Hip replacement, living alone and with responsibility for pet.

cocoa

@Jane18 I too had better sleep last night ! Must be the ions !! Only woke once . Phoned my exercise class yest and yes will welcome me back after 6 week ! Still going! Tried tai chi once but never coukd remember the moves without twisting spine snd as upstairs class not suitable fir me , took walk to duck pond with granddaughter tiday very quiet out this aft not much traffic so all good . 8 year olds do have a lot of empathy and has written me desert menu after lunch !! She is making a cake tomirro and we gonna do bit craft wirk whilst dad at work . Continuing with exercises but still struggling to move legs to side or lift leg when laying diwn . Just couple paracetamol a day now so all good x keep up good wirk glad your pets getting back to normal .

@Zimmer

One day at a time you will surprised how days pass and every day make littke more progress . Cold pack certainly helps at night just make sure put wrap on pack first and take painkillers regularly don’t wait fir them to kick in .i had to write all diwn ciz soon got in a muddle till was overdosing ! All the best to you in these early days

Cocoa

Jane18

Appointment with physio today went really well. I now have some resistance band exercises to do, to make it harder and strengthen my deeper muscles. And the good news is I can go back to full yoga practice, so downward dogs here we come! Going to book a 1:1 with my tutor to get some tailored exercises, but while I'm waiting I can get back to recorded classes.

Still some leg length discrepancy (1cm), but hoping the exercises, including tai chi and yoga, will help to adjust my balance a bit more by strengthening my legs. Plus going back to my osteopath to do some more work on my back, so maybe the difference will continue to be corrected.

Just one more physio appointment in 6 weeks then I will probably be signed off till my review in a year's time. So probably won't post much on this diary for a while unless there's anything new to report.

@cocoa, those were the exercises I found most difficult at first, but I came back to them after a few weeks and they felt easier. So hope it won't be too long for you. Good to hear you're doing more now.

Have a good week everyone and once again thank you for all your support.

Jane x

Zimmer

Hi all, I'd say that I'm back in the land of the living, but no, I'm really struggling with the fatigue, heat and excessive swelling which is down to my toes now. I've kept myself occupied by starting my recovery diary and shall post it either later on or tomorrow

cocoa

jane18

So glad you’ve had physio app snd can resume yoga ! I’ve got first physio this Thursday but this heat not good! Going fir day at sons tomirro he’s got air con ! Maybe do my exercises there tho there is a pub next door fir cold drink! Thank you so much for all help in getting thru this feel as if I am now nearing end of the beginning!! How did you discover one leg shorter than the other by the way? I’m still limping with one crutch but that prob normal at mo !

Zimmer

I also had my op in middle of heatwave and 5 weeks on now my foot is still bit swollen it’s all normal it does actually prevent you from overdoing it! In early days . Hope physio not too hard on you and you have plenty of meds that are effective. Each day brings a challenge just mark it off and get to the next one! Eat nutritious food keep hydrated and keep your chin up it’s done! Had lots visitors fir start but given up telling em of timetable that’s why good to chat in this site no one understands the pitfalls of dropping things going to the toilet or meds that don’t work or frustration if not being able to do something fir yourself . And the night waking , My husband was very lax to let go he really had taken over to the point where I had to say Look I really want to do this fir myself now!! Getting very independent now still can’t bend diwn but there are ways and means !! Looking forward to reading your trials and tribulations it’s all part of the process !!
Cocoa

Zimmer

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/comment/736794#Comment_736794

Omg cocoa that's awesome news hon. You must be over the moon and so proud of yourself, well both you and Jane really.

Your granddaughter sounds just as lovely you and certainly made me smile. I really miss feeding the ducks, they are so goofy and make me laugh.

I've had to add an alarm for my tablets, as I don't usually take that many you know.

Zimmer

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/comment/736818#Comment_736818

Wow, resistance band training at 6 weeks, great news hon. PI 999⁹8iiu'll get full range of movement back, I assume not, but just wondered how much flexibility was retained. Although I am not even half as fit as you, I was very flexible belforehand and would be gutted if I've lost it all.

I hope the leg length sorts itself out, as that was one of my concerns. A centimeter doesn't sound a lot but it will lead to additional pain in the back etc innit.

Zimmer

Omg, I keep nodding off and dropping my phone on my face. I tried editing my post @Jane18 but it's glitching. Do you think you'll get full range of movement back, was what I was trying to write lol.

Oh and @cocoa and @Fran54 I just started my diary xx

Jane18

Glad you're back home @Zimmer and take it easy in this hot weather. All the recent 'hippies' seem to have been recovering during a heat wave, but it will soon cool down again. Look forward to reading your diary.

Re leg length, a cm isn't a lot compared with the difference I'd developed before the op. The surgeon worked hard to adjust it, but maybe there's always been some discrepancy. With the resistance band exercises, along with the tai chi and yoga, my operated leg will become stronger so that I will be able to walk more confidently (at the moment when not using my crutch I'm still limping a little when walking). @cocoa, I could feel there was some discrepancy, but at my last visit my physio measured my legs and confirmed the cm difference (84 on the right and 85 on the left). She said they don't recommend shoe inserts at anything less than 2cm, so I am hoping over time my walking will become easier. I'm also going back to my osteopath to see if he can do some more work on my back, which should help.

I can already feel the effects of the resistance band exercises and yesterday did 20 mins of yoga. Not easy getting down on the mat for the first time for over 2 months (I'm now week 9 since the operation), but I managed it with blocks to lean on. It was hard work and I have a long way to go before getting back to my previous level, but I was surprised at how flexible I was compared with how limited I had become before the hip operation. Hip openers have become easier, although I'm still being cautious at the moment. And even balancing on one leg, just touching the wall for support when standing on my operated leg, was possible for a short time. Feel a bit stiff today, of course, so taking it relatively easy.

So over time, with all the strength and stretching exercises, I'm hoping that I will become much more flexible and be able to extend my movements, although there will be some that won't be advisable, such as certain poses where I am twisting/crossing my legs. Both yoga and tai chi are great for balance and body strength, but I might also try pilates, which is often recommended for building core strength and flexibility after a hip operation. Not sure where I will fit it all in, though, now I've resumed my busy life!

Take care,

Jane

Zimmer

Lmao Jane, trying to squeeze everything you missed over the years, into a few weeks. I used to do aerobics, until I tried pilates. I can remember thinking, how are these small movements doing anything and then my legs nearly gave way leaving the class. Absolutely fabulous exercise.

I can imagine how you felt though, re: cautious, as we haven't been able to do things like that for so long that a little of our self confidence disappeared with it. But you are doing very very well hon, I must admit that I am a little envious.

If you have time, please can you read day 6 of my diary as I'm a bit concerned about something. X

Jane18

You're probably right @Zimmer, making up for the time lost over the weeks before the op and then immediately after when I was recovering for the first period and taking care to do everything slowly and gradually.

But it continues to amaze me after getting over the initial 5-6 weeks post-op how much I've been able to start doing again, so the wait was definitely worth it. Having got back to my yoga and tai chi, I feel that while I still have a long way to go to return to the flexibiity and fitness I had a year or so ago, I am closer to that stage than I was for a while before the operation. And each day brings a little more progress.

Yesterday, after another trip to the cinema and lunch with a friend, I took the bus for the first time since the op. Very crowded and standing room only, but it felt fine and I topped it with getting off early and walking the rest of the way home. No doubt over-confidence prompted by the wine consumed over lunch, but it felt good to be back to doing more of my normal activities. And at least I had time to fit in a good rest afterwards, so not pushing myself too much.

You still have a way to go in your recovery and pacing yourself over the first few weeks is really important for the healing process. I hope you managed to see the district nurse today and that you could get your wound checked to make sure everything is OK. I'll keep an eye out for any updates in your diary.

Jane x

Zimmer

AAh Jane, thanks for that, I laughed out loud then seriously.....getting off the bus, full of wine courage lol. But I tell you what, most people wouldn't have had the self confidence to do what you just did, for fear that someone would bump their leg etc, as you probably didn't even have crutches, both figuratively and physically, either did you? You're coming on leaps and bounds, pun intended 🤪 and hon you should seriously pat yourself on the back for that achievement.

I'm in bed today, icebag on hip, feet in the air and praying the district nurse comes today, as I have a small drop of blood on me undies where the dressing is leaking from. I did far too much yesterday as I'm knackered now, so will probably have a wee nap I think.

At the time I felt, as you say, normal for five minutes and that's the thing isn't it, we're chasing after our pre-arthritic selves, making up for lost ground and any other metaphor you can think of lol, it's only natural. So having to "go slow" again is more frustrating than before the op I find, cos then we could do nothing about it. So yeah, I've given myself the lecture and will stay in bed for a bit, cos I need to get the swelling down anyway.

Take care lovely xx

cocoa

@jane 18

Wow your doing so well yoga snd tai chi ! I had my first physio after op tiday had us all walk across the room then saud can leave crutch behind niw unless get really tired and find self limping . Forget all exercises already done and concentrate on at least 5 new ones 3 times a day every other day . Lot to remember then gave us a sheet sbd watched us try the exercises . Stand from sitting lift 5 kg weight stand on operated leg on step sbd off fir balance forwards and sidewards . Lay diwn do clam move with back against wall stop you rolling back ! Tie resistance band round legs open legs and move sidewards mine promptly undid snd shot off like a catapult . Stand in operated leg and throw catch ball off wall . All fun stuff especially as he was a big muscly ex Olympic athlete !!with a thin puny trainee with him who looked terrified All women in there 👍then fill in form of experiences sbd what can do in the furst four weeks .eg shop on own round supermarket ? Clean the house ? I did question that as the difference between 2 snd four weeks was immense sbd form needed adjusting ! Written by some boffin in the gov!
zimmer

Glad you back in land of living / drugged I was at that stage !! My dressing still leaking st 4 week stage but apparently normal even if there’s swelling suze if an egg ?! My ankle and foot still swelling every day I’m sure they hit my ankle bone with hammer . Physio thought that was funny saud keep eye on it well as I still can only get sticky sandals on have to ! Keep taking rests well dint get up till late after exercises then as soon as walk around up like a balloon again hecssud coukd take a year ?! What ! Trouble is brain more forward thinking than body . Going to bungalow on coast fir weekend change scenery already packed comfy clothes ! Only hour sbd half away but will stop halfway husband driving ! Git books to read no exercise sheet ! X and look weather gonna cool diwn .how do I find your diary zimmer I have trouble finding way round this site

Cocoa

Jane18

@Zimmer, hope you got your visit from the district nurse and that everything's OK. Sounds a good plan to get some rest and focus on recovery for now. And it won't be long until you can start doing more, so make the most of the relaxation time. I caught up on reading, listening to radio and occasional TV, although found myself dozing off frequently in those early days. It was reassuring to have no plans or responsibilities for a couple of weeks, apart from getting myself better day by day. I can't say it was easy at first, with the early stages of pain and adjusting to sleeping on my back, but that soon passes. Hard to remember now I'm 9 weeks on, so it doesn't take long once the initial stages are over.

@cocoa, sounds as if you are making good progress. Those physio exercises sound similar to the ones I was given. You will soon find the resistance band exercises build up strength. Your break on the coast sounds just right, so hope you have a lovely time.

My weekend less interesting, but I have a yoga class tomorrow so will see how I get on with the full works. No doubt be hobbling around on Sunday!

Zimmer

@cocoa wow those exercises sound intense, especially as I'm still struggling to do the one from the hospital, but I'm sure it'll get easier with time.

Thanks for saying about your dressing cos I'm getting worried about it, especially as I think it's starting to smell, and looks like it can explode at any moment, but hopefully the district nurse will around today to sort that out.

But yeah, the swelling is a hard beast to tame even with ice bags and as you said, you think oh good the swelling in my foot is better and then you stand up and it explodes again.

Hope you have a lovely trip to the coast, I've always found that the sea air makes me feel better, but also knackering for some reason, but I think it's because I have an infinity for the ocean and it always relaxes me. Watch out for the chip stealing seagulls though os they're sneaky buggers. I'll tag you from my diary so you'll get the notification k xx

Zimmer

@Jane18 I'm finding that I'm unable to concentrate on anything and find everything so tiring, even thinking, so have had to write it in Google docs before transferring to here. Suffering with chronic fatigue syndrome doesn't help, so "making" myself do something has become the norm for me, which is probably why I overdid it the other day doh.

Jane18

Hello @Zimmer, sounds as if you need to listen to your body and not force yourself to do too much at the moment. The after-effects of the operation itself are enough to exhaust you at first and I found I just had to give in to it and do as little as possible for a while. As you can tell from my diary now, it doesn't take too long once you've got over the early stages to start getting back to where you were before and then gradually it becomes even better. But I had to tell myself to give it time for a few weeks.

If the District Nurse hasn't visited you yet, maybe you should chase them up or get someone else to do it for you in case there's been a hiccup in communication. With the weekend coming up, you want to be reassured that everything's OK. I didn't experience any problems like that, but if I had I would have been on the phone straight away to my GP or the hospital to get it checked, just for peace of mind. I don't know where you live, but there should be a direct number for the District Nursing team in your area.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Jane

Zimmer

Thanks Jane, district nurses came today thank goodness. Everything is perfect, and my other half had to have a look at the wound and said it-s barely gonna be visible once healed.well happy

Jane18

@Zimmer, so pleased you got your visit from the district nurse and that everything looks fine. That must be a relief for you. And good news about the scar when it's healed. Mine also seemed fairly neat after a few weeks and now is just a fine dark line down the back of my hip, from what I can see when peering over.

Today I felt even more progress, as I went to my tai chi class and was able to stand for the whole hour, apart from two brief pauses when I sat down for a breathing exercise and then when my tutor was explaining something, so I thought why stand for that! And I felt able to extend the exercises far more than last week, when I was being ultra-cautious, so apart from being able to kick my unoperated leg in the air (still pretty wobbly trying to balance on the operated one), I'm getting back to where I was in the early days before the hip got so bad.

Once you are past the early stages of recovery, you should have plenty to look forward to compared with how you felt before the operation. Enjoy your weekend and at least you can now be reassured after the nurse's visit.

Jane

Zimmer

Thanks Jane and omg that's fabulous news. So happy for you xx

Jane18

Thanks @Zimmer and glad that things are going better for you and hope that each day gets easier.

I thought it would be helpful in my account here to reflect on my specific circumstances to give context for my hip operation. Hence quite a lot of discussion about coping when living alone and looking after a cat, as well as getting back to former levels of fitness through activities such as tai chi and yoga, as these were the issues that particularly concerned me when deliberating on when or even whether to have the operation. One of my reasons for deferring the operation in the first place is that I didn't want to give up the activities I loved and was worried that I would be much more restricted after the operation. I have been so relieved that it has only taken me a few weeks to get back to them and that I am more flexible already than I had become in the months before the operation. And from other accounts, I know I have further to go!

I know everyone's situation is different and that's what makes all these hip diaries unique. When I was first diagnosed and feeling so shocked and anxious about the whole process, I found a great deal of comfort in reading some of the diaries on here and getting feedback from this community. So am hoping that anyone contemplating a hip replacement who has similar concerns will be reassured that it is possible to get through the early stages with careful planning. For me having this operation has made all the difference and really has given me my life back.

Jane

Zimmer

@Jane18 exactly, the world would be a boring place, if we were all the same🙂.

I too took a lot of strength from people's diaries and although I had made the decision to have surgery straight away, they helped quiten the 'what if" anxiety monster, helped me to prepare and felt part of the community,, eventhough I wasn't a full blown "hippie". I had been on a mobility scooter for years before they found out that it was my hips and not my knees.

We just have to relearn what our bodies can do and try not to dwell on the past, as this operation WILL change our lives for the better, not worse.

cocoa

Jane18 and zimmer

Such good advice and encouragement from you ! Especially to have patience move at own speed . We’re all different . Not been to the coast yet that comes with my daughter and grandkids end of month but wary as even with couple days in sticks I have felt exhausted and still needed 2 hours rest each afternoon and 10 hours at night! Enquired about hiring a mobility scooter but was told not to use on prom sand bad fir wheels makes em stick and battery can burn out ?!won’t be able to get up slopes either . But will be too far for me to walk from where staying to sea front . Maybe a Seg 😂I have noticed one thing how difficult it is fir disabled people to get from A to B and I’m not even in that category only temporary I hope. Taking far longer than I thought to get over this I need more patience !! Now almost 6 weeks . I don’t drive but not confident to get in bus yet to town and some of these new young drivers don’t even want to stop to pick customers up Ha! Or lower the step befire take off ( get fined if late apparently)

Wishing you all well my nap time now !!

Cocoa

Jane18

@cocoa, I still have to use one crutch when walking any distance, because I haven't quite got rid of my limp yet, and although I don't have to stop as many times as before, I find I get tired quite quickly so can't walk for more than 15-20 mins without a pause. I'm improving slowly, but think it's going to take a while till I'm confident without a stick and taking longer walks. Took me 9 weeks till I felt able to get on a bus again. So you will get there, but yes, patience is required!

Naps are an important part of life as well. I love mine when I get a chance 😴

Zimmer

@cocoa yeah sand is our nemesis, so unless you have a wheel chair that's fitted with sand wheels you are sol I'm afraid. I had to use my rollator on the sand and it was such hard work, the wheels dig in the sand so you are shoving, rather than walking, behind the rollator and if the tide turns then you start sinking. The salt kills anything it touches, so because I forgot to run fresh water over it, my brand new rollator seized as the wire for the cables just rusted overnight.

But, you can hire one to get you from a to b without taking it down on the sand hon. I've done that before no problem, and with regards to slopes, it will work but will be extremely and I can't express this enough, extremely slow and will eat the battery level. Sand can make it slip so stay off the ramps going down, but if you're worried that someone may steal it, then the scooter will have a free wheel function so someone, not you, can push it up and you can remove the key anyway.

And with regards to the bus, I bet those drivers would be fined a lot more if you fell due to their negligence over time keeping, but I know what you mean, you have to rebuild your self confidence levels, but when you are reliant on others it's really hard innit.

I do hope you can find a way hon, what about a wheelbarrow? Hope that made you laugh, but you know I'm only joking I hope xx

cocoa

jane18 nearly 6 weeks now and pace seemed to have slowed ! Just had second physio date thru and guess what it’s when I’m away so have phone call to make tiday ! Am not sure how far shoukd be walking outsude now but tried 20 mins on flat one crutch and was too much so will have to re think tiday . Was told new exercises every other day but struggle to get thru whole sequence anyway 3X as recommended !! You’re doing well ti actually able to get diwn on the mat !! I’m actually growing micro greens indoors now as trouble gardening yet to improve my nutrition ! Less sugar , etc more body building protein foods as well!! No one seems to push good diet foods in with exercise except of course water but not too much !!

Zimmer thank goodness you’ve warned me about sandstorms 😂befire I throw money away in hiring mobility aid fir promenade tho my 8 year old granddaughter gonna be so disappointed and my 43 year old son! Think that’s all they want to come on hol for !!!they can have one! I honestly never even thought of salt etc know some places hire beach buggies out now but not where I’m going . We’re gonna hire a beach chalet now fir couple days so at least can look out to sea once settled in there with my tea pot!! Hubby is looking forward to having few days relax whilst I’m away don’t blame him he’s been so good fir someone who couldn’t even boil an egg ( old school his mother waited on him hand and foot ) and he was a workaholic self employed befire he retired ! Still does a bit !
Great ti hear from you hope your progress ing. Still can’t concentrate on puzzle books etc ? Never could befire !! Like to be active really in my garden . Think I can trim butterfly bush now few mins at a time do bit dead heading practice standing on operated leg !!