Hip replacement, living alone and with responsibility for pet.

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 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

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

Two-week review already. I feel as if I've made substantial progress, although recovery is still very gradual. The worst is the pain in my lower back, which gets more acute by the evening, making sitting for more than 30 mins uncomfortable. I raised this with the physio and she has adjusted my exercises slightly, as one was putting a strain on my back. But the seated gentle yoga stretches I've been doing are beneficial.

I am walking a few steps more each day, and today managed nearly 10 mins, with a couple of brief pauses.

Getting in and out of a car for the first time since I left hospital was challenging and I was glad to have someone to help with my crutches, although when I go next week I may try a taxi. Depends how I get on over the next few days. But I am down to 3 doses of paracetamol daily and don't need the codeine at all on some days. Although I've always resisted strong painkillers, I am heeding the advice and taking them when it seems necessary, to get some healing sleep.

So that's me for now, and I am so glad I took the decision to have the THR.

Thank you everyone for your supportive comments. Day 16 since the op and when I look back over my earlier posts and reading other people's diaries I feel as if I have made a lot of progress. I am still using 2 crutches outside, and mainly indoors as well, as it becomes painful just trying with one except for a few steps. I was wondering when others felt comfortable moving to just one crutch and how they transitioned to this stage.

Doing much more independently now, which is good because my care finishes tomorrow. Will be nice to get back to a routine of my own, with a few more visits from friends now I feel up to it. My cat will miss all the attention and I will have to adjust to looking after him on my own, but I know I can manage his bowls with grabbers and have the long-handled feeder to try for his water. And the long-handled litter scoop. He will just have to be patient with me!

Since the op, my operated leg feels a little longer, although it's still not as long as my other (left) leg. I will have to ask the physio on my next visit whether this is how it's going to be for now, or whether it might drop a bit more with time and exercise. At the moment I am still getting some pain in my right lower back, especially when sitting or lying for too long, and have to be careful not to overstrain it when out walking, but find that pausing even for a few seconds helps.

Back next week to have my wound checked again, so hoping this time the dressing can come off completely, as healing is taking longer than expected. But at least I only have a small dressing on now just for a tiny area which hadn't quite healed over.

Still taking it very slowly and making sure I get rest between any exertions like walking, doing exercises or light housework, but it does feel as if I'm improving in small ways each day.

Hi @cocoa so pleased you have a date for your op and hope all goes well.

I would never have believed a couple of weeks ago that I would get this far so quickly. Still have ups and downs, especially in this weather when it was too hot to go for my usual walk, but I did manage to get down the garden, feed the birds and water some pots, so small achievements. As others have said, the first couple of weeks are the most difficult, but they went so quickly and then I found a definite improvement. Still on two crutches when I go out, but indoors now I feel much more confident on one.

Sounds like you're well-prepared now for the op. All the best for next week and let us know how you get on.

Jane