Hip replacement, living alone and with responsibility for pet.

cocoa

hi all lovely to hear how you’re all doing and Jane18 soon be back in the driving seat ! I’m making good progress furst walk outsude tiday day 10 just round the block checked my garden out lots cucumbers tomatoes etc lilies coming into bud ! Fed up tv but can’t concentrate puzzle books or reading yet . Wish I could sleep on side have tried pillow trick but get stuck ! Just waiting now fir. Wound to be sorted by nurses tues aft and I will be wallowing in shower I hope ! Husband getting good at cooking so hope he will carry on a bit with that ( boiled egg tiday and fish fingers for tea so I won’t starve !) good thing I made few meals fir freezer but been too hot to have those yet. But plenty salad . How you doin Zimmer snd Fran54?
@Cocoa

Jane18

Hi @cocoa, good luck with the nurse on Tuesday and hope the wound is healed. I remember that first shower, after 3 weeks, it felt like such a luxury. And well done on getting out for a walk. The first one can feel a bit challenging, but after that I found it got easier each day. At the moment like you dodging the rain showers.

Hadn't come across Planty before, @Zimmer, so that's a new one to try. Hope all the prep is going well for your op.

Jane x

Fran54

@cocoa

Hi glad to hear that you are getting out for walks. I have been out once but weather so changeable, so walking more indoors. Had the District Nurse in yesterday to do a wound check/dressing and everything seems okay ( which is a relief ). Had a few "ouch" moments with some exercises on Thursday so advised by hospital to stop some exercises. Hospital appointment tomorrow to have clips removed so hopefully all will be well. Good luck for Tuesday! Take care.

Jane18

For the first time for 6 weeks slept on my unoperated side last night, with a pillow between my knees. And apart from the night in hospital when I was so doped up with painkillers, it was the best night's sleep I'd had for months, as I was not sleeping at all well before the op. Even the cat demanding his breakfast at 4am didn't get me moving (yes, he's now allowed upstairs again and certainly lets me know of his presence!). The only thing was I found my back was very achy with the changed position, but that was eased with exercises.

Also out driving for the first time since the op. Only a short distance, but to the shops to pick up a paper and something for lunch and then to the park, where I managed a decent walk before the heavens opened again. Even managed to do a butterfly watch, as there were loads about today. So another important milestone to note. I've now booked a short break in September, so several weeks to practise driving and walking further.

When I reflect on how anxious I was before the hip replacement and where I am now, after only 6 weeks since the procedure, it makes me so appreciative of all the support I've received to get to this stage, not only from the medical staff and physios, but also from the community on this website, who have helped to guide me through the different stages and offer encouragement and feedback.

Good luck @Fran54 and @cocoa with your appointments this week and hope everything goes well.

Jane

Fran54

@Jane18

it must have been such a treat to be able to drive again which makes you so much more independent and booking a holiday is surely a bonus and something to look forward to. I had my clips out today and everything is clear so that is a bonus for me so now if all stays fine I can have a shower later on in the week! Got my first physio appointment on Wednesday, so now the hard work begins again! Gradually moving about more easily and even cooked my own dinner tonight ( scrambled egg ) which I love. Take care from one hippie to another🙂

Janlyn

@Jane18 it's amazing to hear you well you are doing and how positive you are about it all. I'm sure you'll be away for short breaks in the Autumn. You'll think you've done well, and then next year, you'll do it all again and so, so much better. It really is life-changing in a very good way. Take care, Janlyn

Zimmer

@Jane18 , @cocoa , @Fran54 you all sound very positive which is extremely motivating. Your recoveries sound awesome, and yeah I know you're having moments of frustration, who wouldn't, but you haven't let it get you down for long, so kudos to you all.

I have a quick question for you all, if you don't mind because I asked for gluing instead of clips or stitches and the surgeon said no problem and he also said that I would shower after 48 hrs! I know that everyone's different but nobody in the community has mentioned showering after 48 hrs?

I laughed about your husband's cooking efforts, cos that's probably all mine could manage, that's why I'm gonna stock the freezer up lol.

Busy getting my "area" ready, moving things around and trying to find the right sized block of wood to raise bits of furniture that are WAY too low. This operation is the perfect solution to get shot of things that don’t kindle joy too

Jane18

Hi @Zimmer, I had dissolvable stitches and steristrips. Although my dressing was waterproof, they said I should keep it dry, so showering was not advised. Having said that, I was able to have a shower at the hospital before I was discharged, as it was a walk-in shower and I could just keep my operated side away from the spray. But at home I have an over-bath shower, so it's more difficult to keep the wound dry. So I didn't shower till the wound was completely healed. But if they say you can, that's great.

I got an extra cushion for my armchair, as it was difficult to find the right size blocks to go under the legs. That worked pretty well but I can probably ditch it now.

Sounds as if you're all prepared. Good luck with all the pre-op appointments.

Jane

cocoa

hi at fran54 snd zimmer

I too had dissolvable stitches glue and steri strips despite the fact the hospital sent a note to surgery to remove clips etc after 2 weeks, only thing is I got terrible itchy rash but when looked it up coukd be anything from the glue to the strips to the surgeon !! your lucky had visit from district nurse !ihad to limp thru full surgery to see the nurse on Tuesday ! Anyway still couple bits to heal so change if dressing then back again next Tuesday ! Advised no shower etc till all healed. All getting easier had another walk out tiday . Latest prob is ‘running’ to the loo instead of spending a duration sitting on hard raised seat praying !! Husband progressed to egg and chips last night ! And he actually went to market and bought some cake and fresh fruit instead of the three B’s from Tesco- Bread, Bananas and biscuits . Glad I made some ready meals in freezer have now got bolognese ,a meat pie and several mince dishes in there but as I have home grown salad available am enjoying that ( hubby thinks rabbit food ) he lives in marmite sandwiches bananas and cake. Can’t wait fir a decent lasagne or fish dish ( more practice required for him) I get exhausted telling him how to do things . !! Anyway move on weather lovely still light at night , keep posting

Cocoa

Jane18

Hi @cocoa, hopefully all will be healed next week. I had to wait an extra week until my wound had healed completely, but after that all was fine, so it was a relief to be able to shower again (although as I have an over-bath shower, even with a step it was a bit scary the first time). It can take a while for your body to settle down with all the meds, laxatives and dietary changes, but sounds as if you've got meals sorted out now.

@Fran54, hope that first shower was good and that the physio was helpful. I had a few extra exercises after my second visit, but they have been helpful in easing my backache most of the time. Although I think in my delight at being able to get in the car again, I probably overdid the driving, so was very achy last night. Will teach me to pace myself, as @Janlyn and @JPT have found from experience.

Today I went into town for the first time since the op, to meet friends for lunch. I was a little anxious being on one crutch among so many people, but everyone was very considerate and it was so lovely to be back socialising 'normally' again, rather than just having visitors at home. So next week off to a movie - will see how I manage sitting for 2 hours, but they are comfy seats.

Hope your preparations are going well, @Zimmer. I know what you mean about getting rid of things that don't kindle joy. I also did a lot of clearing out before my op, so it was good to come back to a relatively uncluttered house. Hasn't taken me long to fill it up again, though!

Have a good weekend all.

Jane x

Janlyn

@Jane18 Well done for getting into town and taking a crutch. I remember taking a stick when I didn't need one but using it as confidence/protection in the crowds. And yes, pacing is probably the most important thing to remember, although often the easiest to forget!

Fran54

@Jane18

Hi. Have delayed having shower as after taking the dressing off yesterday there was a bit of "spotting" on the wound ( how nurse described moisture leak ). Now leaving it to get the air to it and it seems a lot better today, so just playing it safe until all the wound is completely dry. Have been out for a couple of short walks and gradually increasing the quantity of exercises, but still elevating the legs for a few hours each day.

Well done for meeting up with friends, I think this all helps with the healing, not just the body but the mind as well. Take care.

Jane18

Hi @Fran54, my wound took 3 weeks to be completely healed, so hope yours will be OK soon. Mine still pinches a little sometimes, but I can now lie on my operated side reasonably comfortably for a while, so it hasn't taken as long as I'd expected.

@Janlyn, it's amazing how many people treat you with more caution with a stick or a crutch. When I shuffled out of the taxi last week, a woman passing by held the door open for me, which felt so kind. So I will be continuing with the crutch or a stick for a while, I think, especially as I still have a leg length discrepancy, although not as pronounced as before the op. Must ask my consultant about it when I see him next week, to see if it is likely to change over time, or whether physio and/or osteopathy could help. Or whether I need an insert in my shoe again. Perhaps all three!

Today I mowed the lawn, so it was good to get back to garden maintenance again. Rather a lot of weeding and pruning left to do, but it was a start and makes a visible difference. I was reflecting this morning that I felt joy at life again, which may sound a bit mawkish, but I can't think of a better description. For months before the operation, my activities were much more limited and I was so anxious about the op and whether I’d prepared fully, that all my focus was on that and just getting by till the date. And suddenly, although I have a way to go, I can plan for all the activities I used to enjoy, before they started to become burdensome.

Will see what the consultant says next Friday. I think it's only a short appointment, so presumably just to check that everything's going well after the operation. I have one more physio session next month, so not sure how long those will go on for, but they've been so valuable for my recovery up till now.

Jane x

cocoa

@Jane18 pleased to read you’re getting on so well. Spurs me on! Day 18 and I suddenly felt so much better despite still having sleep problems . All meds niw cut right diwn but leg is like an egg timer. Rest with it up snd can actually see my ankle this morning day 20 but as soon as stand up walk around it’s back up like a balloon I’m only thin so feels very stretched !! Mentally in a much better place . Hoping to have dressing removed this aft and have a shower at last ! Consultant has already moved my 6 week appointment back a week maybe ciz it fell bank hol week or diwn to docs strike . Anyway daughter had booked me in fir short hol on east coast in bungalow end Aug so looking forward to that ( give hubby a break at home!) enjoy the cinema ! Love to read your progress . Not been able to get on this site fir few days been warned about possible cyber attack ?
hiw you doing @zimmer ?

cocoa

hi at Fran 54

How you doing think we are about same post op I’m almost 3 weeks post op now ! My sleep schedule is the worst with cutting diwn taking out meds and can’t find any shoes to fit found some old sandals but how do you shop fir bigger to fit ?! Swelling in foot/leg up snd down feel like an egg timer ! Hubby doing well I’ve let him out this morning fir good behaviour so can actually sit on loo without someone shouting outsude the door ‘are you alright?’ Hoping fir dressing off this aft and looking forward to having proper shower !!
let us know how you doing

Jane18

Hi @cocoa, good luck with your appointment this afternoon. My leg continued swelling up for several weeks and still does slightly by the end of the day, but not nearly as much as at first. I've been wearing the same pair of Skechers slip-ons since my op and as it's warm still haven't needed socks, so don't know how easy it will be to go back to socks and trainers.

Glad you're feeling better despite the sleep problems. Hopefully won't be long now till you get a better night's sleep. And in time for your holiday.

Let us know how you get on today.

Jane x

Fran54

@cocoa

Hi, I am 3 weeks post op today and am finding things are gradually getting easier. My left foot swells up as the day goes on, so am elevating it several times a day, usually after my physio exercises. Sleep is gradually improving, although I am still getting up a couple of times in the night, but I am used to that! I have been sleeping on my back now for over a year, as I always slept on my operated side but hopefully in the not too distant future I will be able to do that again. Still using two crutches when I go out for my walk, but only one indoors and on stairway. Regarding footwear I have Skechers slip-ins and have been able still to get them on even when my foot is swollen. They are not cheap and I bought another pair before my op. just in case, but worth their weight in gold! ( They are very lightweight as well ) Had shower today and having a strip wash at the sink took me back to the good old days!

Hope all went well this afternoon with your dressing. Take care🙂

Zimmer

@Jane18 @cocoa @Fran54 have just read all your last entries, although I nearly didn't come back until post-op, as nerves are setting in. But I'm so glad I did and thank you for your responses, as I will make sure before I leave the hospital, that I have all the does and don'ts. But yeah I'm overthinking things I suppose, so I'll breeze block the sofa and slap cushions under me bum and move on lol.

You all have such varying accounts, I just wish that no matter where you are in the country, that everyone could have the same treatment, i.e like the district nurse for cocoa and another member, whose name escapes me, didn't get physio.

I can't wait to have something good to look forward to like you all have and that made me smile, as you all sound so happy at the thought of driving, holidays or even just a shower. My only thing, at present is getting to lose the weight 😆. One goal at a time innit.

How did it go today cocoa?

Jane18

Hi @Zimmer, sounds as if you are getting prepared. It's natural to be anxious as the date gets nearer, but once you are in hospital you will find you will be kept busy with visits from nurses, anaesthetist and maybe the physio. And do ask any questions of the medical staff if there's anything you're not sure about. From my experience, and as many others have said, the operation itself seems to go really quickly. The anaesthetist is very responsive, and ready in case you need extra sedation, which I didn't as I felt surprisingly calm, unusually for me.

It does seem that treatment varies depending on where you live, but after you're discharged you should have follow up appointments to check the dressing and wound, see the physio and a final visit to the consultant. If you're lucky enough to get a home visit from the district nurse that's a bonus, but I had to travel to the hospital for all my appointments. Did they tell you how long you'd be in for?

Good luck with the weight loss. After initially feeling really hungry after the op, my appetite decreased and I just ate loads of fresh fruit (also helped with the side-effects of the codeine) and light salad for several days. Back to normal now, though, so trying to resist the lure of chocolate 🙂.

I got used to the strip wash - also took me back to my childhood when we didn't have showers. One thing I found useful was getting a long-handled sponge for washing my feet. Just sat down and put them in a small washing-up bowl on the floor to catch the drips. Worked OK for me.

Hope you're getting on well, @Fran54 and @cocoa. I had a trip to the movies today, drove a friend there and felt fine sitting for more than 2 hours in a comfy seat. So really feeling as if I'm getting there now. Must try to fit in the walking whenever I can, as the most I got today was to and from the car and between the cinema and Nando's!

Take care and if you're got any more questions or concerns, we're here.

cocoa

congrats Jane18 on visiting the cinema I’m contemplating going fir short ride and picnic on Sunday just to get away from the house. Niw 3 weeks in and managing to do littke more each day ! Make cup tea! Roll fir lunch . Re arrange my flowers !! House husband doing well in his new roll keeping him busy !!
cocoa

cocoa

not heard from @ Fran54 how you doing ?
cocoa

cocoa

Fran54, Zimmer, Jane18

Got two pairs slip in s still can’t get them on so splashed out in pair wider sandals lots Velcro curtesy of video shop with my daughter ! Wound still not fully healed and had return visit tiday after yesterday due to dressing lifting and seeping nurse gave me long talk about the why’s and where fores just change the dressing please and let me out ! HD just been working out how to keep wound dry fir shower but not to be niw git wait till next Tuesday fir another appointment !can wash my hair over sink if stretch op leg behind like good old days! Lucky I have foot spa tog with willing husband to fill and empty it! @ zimmer happiest I was was straight after op comfy in recovery with own nurse and lots pillows knowing it WS over after all the anxiety and waiting think I actually smiled 😊asked the nurse what time was snd op had taken 1 hour 20 mins but was 3 hours befire they found me bed/room but lovely patio door overlooking garden own loo and tv never slept much that night and would have preferred to stay a week instead if one night !! Dint know why they bothered asking what I wanted to eat all next day ciz soon shipped me home ! Disappointed not to have the bolognese promised . At least good fresh food cooked in there not just packs sarnies thrown at you !! Take some cold drink in tho ! 3 weeks tiday soon passed ! Bed time now I think maybe I sleep past two hours tonight and won’t have to resort re watching Mandy on I player !
cocoa

Zimmer

@Jane18 I can't wait to be able to go, anywhere, and not have to worry if the seat will put me in excruciating pain. I have tried but have to resort back to my mobility scooter for comfort, but just want to be able to sit at a table like a normal person you know. I am treated so different when on my scooter, it's weird, like people feel that they can't speak normally to disabled people. Your recovery has been awesome Jane, I was sooooo jealous at your cinema visit. You are doing amazing 👏 . Thank you for the pep talk, it really has helped xx

@cocoa sorry that you having problems with your wound. Have you thought about getting waterproof dressings, some can be a tad expensive though, but I found Benaewa 10Pcs Adhesive Wound Dressings on amazon for £6.99 and as they stay on for longer than a day it might work out price wise. I discussed the topic of showering today, with the OT, who said that clingfilm can also be used with Hy-Tape or Hypafix to stick everything down and ensure a waterproof seal. I have a free standing shower though, so maybe that's why I was told 48hrs but either way I couldn't go weeks without showering, that would do my head in.

Thank you for saying about your anxiety levels and experiences because I'm being admitted the day before, so my levels are gonna be sky high. I'm not sleeping much now, I think that's down to my anxiety, so really can't wait for the 7th to be over and done with.

The fact that after 3 weeks, you have booked a trip to the coast has given me a boost, so thank you xx

Fran54

@cocoa

Hi. The slip-ins I bought were wide fitting, so that does help when my feet swell up. Even though I had a shower the other day, I noticed one small part of my wound is still "spotting" slightly. I noticed it this morning after getting up, so I phoned the hospital who advised me to contact my GP and make an appointment to see the nurse. This I have done, but won't be until next Wednesday. So back to strip wash at the sink for now, but everything else re the wound seems fine, no extra swelling or pain. Apart from that am now doing my physio exercises twice a day. Only walking round my patio today as weather has been rather unsettled, but managing to help out with meals now much to my hubby's relief!

Gradually sleeping longer in between toilet visits and hope you sleep better tonight. Take care.

Fran54

@Zimmer

most of us I am sure were quite anxious before our ops. and that is only natural. No doubt you are well organised with everything you need to help make life easier afterwards. If not mentioned before, a long handled sponge is so useful when in the shower so you are not bending to get to your feet. Also the long handled grabbers are also a must have and I have one in each room. I also doubled up on reading material/sudoku and puzzle books and a portable radio, which I have both upstairs and downstairs. It does save having to carry extra items up and down. If you have any other questions do feel free to let us all know as I am sure someone will be able to help. Take care.