New hip is nearly two weeks old.

Mommabear

So, I’m nearly two weeks down the track, and things have improved. I’m in and out bed more easily, and only up in the night twice to go to the loo which is better than before. Washing and dressing has a more normal sequence, all though hair washing is still a challenging occupation!!
I collect all my clothes over the rail on my walking fram, and then go in the bathroom to wash. Putting clothes on using the handy helper is not too bad when sat on the bed. Socks are another story…one is fine but the other needs a helper. Slip on shoes are a must.

I had a bit of swelling in my ankle and outside of my foot, but this is going down now. I panicked a bit to begin with but rang the hospital for advice, they told me that it would come and go and was to be expected.

The exercises are getting easier too, even the really challenging leg out to the side is getting a bit better. I’m doing them all 3 times a day but am going to ring the hospital physio to see if I should be doing them a little more. I return to see the physio at the end of the month.

My meds have helped and I have taken them as instructed. If I have done a little bit to much my operated leg starts to feel a bit jumpy so I know it need to rest - even if I haven’t done all my exercises. I’ve learned to listen to my body.

Im moving around the house much better, still using my walking frame and crutches but am trying to use the crutches more as instructed. We live in a house with stairs and again these are improving, I like the reassurance of someone with me though. I can in and out of the house, and have started toddling down our very quiet lane. Only a tiny way yet but it’s a start.

My new hip definitely feels different to my other one which is to be expected, I’m not sure when it will feel like it’s a normal part of me?

I’m lucky to have alot of help, it is much needed and appreciated.

Fortunately I have things to help fill my time, I love to crochet and am watching lots of things in the IPlayer.

All in all I think I’m doing ok, some days are better than others but that’s life. Sending you all best wishes and hopefully anyone who reads this and is about to start their hip replacement will take comfort from the experience that I’m sharing xx

olivia_b

Hello @Mommabear,

I am glad to hear you are doing well and thank you for sharing your journey so far, it is lovely to read and I am sure others will think the same!

Keep us updated if you can because we would love to hear how you are progressing!

All the best, Olivia x

Janlyn

@Mommabear you are doing really well and thank you for sharing. To answer your question as to when your new hip will feel more normal if you are anything like me it will take time, but one day you will find you're there. It was only when someone asked me a few months down the line which hip I'd had replaced that I realised I had to stop and think rather than immediately knowing one didn't really feel like mine!

alwayssewing

@Mommabear you are doing well. At 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months you will realise what a difference there is and it continues. I am 14 months from my first THR and nearly 12 months from the second. I have noticed an amazing difference this last couple of weeks.

Hubby and I bought 2 tons of soil for our raised beds this week and over 2 days with a day of rest between, I filled the small bags while he barrowed them down 36 steps to the bottom of our allotment. It was hard work but I paced myself and sat down every 3 bags for a few minutes. If you told me last year I would be doing this now I wouldn't have believed it.

Do the exercises and walking etc and you will be able to do most of what you want to do. I still struggle getting off the floor but I will work on it.