Hip replacement, living alone and with responsibility for pet.

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  • Zimmer
    Zimmer Member Posts: 85

    @Fran54 like with cocoa, have you any waterproof dressings as they are for postop wounds so they have antibacterial properties etc, so even if the wound is weeping you're still able to shower you know. I thought it was normal for the wound to leak a little, or does that have a time limit, as such?

    I laughed at your puzzle book suggestion though, as I have got three different ones and an online game and 3d jigsaws lol. I hate being bored and as I didn't know how much sitting I would be able to do, I even got macrame kits🤪😂🤣.

    My gel ice bags turned up today, glad I bought the XL ones hehe. Now all I gotta do is log onto Planty and order me some meals, cos he knows how to use the microwave at least 🤭.

    Hope your GP visit goes OK hon. Take care xx

  • Jane18
    Jane18 Member Posts: 70

    Appointment with the consultant today and everything seems to be fine. I asked about the leg length discrepancy and he said it should adjust itself over time, so to keep on doing the exercises, try to take longer steps now when walking and no inserts, as that would just maintain the discrepancy and stop my leg/hip adjusting. I saw the x-ray from after my op and it's very clear that there's a foreign object in my hip, but it has certainly changed it since the original arthritic bone and the position looks much better. I have yet another exercise to do twice a day, which is just lying with my knees bent and then allowing the leg to slowly fall outwards as far as it can, which is one I used to do before the op. There is still a long way to go and it will continue to get better slowly, which is encouraging. And for now, I'll continue to use my long-handled sponges for washing my feet in the shower and also applying moisturiser to my right foot, as bending is still slightly difficult and I have to be sure to get the correct position (which he showed me). I've made so much progress since the op, but I have to be patient and not try to do too much too soon. So apart from the physio appointment in a week, unless they think I need more physio, nothing else till a review in a year's time.

    So am going to try to get back to my tai chi class next week, but be sure to take it very slowly and gently. No twisting too far or crossing my legs and will sit down when I need to rest. And only chair yoga for the foreseeable future, but at least returning gradually to my previous activities.

    @Fran54 and @cocoa, hope your appointments go well next week. Although the swelling in my leg and foot has gone down, I can still only comfortably wear the wide-fitting pumps I bought. So still waiting to be able to wear slip-in trainers again for longer walks, but no doubt that will come eventually.

    @Zimmer, wishing you all the best for your op next week and for a good recovery. It will take time, especially in the early stages, but after a few weeks you will start to notice the difference. Let us know how you get on and if you have any questions or concerns before then, don't hesitate to ask, as there is bound to be someone on this forum who will be able to respond.

    Jane

  • Zimmer
    Zimmer Member Posts: 85

    Thanks @Jane18. Leg length was one of my concerns, as my hips are so bad. I asked the surgeon about that, as I was worried about it causing more back pain, due to my worn discs, but he said that it was usual to have one leg longer than the other and that there would be minimal difference, so, like you I hope that any difference will sort itself out over time.

    That exercise you were given, has been my nemesis. I can only move one leg like that and even then it doesn't open all the way, but the other, no chance. So after 8 weeks or so, the physio has you doing that!!, that's awesome hon and amazing how our bodies heal so fast. And going back to tai Chi, you go girl, your recovery period seems like a dream to me and just hope I can heal like you have. OK, I know, you've probably done so much hard work to get where you are now, but still, kudos hon 👏

  • Zimmer
    Zimmer Member Posts: 85

    Ooh, one thing I forgot to ask, have you all had to get wider fitting footwear, cos of the swelling?

  • Jane18
    Jane18 Member Posts: 70

    Hi @Zimmer, I already had a wider fitting for my shoes, as over the years I've found them more comfortable, maybe because of arthritis but perhaps feet change as you get older, I don't know. So after the op, I was fortunate to be able to dig out the Skechers pumps, which were the only shoes that felt OK to wear with my swollen feet. I've been trying to find some more in my size, but they're out at the moment, so they will just have to do till I can get into my other shoes again.

    I had quite a pronounced leg length discrepancy before the op, which was making walking even more difficult even with a stick and I was constantly hunched over because of the pain. But my surgeon managed to reduce it just to a few mm with the operation and said yesterday that it should adjust itself even more over time. I tried walking around the house taking longer strides without any support and it does seem to work - I found myself limping less this morning. Still wouldn't go out without one crutch at the moment, but I can see that I need to work on my posture and try to stand up straighter. So I'm hoping with some more physio I can do even more to address that. I may go back to my osteopath soon to see if he can do some more work on my back, which should also help. But it does show that your body takes a while to adapt to the new hip and that improvements continue over many months, if not years. So hoping for a continued transformation!

    It has taken me a while to get to where I am with the exercises and immediately after the op I found them all difficult for a couple of weeks, some taking even longer, so just did what I could and didn't push myself too much. It's important to keep moving after a hip replacement and try to build up muscle strength, but as others have also said, it's a matter of getting a balance, having plenty of rest as well and not straining your body. So just do a little, even if it's only a tiny movement. When I tried the clamshell for the first time after 5 weeks, my physio said I was doing really well, although it felt to me as if I wasn't doing much at all, so it shows that just a small movement can help. Another 3 weeks on and I am finding it much easier. I did do quite a lot of exercise before the op, including yoga, which is great for body strength, so had probably prepared myself as much as I could beforehand and that has helped with a faster recovery. But we all go at our own pace, so some people may take longer to heal. Nonetheless, the operation gives so much more potential, however long it takes.

    Good luck for next week and the start of your recovery and let us know how it goes when you can.

    Jane x

  • cocoa
    cocoa Member Posts: 60

    Fran54, @zimmer , jane18

    Thx fir all messages good to hear from you all. Bit the bullet yest git hubby to put chair in shower in case needed to sit as walk in shower . Covered tray with bath suze shower mat and took shower head off holder. Worked well could direct water away from dressing ( giant plaster waterproof type on niw )felt so much better and sitting diwn could wash left leg and foot ! Job to dry but hey ho all possible ! Went fir short ride in aft local cafe garden centre fir scone tea offer 2 fir 1 was the pull tho felt strange in the car. Can feel every muscle in leg now. Have taken self off all codeine now and just on paras 3 times a day as that was obviously causing allmy sleep disturbances . Just had natural sleep from 4 am tiday till 10 am feel sooo much better. It’s been long haul I’m almost 4 weeks . Looking forward to my hol end August now think will be ok xx @zimmer I’ve never been able to concentrate on any reading material since my op only tv !! And had so many puzzle books etc bought me coukd open newsagents !! I put it diwn to the drugs ciz I’m normally an avid reader ! Never lost appetite but certain things can’t eat with blood thinners still in this fir 33 days thi my sheet from hosp saud 7 days. It also saud I had had stitches but never so some discrepancy with discharge sheet. Still wearing compression sock ! Seeing the nurse Tuesday at gp surgery can move around one crutch now and sometimes forget altogether and limp along ! I had general anaesthetic by the way And pre med and other spinal anaesthesia ( just cold spray) and I was gone till in recovery . Wasn’t allowed to arrange none if that till op day which did give me anxiety ! But it is You’re Choice !! X

  • Zimmer
    Zimmer Member Posts: 85
    edited 5. Aug 2025, 00:26

    @Jane18 I'm so glad the surgeon was able to correct your leg length, as it does affect your back pain. I don't know if I can use a crutch, but I have been using nordic walking poles, which helped me to walk upright. I do use a rollator when the pain is too much, but find that I'm leaning on the handles a lot and am hunched over more.

    I know it's too late now, but what website did you use for the yoga, as I tried finding other exercises, but found none for my level of mobility. We are our own worst enemies though, when it comes to progress, believing that we haven't achieved anything. But as you said, any small incremental movement is a step in the right direction.

    And thanks for the shoe advice, I went and bought myself some skechers slip-ons online, and managed to snag them cheap, bargain 😀.

  • Zimmer
    Zimmer Member Posts: 85

    @cocoa I bet that shower felt heavenly, albeit a little awkward. I use a shower stool and noticed today, that I pick one leg up to swivel around, and also, how I get in and out of the shower. It's funny how you adapt and not notice, until you are mindful of your actions. It looks as though I'll need help after all,, until I am confident about doing it by myself. Just bought a shower caddy, bath mat for the shower and two suction cup handles.

    I'm so glad that you went out, I used to go to the garden centre for the cafe lol. I could taste that scone by the way, mmmmm jam and cream oh nom nom nom 😋.

    I know what you mean about the painkillers and can't wait to get off them, but may need to wait until I have the other leg done, as I have other issues. They've caused a few problems over the years, yes years, but things are solved by throwing painkillers at problems innit....not!.

    4 weeks! And you could limp around unaided, that's so impressive hon, you should be proud of yourself.

    I think I'll have a sedative to start, followed by an epidural for the main course and possibly further sedation for dessert, should I need it 😉. I'm just worried about how my weight will affect my breathing you know, should a general anaesthetic be used that is.

    3 days to go and I'm knackered, not sleeping, as I had to stop my much needed magnesium threonate. I'm lucky if I get 4hrs sleep, as I wake at least four times a night, so yeah I'm sooooo looking forward to a good night post-op sleep and then vegging out in front of the tv.

    Icebags in the freezer, check. Meals ordered from Planty, check. Toilet surround received today. Put everything in a bag, that I think I need, on my bed, check.

    Keeping myself calm, whilst my partner has to do everything, to make sure I'm comfy, has been the hardest thing for me. Semi-independence here I come lols.

    Hope your drs appointment goes OK hon, you've done amazing, remember that xx

    

  • Jane18
    Jane18 Member Posts: 70

    @Zimmer, my leg length discrepancy is much less than before the op and I am advised that over time it should adjust itself even more, so I have to work on my posture, especially when walking. It will take time, but already so much better than it was. I am now trying to take longer strides unaided indoors, but still take the crutch with me when I'm walking outside for security.

    I'm sure your medical team will advise you on walking aids after the operation. I'd already practised with crutches before I went it, so it didn't take long to get used to them afterwards, although I also had a frame to begin with for a few days.

    I had been attending yoga classes locally for a few years and during the pandemic my tutor gave online classes so we could continue at home. She still records her classes for customers like me who can't always attend in person, but they are more advanced. After the operation, these sorts of exercises aren't possible, even for experienced practitioners, so I am going to have to be patient. I am hoping to go back to my tai chi classes this week (more than 8 weeks since the op), but will have to take it very carefully and use a chair for some of the time. I've been told no yoga for a while, or at least no floor-based exercises, and some may not be advisable after a hip replacement, or I will need to make adaptations to keep them safe, as certain yoga poses can be very fierce on the hips. I already do some of the seated stretches for my back, shoulders and neck as my physio said those were OK. But if you're not familiar with yoga, I would suggest you ask your physio for exercises that will suit your body and level of mobiity.

    If you look on the Versus Arthritis website, there may be some gentle stretching exercises you could do. They also have a tai chi class, which is great for mobility over the longer term, but again wouldn't be suitable for several months after the operation. For the immediate term I would just work on the exercises your physio has given you and take them slowly and gently. Although I haven't been able to do the types of exercise I was used to before my operation, I am finding doing the ones I've been given by the physio have gradually increased my mobility, and with walking as well have been just enough for me at the moment.

    I don't know if you are used to doing meditation, but I found that meditation before the operation (including just before I went down to surgery) and afterwards has helped me with breathing, pain management and calming me when I get anxious or have difficulty sleeping. There are apps for mindfulness and meditation, some of which are free, although I haven't tried them.

    Well done on snagging a pair of slip-ins and hope you find them more comfortable. I couldn't do without mine.

    All the best for your op and recovery afterwards. Look forward to hearing about your journey.

    Jane x

  • cocoa
    cocoa Member Posts: 60

    @ zimmer snd jane18

    Yes! Wound closed up at last on 4 week mark still wearing compression sock and taking blood thinner tabs . Says take fir 33 days on box but 7 days on discharge sheet . Asked the nurse tiday which was correct. Oh don’t ask me she saud ask the hospital I’m not qualified ?! Anyway physio next Tuesday at hosp so ask then think time up then anyway ! Still not able to get my slip ins on but have some wide Velcro fit sandals !went fir hair cut tiday as getting Very thatch like . Amazing how you see lit things Not suitable fir disabled people . Eg state of paths roads kerbs not low and doors that swing into your face ! Take a seat receptionist saud in hairdressers as I looked diwn in very low sofa. Are you having a laugh I thought . Luckily my hairdresser came to rescue sat me in adaptable chair fir dry cut ! Into Costa no such thing as chairs with arms in there !balanced in edge sofa till hubby came pick me up . Now suffering low back pain hope that’s not creeping arthritis as hip pain gone yeah! Went to meditation pre op with Buddha and exercise class all helped .hosp I went Not provide walking frame or high toilet seat or paracetamol buy your own and limited amount weak painkiller to come home with after one night stay . Was fight to get stronger stuff ! But niw have cupboard full if needed but niw managing on paracetamol determined stay off Codeine now.can niw concentrate on reading book so all good. @zimmer Don’t think shoukd be twisting round on one leg at all especially after op . Dint overdo exercise furst couple weeks that’s healing time !! Hope all goes well . See you on the other side !! X

  • Zimmer
    Zimmer Member Posts: 85

    @Jane18 thank you so much, I am a total yoga beginner so yeah I won't be attempting that then, yet 🙂.

    I think I was floundering with exercises, as I lost so much muscle mass, and simply didn't know where to start. It was like a baby trying to get off their belly. A friend of mine found a Good Boost Class in the local pool and it really helped to build muscle and balance. But I won't be able to do that until the wound has healed, so I guess I was grasping at straws and trying to run before I could walk lols.

    I have meditated before and it really helped to lower my anxiety, but have let that slip of late, but totally forgot about the concentrating on your breath technique, cos that was the only thing that helped me to drop off so I'll try that now, after I've cleaned the kitchen lol. Can't switch off arrrrgggghhh.

    I've already got a mobility scooter; which I'm dying to see the back of, a rollator and nordic walking poles, these really help to straighten my posture but can't use them for long. I know what you mean about taking your crutch out still, because there is a degree of nervousness that someone will bump you, as I've found people are far more forgiving when they can "see" your disability.

    I can't wait to get into hospital tomorrow as maybe then I'll switch off and get a good night's sleep ready for the next day

    Chat soon and thank you for the pep talks 😊

  • Zimmer
    Zimmer Member Posts: 85

    @cocoa I can't believe, but can believe at the same time, the miscommunication, the thoughtlessness of people's comments, the lack of information and toilet surround/raiser provided to you. You should have been contacted by Occupational Health to go over a few things and arrange delivery of your toilet thingy. And the assessment appointments should have gone over your home life too!!! And I thought the hospital provided codeine, omg what a **** show. So weird. Sorry you've had to struggle to get help.

    Despite all this though, after just four weeks, you felt able to go to the hairdressers, that's amazing hon. The back pain is probably from perching but maybe ask the physio when you go next.

    If you don't mind, what was your fitness level going into hospital? Just wondering, cos Jane seemed very fit, and that definitely attributed to her recovery, you know. Could you walk unaided and did you have any bum muscles for example, lol.

    K, gonna TRY and get some sleep now. Thanks again 🫂

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