Had one-week follow-up visit yesterday. It was my first real excursion outside of the house since getting home from the hospital, and I was glad to be out in the fresh air (though it was a chilly, rainy day). Staples are out, dressing is gone and steri-strips applied. I am free to shower without covering the incision now. They did an x-ray, everything looks great. Today the sun came out and it warmed up a bit, so I was able to go for my first real post-surgery outdoors walk. Only about 4 blocks total on crutches and it was wonderful, but felt like enough. Back home and onto the sofa with an ice pack. I feel so excited to be past the one week mark and on to the next phase. My appetite has been slim to nil, but already after just that short walk in the fresh air I find myself rummaging in the fridge for something to eat
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I've had some time to reflect on this THR vs. the one I had 5.5 years ago. Either I forgot the down side of the first week, or this one was harder; I don't know which. Harder physically and mentally. It seems like I took more prescription meds this first week than I did the last time, although I still haven't taken much. I found myself feeling down, and impatient and had a few "why me" boo-hoos. I resented everybody else being out and about while I was confined at home. My last THR took place during the summer, and this time around it's mid-winter gloomy, and that may be affecting my mood somewhat.
Physically, I don't appear to have as much swelling as I did the last time. I get an achiness in my entire left leg that I don't remember from last time, although I've had some additional non-THR-related complications this time that may be contributing to that. All in all, I think I'm in a pretty good place for one week plus a day. At my visit I was told to start moving about more, and listen to my body with respect to not overdoing it. Cleared for walking and stationary biking. I'm ready to start this next phase of my recovery
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