THR 10spro's Recovery Thread

[10spro]

UPDATE 3 MONTHS POST-OP: I feel like I just experienced some right of passage, having gone through my first airport metal detector with the new hip. I walked right through, no issue at all, didn't really even think about it until I was sitting at the gate, then realized I did that with no incident. Coming back home, different airport, all kinds of buzzers went off, and for a second, I checked my pockets to figure out what was causing it, then of course realized it was my new hip, and they sent me through the full body scan machine. Other than that, at 3 months post-op I'm feeling more normal every day. I've played 3 rounds of golf [with cart] in the last 2 weeks, and tennis is coming along, right now it's more about movement rather than actually hitting balls. I'm averaging 6,000 to 8,000 steps a day, still doing physical therapy, working on stretching and strengthening. I swear the list of exercises I have to do every day seems to go up exponentially each week, but it's my new normal, and I'm happy with the progress. I do feel like my surgery side is still ever so slightly swollen, but I attribute that to all the activity I've been doing, so not worrying about it yet. The incision scar is really ugly but it's my badge of honor. My husband was disappointed they did the mini-posterior, so you can see the scar when I wear a swim suit, but honestly, that's such an insignificant thing to me after all that I've been through to get here. Happy to be moving freely with no hip pain.

 

[benne68]

Just love your airport story! A right of passage, indeed.

It sounds like you are doing really well for three months post-op. Remember that hips don't really need a bunch of exercises to heal. In fact, the best therapy is walking -- and it seems you are doing well on that front!

The incision scar is really ugly but it's my badge of honor

I have a hip replacement scar, a knee replacement scar and an ankle surgery scar -- all on the same leg. Doesn't stop me from wearing shorts or a swimsuit because, as you say, it is a badge of honor that we survived it!

Happy continued healing!

 

[djklaugh]

@10spro Scars do look "ugly" at first but in a year or so it should fade. My matching hip scars now are almost 12 years old and I can barely find them. The shoulder scars on the other hand are much larger and have stayed very prominent and (in the opinion of some) "unsightly". But they are badges of honor and they don't stop me from wearing what ever I want

 

[Hippie Chick]

My surgeon warned that there would be Maximus scarring and there is. I would rather be able to walk well. Sorry your dh commented on your scarring. You have the right attitude. Rock any bathing suit you choose!

 

[Layla]

Happy Four Month Anniversary!

My husband was disappointed they did the mini-posterior, so you can see the scar when I wear a swim suit, but honestly, that's such an insignificant thing to me after all that I've been through to get here

It will eventually fade to a thin white line. Wear it proudly, it's part of your story...with a happy ending!

 

[SurreyGirl]

Hi! Glad your recovery has gone so well. I had full posterior and can hardly see the scar on my left hip. RH side now 8-9 weeks out from op. Like you I had trouble with it healing and the NHS nurses were checking it every week. Looking much better now.

Managed to get Covid but feeling a bit better today so will walk around the garden.

 

[Goma]

Reading your journey has been most interesting and glad you're doing well.

Stories like yours give me hope that things get better and eventually pain free even after a few setbacks.