does for you. I am so looking forward to re engaging with the things I loved doing but didn’t have the energy for or found too difficult because I couldn’t kneel and get back up easily to garden or take photos or play with grandchildren.
I just feel incredibly fortunate to have had the op and to have found such an amazing and supportive community.Keep well
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Good to hear how well you are progressing. I am six weeks four days post operation now. I was a bit worried about driving again but started just going round the block and then yesterday I drove a quarter of a mile to the supermarket and did some shopping. I was far more confident than the first time, and I didn't get any repercussions pain wise. I am hoping to drive to church this weekend, which is another increase in distance. My advice is to go at your own pace. We are all different. And as my friend said, it's a marathon and not a sprint. Take care, and all the best.
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So good to hear you’re doing so well and have started driving again. Hope you are continuing to make good progress. Really helpful advice too thank you so very much.
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@KC1 This is good to read - steady progress is the way to go. It's amazing when our world opens up again. For so long it's been closing down, or closed and then suddenly such joy.
Just take your tie with driving - you'll know when it feels right, although my physio did say to just get in my car and start the engine and see how it felt. I had no intention of driving off, but actually felt good and confident and off I went.
@shacklock25 well done - and good advice!
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Time flies - I can’t quite believe that I’ve reached 6 weeks post op already and I feel great!
Movement is so much easier whether getting in and out of bed, sitting on the loo, walking, pottering around the garden, it’s just easier and much of the time it’s unconscious movement. I’m no longer having to stop and think about how I put one foot in front of the other, how I’ll lift my operated leg into the bed ear whether I can get up r down the stairs - it’s amazing. for me the THR has been transformational. I really can’t get over how different I feel.I’m now walking everywhere without crutches. I had been using 1 crutch for a while when outside of my home so I felt a bit nervous the first time I didn’t use it when around other people. It was a short walk from the car park to a specific shop and back, I took my time and gave others plenty of space - I did it and all went well which gave my confidence a bit of a boost. I decided to try walking in the lane without crutches and again it was fine. So now I’m not using them at all and will continue to gradually increase how far I walk.
Having received such encouragement about driving, yesterday I did it! Getting in and out of the car was probably the hardest part - I’m sure that will get easier as my healing continues. I drove a couple of miles to an appointment and then back again and it was great. So again it will be a gradual build increasing distances etc so thanks for the encouragement.
Sleeping is up and down - maybe it’s the cooler nights! I’m using a pillow to enable me to turn onto my side if and when I want to. My lower back does get uncomfortable at times so the ability to move around more is helpful.
I’m doing a bit more in the garden although still haven’t ventured onto my hands and knees yet. I also did a short stint of volunteering yesterday which was a joy.
My wound is looking good. I’m applying e45 cream as suggested by @Trish9556 and it’s really helping. The area is feeling a bit smoother although can still be a bit tender at times.
Dressing is easier as I can now bend more. I haven’t tried shoe laces yet - still can’t quite reach 😂 - all in good time.
I do still take breaks and ensure I put my feet up. My biggest challenge is not to overdo things so I try to pace myself. I do get tired, can feel when I’ve worked my muscles, am nervous about new things (although have overcome some of that - see above), get back ache etc but mostly I feel amazing and incredibly lucky to have had this operation.
all the very best1 -
So pleased to hear how well you are doing, and driving again. I'm eight weeks post op in two days. I drove a bit further yesterday into town, about two miles to the hairdressers. I walked upstairs and down twice, one after the other today without any aids but holding on to the bannister. I've had to have a break from the exercises the physio gave me ten days ago as my unoperated leg was playing up, with the knee and the hip. There is moderate to severe arthritis in that hip so I have to be careful. I am walking much better now and just used my crutch if I go out.
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sounds like you’re doing brilliantly. It’s a daily journey both physically and mentally. Sorry to hear you’re needing to take a bit of a break due to your non-operated leg playing up. Take it one day at a time, be very kind to yourself and continue to rest if/when you need to.
I was out and about quite a bit yesterday (considering where I am post op) and found I needed a pillow under my operated leg last night. Today it’s been fine.
Take care
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@KC1 It's good to hear how well you are doing, but still pacing yourself - well done. It really is a miracle, isn't it?
@shacklock25 It's good to hear how you're doing too, although sorry to hear your unoperated leg has been playing up. I hope it sorts itself out and you can continue improving and taking it steady.
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Hi everyone I am now 7 weeks 2 days post op.
Went away for a long weekend- stayed in 2 different places so 2 different beds. Was a bit anxious about the longer car journeys and how I’d manage sleeping etc. MC drove so my main role was as navigator, which suited me tbh. We had a couple of stops along the way so I could stretch and walk which made a big difference.
Walking around new towns, gardens and houses was lovely. I didn’t take my crutches and, although I took them, I didn’t feel the need to use my walking poles. Most walks, houses and gardens were flat and/or easy to navigate and I took my time. If we had gone a bit more off piste I think I would have used my poles. I found that I was walking slightly faster by the end of the break and, without trying, could almost keep up withMC.The steps in a cottage we stayed in were much steeper than the ones at home, but there was a bannister which I used and just took my time.
I took a spare pillow with me which I used to support my operated leg and when I wanted to roll onto my non operated side. I managed to get some reasonable sleep - mind you the wine might have helped 😂😂
All in all it was a lovely break and I felt like I’d really made significant progress even though we didn’t do as much as we might have a couple of years ago.
I’ve also had a short session at the gym. A few minutes on the bike, a few squats and a few simple exercises with weights. It felt so good to be doing that again. I think I’ll feel it a bit tomorrow though and, obviously, I need to take it slowly and build up my stamina and strength again.
I still get waves of tiredness and my thigh is still a little tender in a couple of places but mostly I just feel great and so much more like my old self.I hope this update is encouraging to all of you ‘hippies’ and those about to have or on the list for surgery. Keep well x
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@KC1 this is so good to read - well done! You really are doing well to be away for a long weekend at just over seven weeks and to do all you have done. It did take me a long time to get my speed up walking so well done again. I think waves of tiredness and a little tenderness in your thigh is quite normal and to be expected.
Definitely encouraging to those still waiting, take care.
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