2 weeks and 2 days out

[Sheilapinetree]

I had surgery 2 weeks and 2 days ago and I am feeling pretty good. I was in the hospital 3 days and then went to rehab. They had my leg in traction or 3 slings while in the hospital - I don't know why but will ask Dr. when I go for my first visit.
Had a rash problem on my backside when the CNA wouldn't change the sheets after I overflowed the bed pan around 3 am in the morning. I asked for help in getting cleaned up but she was young and ran out of the room. I can't sleep much and it is bothering me lying awake all night.
I am enjoying all the movies I can get to see now with time out of work.
I hate having to give myself a shot of Lovenox every morning but I do it anyway.
The PT is coming to the house 2X's week and I am using a walker. She tried to get me to use a cane yesterday but I didn't feel safe and wanted to stay using the walker. I will feel comfortable when it's time to change to the cane right?
I am so glad to hear that Creblue and the others are at home and doing well.

Well I need to go sit in another position because this chair is not comfortable at the computer.
Sheila :D

 

[Steph]

Hi Sheila

Glad to hear that you are home and are feeling good. Just take things in your own time and make sure you get lots of rest now. Every day things get a little bit better and you are over the worst of it all. I hope the sleeping gets better, but as long as you can rest and nap when you can you should be OK. It is sleeping on my back that drives me mad - can't wait for my 6 weeks so I can lay on my side again.

Can't believe that nurse left you in dirty sheets - it was bound to cause a rash, I hope that you are over it now though.

Using a cane after walkers/crutches always does feel a bit unstable but you soon get used to it. I must say I felt a bit wobbly for the first day or so when using the canes, but it is now second nature.

Good luck and keep on enjoying those films.

 

[DianeC]

Sheila,

I switched from a walker to crutches after 8 days, but felt (and looked, according to my husband and daughter) way too unstable for a cane until about the 3 week point. Now, at 4 weeks, I can walk with no support and only a slight limp. I still use a single crutch or cane when I go shopping or out for a walk in case I get tired.

So yes, you will feel more comfortable when its time to use a cane. One thing you don't want to do at this point is fall.

I'm not enjoying giving myself the shots either. I only have 2 more for a total of 31. How long do you have to have them?

Hang in there, each day gets a bit better.

Diane

 

[leosmom]

Hello Sheila....you will know when its time for the cane. I started to use it only in my kitchen during my second week home. My kitchen is small enough that when I felt wobbly I could reach for a counter or appliance to get myself balanced. I gradually ventured out into other rooms, then by the end of that week I started walking up and down my apartment building hallway with the cane. One thing lead to another. You'll get there! :thmb: And shame on that CNA leaving you like that. :skp: She should think about another career.

 

[JudyS]

Sheila
Congrats. As far as I remember the worst is over for you. I remember being resistant to the cane, then when the time came, I loved it. But I did come home using crutches. I really did not like the walker.
It will be amazing how much difference a few days makes too. Keep resting and icing.
judy

 

[Josephine]

Sheila! You got nappy rash! :hehe:

 

[Texas]

Haha that was cute Jo. made me laught...Glad your done. I didnt want to admit it at first but I did mine to..Oh well thats the way it goes. Relax take it easy...We are all here for you !!!!!!!!!Anytime.....Get better soon...............

 

[tahoe1009]

I'm glad your home!! The cane will be good soon!! Just keep pushing along and you will make it!! Sorry about your rash that was horrible. Keep us posted!

 

[leosmom]

Sheila! You got nappy rash! :hehe:

Sorry, but that was cute Jo.
Sheila - when you end up getting the survey form from the hospital, you really should fill it out and tell them what happenned. It's unexcusable that you were left to sit in that long enough to get a rash.

 

[Sheilapinetree]

Hello everyone,
Its been 2 weeks 6 days since surgery and I wonder if I am being a baby and not doing more than I should. I am doing the excercises the PT has left for me 3Xday and I am up walking around the house about 1 an hour. I am not venturing outside at all until my PT is behind me with my cane which still feels a little shaky for me. This morning I have been using my cane in the house a little more.
A friend of mine who had a hip replaced last Nov called me yesterday and wanted to pick me up in her truck and go to the barn to watch my horse be ridden but I told her I was not comfortable going out and into a car or truck yet and she was saying that I am in a scared mode and don't want to try to push myself in fear that I will hurt myself. I don't know if that is true or not and I will talk with my PT this morning when she comes. It made me very upset yesterday thinking fear of having a new hip will keep me back. I do get anxious thinking about a strange thing in my hip.
I hope you understand what I am trying to say here.
Sheila:pnc:

 

[PRGal]

Sheila, I think your friend needs to chill out, not add to your stress! Your progress is absolutely fine and you're definitely doing the right thing by listening to your body and only doing what is comfortable. :thmb: And it's perfectly normal to feel a bit anxious & apprehensive, but I'm sure your PT will assure you that once you're healed, there won't be anything holding you back. You won't just be watching your horse, you'll be riding!

 

[DianeC]

Sheila,

If you have crutches or could get some, walking with a single crutch feels more secure than walking with a cane. It could help increase your confidence. If a crutch is not an option, then you'll just have to be patient and give yourself time.

At the 3 week point, I became more comfortable with a cane, and now at almost 5 weeks I don't use any support at all unless I'm going to do a lot of walking.

Hang in there.

Diane

 

[JudyS]

Sheila
At 3 weeks I was using crutches and kind of afraid of a cane. It seemed like so little support. A few weeks later I was very used to a cane and loved it. It just takes a little time. You will get there. It is all so new, give yourself some time. Just forget your friend's comments too.
I remember not wanting to be on uneven ground or even little inclines in my neighborhood when I started walking around.
Your pt will be your best guide .
judy

 

[leosmom]

Sheila, you are not being a baby! I too had those anxious feelings and decided to take it slow. You just hang in there and go at your comfortable pace. You will get there.:cnsl:

 

[Judles]

Sheila! The key word here is SLOW!! Be kind to yourself, Girl!!!

 

[mdakota]

Hello everyone,
Its been 2 weeks 6 days since surgery and I wonder if I am being a baby and not doing more than I should. I am doing the excercises the PT has left for me 3Xday and I am up walking around the house about 1 an hour. I am not venturing outside at all until my PT is behind me with my cane which still feels a little shaky for me. This morning I have been using my cane in the house a little more.
A friend of mine who had a hip replaced last Nov called me yesterday and wanted to pick me up in her truck and go to the barn to watch my horse be ridden but I told her I was not comfortable going out and into a car or truck yet and she was saying that I am in a scared mode and don't want to try to push myself in fear that I will hurt myself. I don't know if that is true or not and I will talk with my PT this morning when she comes. It made me very upset yesterday thinking fear of having a new hip will keep me back. I do get anxious thinking about a strange thing in my hip.
I hope you understand what I am trying to say here.
Sheila:pnc:

sheila, i know what you mean about fear of what you can and cant do. i remember watching my mom, ( 4 revisions in 30 years.) she pretty much always followed hip precautions even years after. she was unilat, i'm bilat. i know that in all my research that was the one thing i really wanted to know. how long do i have to be careful. how long do i have to be afraid i'll dislocate. well here is some of the info i found out, alot of it here. follow the pt. ask them to push you then follow their lead. dont do what your not comfortable with on your own but dont be afraid to go to the next level trust the experts a little as long as its comfortable. dont let this be the end for you its only a beginning and its a pretty scary new world you've entered into but your already doing right by asking those that know. when my mom had her first she had standard 28mm femoral head. my first is 36mm. by increasing the size they have managed to minimize dislocation. the muscles will hurt and they will feel worked out but if you follow the pt you should be safe. this is a process so dont rush yourself keep working out and following guidelines in a couple of weeks these will be out of the way and you will be on your way to new challenges. i'm still only 7 days out but i can tell you i feel better and more confident every day. i can tell you from past experience that each day past this one will be progress hugs. you''ll be in my prayers
monique

 

[Sheilapinetree]

Thank you all for your kind responses. I feel better already knowing I can say anything to you all. I am using the cane more know and I do feel better about it. So I will just calm down and let it come and I am sure if I listen to my body I will do just fine.

Sheila

 

[Judles]

Thatta,Girl!!! Just DON'T stress! You're healing now!!

 

[Jamie]

Sheila, you are doing very well with your recovery. What's all the hurry about with your "friend"??? It's takes time for all the new parts in your body to meet and greet the old ones. YOU are the smart one by listening to what your body is telling you. You'll be able to do all those things very soon, but better that you get to them in your own time, not on someone else's schedule.

 

[Texas]

Hi Shelia I saw your post on the other thread but I wanted to see how you are doing. I cant believe its been 4 weeks. Does it seem like that or does it seem like forever....If you are doing all of that I bet you are tired. Try to get some naps in if you can...Take it easy on yourself......Please keep us posted and take it EASY!!!!!!..