Hip replacement, living alone and with responsibility for pet.

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Comments

  • fReedom
    fReedom Member Posts: 21

    Well done, you have done well on preparing. You will notice the difference straight away. Keep at the physio and drink lots of water. The medication from hospital will be good. Say yes to any household items they offer at hospital for free, higher toilet seat, free crutches, seat. Once you have done stairs you'll be able to go home. Have you moved your bed downstairs to aid recovery ?

  • Jane18
    Jane18 Member Posts: 26

    @fran54 everything feels a tiny bit more manageable today, although still taking it very carefully. Think the cat has almost forgiven me, but soon turns his attention to the carers when they open a tin! Giving up the codeine now and just on paracetamol, as though I'm stiff when I first move the pain isn't too bad. So hoping for more progress tomorrow, although will be prepared for setbacks.

  • Jane18
    Jane18 Member Posts: 26

    Well, leaving out the codeine didn't last long. By midnight when I woke I realised I wasn't going to get much sleep with the ache in my hip. I also have arthritis in my back which doesn't help. Although I avoided painkillers as much as I could before the op, I realise from the advice that decent sleep is important for the recovery process. So not punishing myself and just taking the meds I need when I need. For now, at least, in this stage of recovery. But other than that, managing quite well.

  • Fran54
    Fran54 Member Posts: 316

    @Jane18

    yes it can be very tempting to leave off the painkillers prescribed by the hospital especially if you are not used to taking them and they can have side effects like constipation, but a good nights sleep is one of the most important things. I used to say in my head "sleeping is healing " when going to bed each night. Cats can be very forgiving where food is concerned☺️

  • Jane18
    Jane18 Member Posts: 26

    @Fran54 Thank you for the feedback. I definitely heeded my body and took 2 codeine at night, which helped. It's been really good reading @JPT's hip recovery diary from the start, as I am finding everything more challenging now. On my first 2 days at home (days 2 & 3 after the op) I felt I was doing quite well, but that was before the swelling started and I felt the pain in my right hip and buttock more intensely. Today (day 5 after the op) I am struggling more to get in and out of bed, having thought I'd worked out a technique with the leg raiser (which has been so useful). If I overthink it I hesitate more. And reading about everyone's experiences here has been reassuring to know that many people have had similar ups and downs. On the plus side, I managed not only a strip wash but also washed my hair without flooding the bathroom. So some positives to celebrate. And cat is very forgiving and being considerate. I've been doing the physio exercises at odd times, like 4am, just to loosen up my body when I get so stiff from lying down, but still limited movement so far. When I get frustrated I just go back to other people's diaries to remind myself to be patient.

    Jane

  • Fran54
    Fran54 Member Posts: 316

    @Jane18

    yes it was about day 3 when I noticed the swelling started in my right knee down to my ankle. When I mentioned this at my first follow up appt. I was advised that it could last for up to a year. It eventually went down gradually but took quite a few months. Also I was advised to elevate the leg as much as possible after the op. Mind you, everyone is different and heal at different times so try not too worry too much. Well done for washing your hair! I bought one of those no water shampoo hoods which look like a shower cap which you activate the substance by massaging your scalp for a few minutes then remove and dry hair as usual. It helped but not as good as actually washing your hair properly. Well worth a try if you get desperate! I have never tried the dry shampoo so not sure about that.

  • Jane18
    Jane18 Member Posts: 26

    @Fran54

    I hadn't heard of that shampoo hood so that is helpful advice. Fortunately I had my hair cut very short before going in so there's not much to wash. I am getting used to the swelling and trying to keep my leg up when I can - as long as I can get it down again which took me a while the first time, but then I dug out an old exercise theraband which helps me to lift it. Any little gadgets to aid mobility. At least in this weather I don't need socks. It's a slow process and I have to keep telling myself that things will improve, just more slowly than I'm used to. The support on this site from you and others who have been through the same experience helps to sustain me.

    Jane

  • Jane18
    Jane18 Member Posts: 26

    I just stepped outside the back door for the first time since I came back from hospital on Wednesday. Two steps to negotiate and it felt a bit daunting as I was on my own, but it was so good to be out in the fresh air again. Just a few minutes outside, but I hope tomorrow I can dare the front, which is a bit more tricky and no grab rails. And start to show my face round the neighbourhood again. I know everyone's experience is different, but wondered how many steps others took on their first time out?

  • Zimmer
    Zimmer Member Posts: 63

    Just saw your posts and wanted to send you good vibes in your road to recovery. I am loving how many people are getting their lives back and can't wait for it to be my turn.

    I have a fitness assessment Monday, which I know nothing about, but remain hopeful that I can have the op.

    Good luck hon xx

  • Jane18
    Jane18 Member Posts: 26

    Thank you, it's so good to get encouragement from others going through the same experience. Good luck with the assessment on Monday. If it's anything like mine there will be lots of forms to fill in and repeated questions, but they are thorough. Let us know how you get on x

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