My hip replacement diary

@swimmer60 I had restless legs before my op but fortunately, not now I have more of an ache in my back and sore heels so I'm padding everything out to try to get comfortable but it's not happening. My Fitbit is definitely not happy with my sleep pattern. I really hope your sleep improves, I think once our sleep is disturbed it is so hard to get it back on track.

And yes, I often seem to have aches, rather than pains, mainly the top of my thigh/groin area.

I have a sock helper and really couldn't manage without it as I hate having cold feet. It was really cheap to buy from the internet and surprisingly easy to use.

I agree there is different advice floating around. In my hospital they said a definite 'no' to raised toilet seats/chairs and I have to say although a little awkward I can manage but I'm quite short and am not sure how taller people cope and keep the 90 degree rule. I also had a nurse who insisted I had a shower when everyone else had clearly said no shower for two weeks. I had to sneak and have a wash and get dressed so she thought I'd managed alone as she told me she was coming back to help me.

Day 9

I feel I'm getting about better today, another bad night but not as bad as the night before. Got up at 5.00am had a drink and read then slept deeply in the chair. I think this may be the plan until I'm allowed to move around more. Definitely easier to get into and out of bed now. Steps definitely easier. Only taking paracetamols for pain. Bruise seems to be maturing. Exercising continuing to get a little easier each day. No nausea/constipation and enjoying a good, if easy to prepare, diet. Addicted to oranges and orange juice so I think my body is telling me what it needs. Most things I need to do around the house I can do, albeit not to previous standards.

@swimmer60 I think if you need the raised toilet seat it's good you've put it back on. My hospital said they prefer us not to use them as we'll struggle to cope when we go out. I admit I think I can only cope because I've a radiator and bath to use to haul myself up and down. I've definitely strengthened my arm muscles!

I keep looking at my shower and wondering how I'll cope. Mine is over the bath so I'll have to find a way to climb in first. I was thinking I'd be able to attempt it at two weeks but three will make me want to try an alternative solution. I haven't managed to wash my hair yet - just too complicated, so it's tied up, back, any which way I can to try to look semi-decent.

I was more relieved than on a high after surgery so I've not had such a high to fall from, but I can see what you mean. I'm hoping once over the two week marker progress might start to move faster and easier.

Take care everyone, x

Thank you, @Ellen it's reassuring to know it's normal and I really can't complain as everything else is going well. I feel fortunate.

Day 11

Happy to say I feel I am progressing. Managed to wash my hair this morning, I've a lot of hair and didn't feel I could stand for long enough up to now. Managing to do most things around the house albeit a little slowly. Been outside for my first walk - very slow, steady and short but I managed it. Paracetamol still coping with the pain which is less than the pain I had been living with. Surgery site can get a little sore but I keep plentiful soft pillows/cushions around and once padded it stops complaining mainly. Still struggling to get comfortable and sleep at night but resigned to getting up early, sometimes very early, then going into a deep sleep two or three times a day in the chair. All in all feeling very happy I've had it done.

Best wishes to all here, x

Day 13

Feeling really grateful to feel I've made progress again. Slept a little better, dozed a couple of times today, been for a walk and posted a letter, it's the little, normal things that are now possible that make a difference. Realising just how much pain I had been in for so long. I know it's different for everyone but I hope it helps people about to start this journey that in less than two weeks life is starting to feel more positive already.

Take care everyone, x

@swimmer60 Sometimes I think we get so tired not only from the surgery but from working out how we can do the things we need to do differently! I looked at the kitchen sink for my hair and then settled on the shower spray over the bath. I figured I'd manage to keep more water in the bath than the sink. I should be able to have a proper shower in a couple of days and as my shower's over the bath I'm already looking at the bath and wondering how I'll get in it. It's not the sort of thing I can ask anyone to help me with!

And yes, the wind and rain does make it hazardous and I admit I'm terrified of slipping, but equally felt I needed to get out and make an attempt. I thought my wellies would be easiest to put on and have the best grip. I hadn't thought far enough ahead and really struggled to get them off once home. I know my feet and ankles are a bit swollen which didn't help.

10 weeks and you're walking 6 miles - that's absolutely amazing - well done. And on the floor for pilates - I can't imagine a time I will ever get on the floor again so I'll probably be asking for instructions. Before surgery I actually got down on the floor a couple of times and couldn't get back up easily. I even find my normal exercises difficult on my bed - the standing ones are far easier.

It sounds as though you'll be more than ready for proper gardening soon and it is motivating to think I might not be too far behind you, take care, x

Day 15

Went for my wound check today and the nurse removed my dressing and said the bruising and swelling were normal and she was happy with them. I have a 'lumpy' bit at the top of the scar which she said was normal too. I've had my first shower and life seems to be returning to some kind of normal again for which I'm very grateful.

I'm finding I'm not using two sticks, and sometimes not even one, around the house although outside I feel I need two and feel unsafe without them.

I'm still only on paracetamol and sometimes I have to remind myself to take them, whereas until recently the pain reminded me. I am wondering when I will be able to reduce them. I have finished my injections to prevent blood clots and the doctor has now put me on 150mg daily of aspirin daily for a month and I suppose this is controlling pain too.

Still struggling to sleep/get comfortable at night but sleeping easily and deeply throughout the day,.

Hope everyone else is going on well, xx

Day 17

I've been home two weeks today and looking back I am so much better than then and feel so lucky.

I actually slept almost normally last night which I found amazing. I woke up, but got back to sleep, even after bathroom visits. By the time I got up my paracetamol was overdue but I didn't really feel the need for it, although I am taking it regardless for now. A few days ago I was always alerted by pain around an hour before it was due.

I went for a slightly longer walk but still not far. I seem to be using my sticks for confidence rather than leaning on to them as I was doing pre-op. It's so nice to walk without constant pain and creaking and cracking.

Take care all, xx