My hip replacement diary

@Nurina Absolutely - I'm so happy to have joined the Trendelenburg club rather than just having an unnamed awkward muscle! I never considered mental damage pre surgery but it is worth realising it is going to happen. Left alone and in pain and seeing how some people step up and are wonderful with us and others drift away leads to many different emotions at a time we are feeling vulnerable. And yes, my favourite type of travel is to meet up with friends at events but to travel there and back independently, by interesting train journeys wherever possible, which I wondered if I would do again, but I'm giving it a go. I've planned it all very carefully so I've very little walking to/from transport and accommodation/events and I'm determined to travel light!

@JPT - that's exactly how I feel - to start again and decide what we really want out of life. I've actually quite enjoyed being able to say no to events I didn't really want to go to, knowing I had a valid excuse/reason. Now I'll just have to upset people by saying no, I'd rather not 😳. And I really can't believe it's almost four weeks for you too.

Just another couple of thoughts on my chiropractor's advice. He said he was concerned when summer came as it was tempting to use unsuitable footwear. He really advised me to be careful and choose supportive shoes and sandals, which he realised would be a challenge. I've made a start - I've taken a huge bag of shoes I can really only describe as 'occasion/wedding' shoes to the charity shop. Now to look for something reasonably attractive but supportive?

He also advised to think each time I was walking outside - heel down first, followed by outer side of foot, then onto the ball/toes which would stop me from pointing my foot inwards and use the correct muscles. I do find I still have to pace myself, even in the house. I've just done some baking and had to sit down afterwards, but at least I can do it painlessly now.

Hoping you all have good Easter weekends, x

@Nurina it's a good idea to take foldable Nordic walking poles out. It's also good to hear consistent advice, my chiropractor said the same thing - to avoid limping. I'm struggling so much with my painful wrist that I wouldn't dare use walking poles just yet, or any kind of support, so I just avoid walking long distances, and walking too fast, both of which soon make me limp or sore. But that's okay as it's much better than before, and with patience and perseverance I'm determined to get there. It's great that you can easily and painlessly walk 5km with crutches.

I love the sound of your wedding boots! I do prefer to wear boots but must find some more supportive sandals. I'm not sure why I kept my enormous bag of shoes for so long as I hadn't worn them for years. Definitely a bit of comfort and quirkiness is going to be my way to go.

I'm interested to hear what your physio has to say. I've just realised that I don't think my knees are collapsing now so maybe that's a time thing too?

Enjoy your weekend too x

@Nurina that's a very interesting analogy regarding the rubber band, makes perfect sense, thank you. Actually I've walked twice as far as normal today painlessly using the method my chiropractor told me to use. Heel down first, then outside foot through to ball of foot for each step - I did it consciously with each step so it was a bit tedious but successful and so I assume it will become normal with enough practice. We really can have been using bad practices for years can't we? Thank you for the exercises - they all make sense.

I've already taken my shoes to the charity shop - they were putting out Spring time wedding displays and I thought they might make a bit of money for the charity and really I just wanted rid of them. I'm busy trying to catch up with decluttering, tidying and cleaning that has been neglected for at least a year so maybe I'll try Vinted next? Thanks for the idea.

Hope you enjoy the rest of the Easter break, x

@Zimmer it's so true that we lose such precious time - before my surgery I was so frustrated with all the things I couldn't do and avoiding socialising as it was too painful, too much effort and I might snap at people as my patience wasn't what I was used to, but slowly now all that is returning to normal and life has joy I had lost.

And no need to feel like a peeping Tom - we need to know how we feel is how others feel and to learn what might be ahead for us or even possible.

Take care, x

@alwayssewing it's great coming here and knowing we all understand - it really does make it easier to cope with people doesn't it? I was at an event today and I knew a lady helping with the catering had her hip replaced last September. There she was dealing with all the food/guests and no one taking any notice. I asked her how she really was and although she was doing well she was concerned she still doesn't feel steady on her feet - whether that's confidence or not she doesn't know.

It takes us such a long time to get our muscles back and performing doesn't it? Poor you though, still waiting for your other hip and knees to be done, take care.

@alwayssewing thank you, I've just looked him up and watched his exercises. I think I'll give them a go too, I can see they would work well.

Week 23 (I think?) - all of a sudden I can see it'll soon be six months since my surgery and although progress seemed slow and steady initially the last month has seen real progress, hence me not managing to get on here as much as previously.

I've looked at my bike but not ready yet, but walking is up to over 10,000 steps a day. On a day out in London I even managed over 19,000 steps with no problems the day after. It's amazing really. This afternoon I was rolling around on the floor with my 2 year old and 5 year old grandchildren. I've given my sock helper away, I've relegated my long-handled sponge to a bath cleaner as I can now reach my feet to wash them without it. I'm making slow, but steady, progress catching up with the neglect of 12 months in my house and garden.

If anyone is thinking their progress is slow please have faith it should improve, most likely when you don't expect it to!