Hip replacement, living alone and with responsibility for pet.

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  • Zimmer
    Zimmer Member Posts: 75

    I can't believe it's been 3 wks, you are doing so well.

    I must admit that I was feeling a mixture of happy for others but sorry for myself at the same time. BUT, not anymore, jumping up and down with joy as I've just been given my op date 7th August.

    To everyone that has helped me to prepare for this, through your recovery and continuing progress, I thank you from the bottom of my heart 🥰. In the spirit of paying it forward, I shall also diarise my journey. Love you all 🫂. There has been so many of you, that if I have missed anyone out, I apologise xx

    @cocoa

    @frogmorton

    @JPT

    @nurina

    @Fran54

  • Zimmer
    Zimmer Member Posts: 75

    Doh @Janlyn and @alwayssewing, how did I forget from my previous comment you say

  • Jane18
    Jane18 Member Posts: 60

    That's great news @Zimmer. The time will rush by with all the preparation. I hope it goes well and keep us posted.

    I'm finding each day I feel a little better and able to move more, although still need to pace myself with occasional rest periods, especially since sleeping on my back is not easy. But I take opportunities when they arise. And only on 2 doses of paracetamol per day for the past few days.

    Having the support of others who have been through this really helped, so thank you everyone who has added their comments.

    Jane

  • Jane18
    Jane18 Member Posts: 60

    For the first time last night, 26 days after the op, I didn't feel the need for paracetamol. And managed to sleep fairly well, with the occasional need to change the position of the pillows I have to prop me up when sleeping on my back. Still awake at 4.30am and doing my usual physio exercises to loosen up my body. The one advantage of being awake at this time is getting to see the local fox family running up the road.

    But it really feels as if I'm starting to get back to something like normal, albeit at a slower pace than before I developed the hip arthritis. And bearing in mind the need to still be careful not to bend (the grabbers coming in especially handy when I drop the cat's food on the floor, although he is pretty good at hoovering most of it up himself).

    So I hope this will be encouragement to those of you reading this about to go through the same procedure. The first couple of weeks are definitely not easy, but they soon pass and then I've found slow but incremental progress, and a lessening of the pain I felt initially. I expect it will come back from time to time, especially if I overdo things, or when factors such as humid weather trigger my arthritis, but everything now feels more manageable.

    Looking forward to being able to drive again so I can get back to venturing further than my local surroundings.

  • cocoa
    cocoa Member Posts: 50

    jane18

    Almost there! 1 day to go went fir further blood tests yest have moved into spare room and hopefully everything to hand. So clean niw after all the showering and washing with special ointments up every orifice be glad to get tomirro over with! I’m letting my husband carry my nervousness he’s doing well !! Thank you fir support Cocoa

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,474

    Well @Jane18 that is amazing no paracetamol! You are doing very very well. Good job puss is good at tidying up any spillages😉

    Yes please do carry on updating maybe you you won't post so often but these diaries are invaluable for people facing the same surgery as you yourself know.

    Very best of Luck @cocoa everything crossed for you for tomorrow you sound to be all ready. Well as best as anyone can be🤞

    @Zimmer you have a date not too long pretty soon we'll be reading your progress. Fantastic I really am looking forward to hearing how you get on.

    Take care everyone

    Toni x

  • Jane18
    Jane18 Member Posts: 60

    Hi @cocoa, sounds as if you are well prepared. All the best for tomorrow - it will be over before you know it and soon you will be back home for your recovery.

    After only 4 weeks, I'm amazed at how much progress I've made. I can now move around indoors and in the garden using just one crutch, although not quite confident enough to give up using two on my walks. But they are getting easier as well and I have to pause less. And am up to 25 mins at a time, so getting just that bit further each day.

    Still have the occasional dose of paracetamol when I have difficulty sleeping at night, but think that's partly due to the discomfort from sleeping on my back, so hoping I can do without when I am allowed to sleep on my side again. And can't wait now to get back to driving and using public transport again, so I can start getting out more.

    Thank you to everyone for your support, including @JPT, @Janlyn, @Trish9556, @frogmorton, @Fran54 (and good luck with your second hip operation) and @Zimmer. Not long till your op now so hope all the prep goes well.

    For all those about to go through the same operation, do keep us posted and will be thinking of you.

    All the best,

    Jane x

  • Zimmer
    Zimmer Member Posts: 75

    Thanks @Jane18 and @frogmorton for your diaries and words of encouragement. Same op, but every recovery diary is different, giving you a perspective you may not have even thought about and recommend reading as many as you can xx.

    I hope my journey is as good as yours Jane, you seem to be coping extremely well.

  • Jane18
    Jane18 Member Posts: 60

    Thank you @Zimmer, I read a few hip replacement diaries before I went in, and after the op, to get an idea of the different stages people progressed to after a certain number of days, which really helped me.

    Unfortunately this hot weather is holding me back, as if I don't get out for a walk really early then I can't do much at all, apart from slowly doing my physio exercises when I can. I wanted to be doing more by now as I'm seeing my physio on Monday, but just have to be patient. And one advantage of the dry weather is that I managed to get the washing out on my own this morning.

    Blood thinners and cats not always compatible. Yesterday he jumped up a bit too energetically and just grazed my (good) leg, but it gushed immediately, so I had to get up and bathe it in salt water to cleanse it and wait till the bleeding stopped. So have to be careful with even the slightest knock, which would once have caused no more than a small bruise. Still, only 6 more days to go on the aspirin.

    Hope your journey goes well and look forward to hearing your news.

    Jane x

  • Zimmer
    Zimmer Member Posts: 75

    Oh Jane I hear you, I've been doing the exercises they gave me but really struggling with this heat too. I try to do anything when it's a little cooler.

    I didn't realise that the blood thinners were that strong, thank you for saying that, as I bruise so easily now.

    Don't beat yourself up though, as people have mentioned "it's a marathon, not a sprint". As long as you're progressing then that's all that matters, just listen to your body xx

  • Jane18
    Jane18 Member Posts: 60

    Been going out for a walk really early these past few days, before it starts to get too hot. I hadn't been planning to go very far today, as I had a longer walk yesterday first thing, but when I got out I realised I only had one crutch with me, as I'd got so used to using one indoors. So I decided to go ahead, and it felt OK. It's a bit daunting the first time when you've got no-one with you, and at that time of day on a Saturday nobody around, so I didn't go too far, but it feels like another achievement. I think for longer walks I may still take two, but at least I know now I can manage with one, and as time goes on that will get easier.

    Hope everyone is managing in this heat. At least it's not due to last much longer.

  • cocoa
    cocoa Member Posts: 50

    @Jane18 and zimmer

    This heat not good after post op but then would it be any better if snowing raining or blowing a gale. almost 48 hours since op and I was first on the list the docs were actually pacing up and down whilst all pre op checks were taking place ! So relieved to come round after and know all done. I had general anaesthetic a spinal anaesthetic and double dose of pre med ciz was too hyped up and b p sky high ! Glass of water brought it diwn ? And I didn’t feel a thing till discharged when all anaesthetic left ! Just paras and low dose codeine but I can’t take anti inflammatorys or co co Damol also on blood thinner tabs so no need stomach injection which is boost. Thank all fir posting and helping on myriad things . Seem to be shortage of drugs and equipment round here !

    @ cocoa

  • Jane18
    Jane18 Member Posts: 60

    Hello @cocoa, you are doing really well after a general anaesthetic. And no injections, which is a bonus. Interesting how different treatment options are depending on where you live. I just had paracetamol and codeine tabs for home and that was enough for me, although for the first few nights I was counting the hours till I could take the next dose of paracetamol. But now, nearly 5 weeks after the op, I haven't taken anything for a few days. No doubt I will have occasional flare-ups, but so glad to be off the codeine with the side-effects. But in the first few days take everything they offer!

    This weather doesn't help for keeping moving, but it should cool down soon. And it's only 48 hours for you, so just do a little when you feel up to it and pace yourself. I found with the exercises there were some I just couldn't do at first, so left them until I felt ready. Or just did a few reps at first and built up.

    If you haven't already, you will find your leg swells up after a few days, but I was told that's part of the healing process. And it does get better eventually.

    Hope all goes well with your recovery and keep us posted.

    Jane x

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,474

    Welcome home @cocoa you are doing well I am so pleased it's all done now things will be improving not getting worse😊

    Those blood thinners! I am on them anyway so you all have my sympathy.

    I think we must remember in winter it's difficult to walk too because you could slip in snow or ice. Rain can be too heavy to even attempt to get out at least in this heat we can go out albeit early.

    Keep up the good work everyone

    Toni x

  • Jane18
    Jane18 Member Posts: 60

    Just seen the physio for my 5 week check and all good. I can start driving again in a week, so really looking forward to getting out more and back to a normal(ish) life.

    More exercises to do, and I can start walking upstairs leading with my right as well as left leg, using the rails for balance. And I can start sleeping on my side soon, with a knee pillow, which will be a relief.

    Raised loo seat gone, and I'm using just one crutch indoors and for some of the time when walking outside.

    I will also be able to bend carefully in a week's time, so feeding the cat will be an easier process again, which will be a relief for him as well!

    So really pleased with my progress, although I'm prepared for ups and downs for a good while longer, so still taking it day by day.

    Lovely refreshing breeze here today and just hoping for some rain soon for my poor parched garden.

    Hope everyone's week goes well.

    Jane x

  • Fran54
    Fran54 Member Posts: 325

    @Jane18

    Hi it's lovely to hear that you are getting on so well and have been reassured by physio that all is well. The time does soon fly by and each week brings a bit more of the "normal" back for you, especially for your cat as well! The weather has been a bit cooler here today and rain is forecast for tomorrow as my garden is also looking rather parched and hubby having to water a few tomato plants will be pleased! Take care.

  • Jane18
    Jane18 Member Posts: 60

    @Fran54, good to hear from you. How are you doing after your second op? Hope you are making good progress as well.

    It's been so encouraging to hear from others who have been through/are going through similar experiences. Gave me so many tips to help me prepare for my op and the weeks of recovery. It will be a while till I resume all my former activities, but now I can start to plan for a few months' time, so it's all feeling much more positive. And I'm already doing better than I was in the weeks before the op, so just have to remember how bad it had got.

    Take care everyone xx

  • Janlyn
    Janlyn Member Posts: 658

    @Jane18 Wow, you are doing well, I've been away and come back to total amazement at how well you are doing. But really you will keep on getting better and more back to normal long after you think you've achieved your maximum. It's amazing the difference it makes to our lives isn't it?

  • Zimmer
    Zimmer Member Posts: 75

    @cocoa I only just saw your post sorry lovely. I'm so glad your op went well, but did I read that right, that you went home the same day? It's amazing how surgery has come along. So glad that you were first in line, what with your white coat syndrome, waiting your turn always gives you jitters let alone with anxiety etc. Be kind to yourself whilst healing xx

    @Jane18 you are so right, we just get on with it until we don't have to, and then realise how badly our hips were affecting our lives. I mean, we all know how it's affecting us, but for our own sanity we push those feelings aside and just deal with "today". We say that animals are resilient, but so are we. Your progress is awesome and just hope that mine goes as well as all of yours. 🫂 for everyone.

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,474
    edited 15. Jul 2025, 09:45

    We say that animals are resilient, but so are we. - quoting @Zimmer . Well said you are so right. A lot of us just put up and carry on until we practically drop.

    Great to see how well you, @Jane18 and @cocoa are doing brilliant keep up the good work everyone.

    Be good to see how @SusieM55 in here and see how she is getting she was quite anxious and should be recovering by now….

    Toni x

  • Zimmer
    Zimmer Member Posts: 75

    @frogmorton exactly! My surgeon took one look at my xrays and just said "they're bad, they're really bad, how you are still moving around" and then two years later I get my op date, so god only knows what state they're in now! But hope kept me going, along with my sense of humour and a very supportive partner and never let it get me down for long. Keeping optimistic is the only way forward.

    Ooh I didn't see any posts for @SusieM55, hope you are OK and that you are recovering well chicken 🤗

  • Fran54
    Fran54 Member Posts: 325

    @Jane18

    Hi. It is a week since my left hip replacement and am managing day by day to do the important things like physio then resting afterwards! Parts of the area around the wound the skin is red and sometimes feels warm so I use my trusty wheatbag from the freezer or a flannel (wrapped) from the fridge to help ease the discomfort. Also knee down to ankle is swollen but only to be expected. Using my time to read my Kindle and do puzzles and hubby is doing well with the cooking. It is so lovely to hear you are looking forward with plans for the future. It gives you something to look forward to and helps keep you positive. Take care.

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,474
    https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/comment/736038#Comment_736038

    Well done finding SusieM55's posts @Zimmer I thought she'd be best off the helpline and joining us lot now maybe? Thanks for adding to her thread there. Hope she is doing ok.

    @Jane18 go your husband cooking for you! hope the food is good? Good techniques there for entertaining yourself, although if I read my kindle in the day I'd be Zzzzzing away😂I bet your wheatie does a good job after being in the freezer - they are great aren't they?😊 Keep up the good work.

    Toni x

  • Jane18
    Jane18 Member Posts: 60

    Hi @Fran54, I remember the warm feeling around the wound in the early days. The ice pack applied for 20 mins a few times a day really seemed to help, along with the paracetamol to ease the pain. Like @frogmorton, I would be snoozing over my kindle after a couple of pages - still do in the evenings sometimes, although of course as soon as I put it down I feel wide awake again! I am starting to adjust to sleeping on my back, finally, but have also managed to sleep for a short while on my operated side recently. Looking forward to being able to go back to sleeping on my other side next week, though, with a knee pillow.

    One thing I was really glad I invested in before the op was an additional smart speaker in the bedroom. Meant I could change channels and listen to (or snooze to) podcasts without having to move.

    I cooked a few meals for myself before going in and stocked up with frozen meals as well. There are so many healthy vegetarian options available these days, although I spent a long time reading labels to make sure I got the ones without lots of additives. As it was so warm when I came out, though, I found salads were enough for the first few days. And now I'm back to cooking for myself and starting to enjoy it again.

    @Zimmer, totally agree, it's so easy to convince yourself that you are managing. I deferred my op intially as I thought I was doing fairly well, even though I had to use a stick when walking. But my condition then deteriorated quite quickly, to the extent that everything became an effort, so I started to cancel arrangements and go out far less. My consultant also said my hip was a real mess. I wish I'd asked to see it after the op, but too late now.

    @Janlyn, holidays seemed like a distant memory to me a few months ago. But prompted by your post, I'm now exploring possible short breaks in the autumn. Will see how my driving is when I start again next week, but I am hoping I will soon be able to do more than short distances. In the meantime, I am starting to arrange lunches out with friends, maybe a trip to the cinema and then some theatre bookings for a few months' time. And carrying on with the walking whenever I can. Hoping to get back to my tai chi classes soon, and maybe some chair yoga, although I won't be able to do floor exercises for quite a while yet.

    I know many others have said this as well, but it is so amazing to feel that I will have my life back again after the operation. Still a way to go yet, but everything is feeling a lot more positive. Hope you are also continuing to make good progress, @cocoa.

    Thank you all for your support. I've really valued this online community and will continue to contribute when I can. And all the best @Zimmer for your operation. Look forward to hearing about your journey.

    Jane x

  • Zimmer
    Zimmer Member Posts: 75

    Oh I so know what you mean @Jane18, I think I'd be a complete mess if it wasn't for this community. We all help each other in so many ways, is it sloppy to say that I love you all 😆.

    I certainly think that I'd lose some weight if my other half cooked for me, so I've found a site called planty and have tried a few of their pre-made frozen meals, which were lovely, so I'll definitely fill the freezer before my op.

    I can't wait to have a holiday and stand unaided in the water, If I shut my eyes I can nearly remember what it smells like 😊.

    @frogmorton I know, but I didn't know if she would post on her thread so thought I'd give her a post just in case xx

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