My THR journey

Bevdav123
Bevdav123 Member Posts: 60
in Living with arthritis

Today is day 11 , I’m still needing Co codamol during the day and I’ve got Oramorph for break through pain during the night, I only take the smallest amount as I don’t want to become reliant on it, it was actually a dry sunny morning so ventured out for a short walk, felt good to be doing something normal, felt shattered this afternoon but I can see that I’m doing something different every day that I couldn’t do the day before, the nights really are the worse for me, just so uncomfortable trying to lay on my back, but I am sleeping a little bit longer before waking to get comfortable again. Stitches come out on Tuesday and I’m really looking forward to having a shower! Hopefully the weather will get better so I can carry on with my walking, but as I’m writing this the heavens have opened ( where is all this rain coming from) fingers crossed I sleep a bit better tonight, off to do my exercises now, never a dull moment 😂 Bev x

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Comments

  • Fran54
    Fran54 Member Posts: 243

    @Bevdav123

    It sounds like you are progressing really well. At least with the better weather now ( hopefully ) it will be better conditions for going out walking. I also sleep on my back, but that is because of the arthritis in my hips and knee and cannot sleep on my side. I have got used to it now, so hope it will stand me in good stead for when I get my hips done.

    One thing troubling me is the issue of getting in and out of bed after the op. At the moment I hold onto the bed sheet and lift both legs up and sort of roll into bed! I do have a step and wondered if I stood on that when trying to get in to bed that might help? Hopefully each day you will make a little bit more progress. Take care🙂

  • JPT
    JPT Member Posts: 171

    @Bevdav123 you're doing really well, remember it's very early days still. Nights were really difficult for me and napping during the day in a chair did help. I did get used to sleeping on my back eventually and now two months on I can sleep on both sides as well.

    Keep going, you're doing great. Julie x

  • Janlyn
    Janlyn Member Posts: 508

    @Bevdav123 You are doing well - you've brought memories back and after 11 days I definitely felt over the worst and could do just that little bit more each day. Well done getting out for a walk, it gets easier, although I found myself having to have a nap after anything different for some time. But as we don't sleep properly at night for a while it's not surprising.

    You're right, there's never a dull moment!

  • Janlyn
    Janlyn Member Posts: 508
    https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/comment/722086#Comment_722086

    @Fran54 a step sounds an excellent idea to get in and out of bed after your op. And something to hold on to so you are safe. I found it really difficult and it was a few days before I could lift my operated leg as it was numb from the surgery. I know some people have used a leg lifter, or if you can manage to get a piece of plastic under your leg to slide on. Take care.

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,880

    Well you are doing well @Bevdav123 !

    Out walking already.

    Sleeping on my back is so painful for me you have all my sympathy and I do think the nights are teh worst for everyone. You aren't sleeping properly, you are in some discomfort/pain and you feel as though the rest of the world are fine and sleeping soundly!

    Small but significant steps I can see😊

    Take care

    Toni x

  • Bevdav123
    Bevdav123 Member Posts: 60

    @Fran54 yes a step is a good idea, it was a bit uncomfortable at the start but I’m getting the hang of swivelling my legs onto the bed now.

  • Bevdav123
    Bevdav123 Member Posts: 60

    Day 12, Well since I’ve had the op I’m constantly up during the night weeing! Four times last night! I’m shattered, is this normal? Before the op I’d get up at least once a night, but 4 is a bit excessive! I am drinking more ( can’t get enough fresh orange juice) it’s like being pregnant! 😂 Perhaps I’ll watch how much I drink today to see if it makes a difference, apart from that I didn’t have as much pain last night, which is a bonus, going to wash my hair this morning, everything takes so much effort doesn’t it, I’ll feel better feeling a bit fresher, weather is looking a bit hit and miss here in Wales today, going to Home Bargains for a wander today I know how to rock n roll 😊hope you all have a lovely bank holiday Bev x

  • Fran54
    Fran54 Member Posts: 243

    @Bevdav123

    thank you for your reply. I bought the step originally to help me get in and out of the bath, but having had my bathroom redone ( I was anticipating future mobility issues ) I now only have a walk-in shower which is a lot easier. I have kept the step and may try it out before my op. Weather here today in London is rain rain and more rain, but they do forecast a warmer/drier few days ahead.

    I have also bought those shower caps which encapsulate shampoo/conditioner, which you put on your head and massage until hair is wet, then towel dry and style as usual. I thought it might be easier for a while after my op. Not sure if it will work and I wonder if anyone else has tried this? Enjoy your shopping.😊

  • JPT
    JPT Member Posts: 171

    @Bevdav123 it's normal to be up several times a night in the early days, don't forget you are taking regular painkillers so drinking more than usual probably.
    I love the idea of the shower cap - I just managed to hold on for about four days before I got hubby to help using the shower over the bath. It wasnt perfect but managable and I felt so much better. If you haven's already - follow my thr recovery diary to see my progress. x

  • Nurina
    Nurina Member Posts: 384

    @Bevdav123 I used to get up three or four times per night the first weeks. I felt terribly hungry, thirsty, painful, grumpy…everything. My husband has to sleep downstairs until I could sleep more continously. If you've read my diary you will see how my nights were.

    I washed my hair in the bathroom sink stepping on a non slip mat to avoid accidents. Actually washing myself was much easier that I had imagined.

    You are doing very well!

  • Janlyn
    Janlyn Member Posts: 508
    https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/comment/722104#Comment_722104

    @Bevdav123 yes, four times a night when it's such a struggle to get in and out of bed is exhausting. It does improve, but it takes its time. Probably not a good idea to reduce fluids as if your body is craving them it must need them. Strange it's orange juice for you too - I never used to drink it and don't now but for a while after surgery I couldn't get enough either. Good that you didn't have as much pain last night - slow, steady progress. Hair washing and popping to Home Bargains - what are bank holidays for! x

  • Bevdav123
    Bevdav123 Member Posts: 60

    Day 13 Had my staples out today, only had 12, looked at my scar in the mirror looks quite neat, but joint of pork comes to mind 😂 ugh don’t think I’ll be looking at it anytime soon, still not sleeping very well at night. Day 14 The weather has changed for the better! Still not sleeping very well at night, but during the day the pain isn’t so bad. Decided I’m having a shower tomorrow! I’m so looking forward to it! I’m very easily pleased 😌. Day 15 The day has come, it’s shower time! Omg it was lovely and refreshing, just felt so much better, then dressed in a summer dress, (I really need to shave my legs) and sat outside in the garden, my daughter and 7 month old grandson came to visit, really missing having him on my lap, but he’s at the stage of bouncing on you, so think I’ll have to leave it a while before I can cuddle him, lost his dummy couldn’t find it anywhere, then look where we found it!

    IMG_7723.jpeg

  • Janlyn
    Janlyn Member Posts: 508

    @Bevdav123 oh dear, what a lovely, funny photo!

    I've found I'm pleased my scar isn't where I can see it without twisting and turning as it's neat too, but joint of pork does sound like a good description. Shower and summer dress sounds good but yes, a little longer before your grandson bounces on you is definitely a good idea!

  • Bevdav123
    Bevdav123 Member Posts: 60

    Day 16 Still having disturbed sleep, feeling shattered all the time, but having lots of nana naps, went for a walk not too far, but boy was it hot trying to walk with crutches, hands kept sweating and glasses kept slipping down my nose , I’m not complaining about the weather though, rain on Sunday here, missed the Northern Lights , hoping to stay awake tonight to see if we can catch them, hope everyone has a lovely weekend.

  • Janlyn
    Janlyn Member Posts: 508

    @Bevdav123 Oh, I know where you're at. Hope the constant naps help - they are healing, honest 🤔 Hope you're not walking too far - you'd know though if you were, not at the time, but afterwards.

    I went out in the dark to look for the lights last night and though I was the only one not to be able to see them, although I was watching the ground a lot as I'm still not steady on my feet in the dark!

  • Bevdav123
    Bevdav123 Member Posts: 60

    @Janlyn No I’m doing short walks, as you said boy do I know if I’ve done too much, hope we get to see the Northern Lights tonight….. if I can stay awake long enough 😂 yes tread carefully in the dark.

  • Bevdav123
    Bevdav123 Member Posts: 60

    Day 21 Well it’s 3 weeks since I’ve had my op, no 2 days are the same, but when I look back I can see I’ve come on so far, before I was discharged from hospital my consultant said that I didn’t have to wait the 6 weeks of laying on my back, that I could try it after 3 as long as I had a pillow between my legs, I’ve been really struggling with sleep and getting comfortable, so last night I tried the side sleeping, it was lovely but I was scared that I was going to flip back onto my operated hip, so I had bursts of about an hour on my side alternating with my back, that pillow was being flung around last night I can tell you lol anyway I had a bit more sleep last night, I’ve my physio appointment tomorrow (. 8.30am) so up early tomorrow morning .

  • JPT
    JPT Member Posts: 171

    That's great @Bevdav123 , I remember fighting with my pillow all night too! I was so glad to get rid of it in the end!

    Good luck with your physio.

  • Janlyn
    Janlyn Member Posts: 508

    @Bevdav123 Well done! I was allowed on my side early too and I only managed a few minutes before getting scared and going on my back but I think the most benefit was being able to move. Lying rigidly on our backs just doesn't seem natural at all. I admit I'm still using a pillow between my knees and it follows my tossing and turning all night - maybe it's time to try without it?

  • Bevdav123
    Bevdav123 Member Posts: 60

    Day 22 Saw the physio yesterday and she was really pleased with my progress, suggested I try one crutch when out walking ( and have my hubby carry the second one incase I get tired) I’ve got my new exercises, and been told I can now start walking on the stairs on my operated leg, I’m only just getting used to doing the opposite lol anyway more importantly I slept last night! I did get up for the bathroom once , and I was wide awake at 6.15am but I had about 7 hours ! I went to sleep on my side with a pillow between my legs, but I naturally went onto my back , who’d have thought that would happen?? Feel as if I could conquer the world this morning ! In reality I’ll do some dusting and give the hoover a once over but hey …. I slept last night! 😂

  • JPT
    JPT Member Posts: 171

    That's brilliant news @Bevdav123 ! Doesn't it feel great when you wake up and realise you did actually have a good night 😊

    And it's good to get reassurance from the physio that you are doing well, a good morale booster. x

  • Janlyn
    Janlyn Member Posts: 508

    @Bevdav123 Wow, well done. What a wonderful feeling. I know what you mean about sleeping - I sometimes now find myself on my back - unheard of previously. But good to have a choice.

    But sleeping and physio pleased with your progress is worth celebrating!

  • Nurina
    Nurina Member Posts: 384

    Well done @Bevdav123 You are doing very well. Sleeping well is so important, isn't it? Everything changes, the mood, the pain. With this fantastic weather you'll recover very soon. During my recovery it was rainy everyday!

  • Bevdav123
    Bevdav123 Member Posts: 60

    Day 28 Well I’m now on 1 crutch when out walking, the past few days have been 1 step forward and 2 steps back, I just need to learn to not push myself too much, I went out for a walk yesterday and I went too far, last night was pretty painful, not much sleep had at all, but I’ve been on a shorter walk today and I feel ok ( fingers crossed) lots of naps have been had today. My scar is looking good and I’m rubbing in the bio oil religiously, its a weird feeling around the scar still feels quite numb, but I’m told that i will get feeling back eventually. I’m also feeling more pain in my “good hip” I’m taking Co codamol 15/500 three times a day and I take 30/500 last thing at night. I’m really hoping that I can start cutting down on these soon, the rain has returned this afternoon so I feel another nana nap on the horizon 😊hope everyone is keeping well .

  • Nurina
    Nurina Member Posts: 384

    It's more two steps forward and one backwards. It's the normal rule for this process. I'm in my 4th month and my feeling is like looking at the moon. I don't see it's moving but I stop watching and I come back again, it's changed its position. I don't notice the improvements day by day, not even week by week, but if I look back, I'm really much better. You can't avoid thinking you are doing too much when you are sore but, again, it's just part of the process. You need to push forward to move on. There is no other way. When I feel I've been overdoing exercise, I rest the day after. Take care x

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