THR 2 yr update

[tyorke1]

stopped taking perks 12 days ago then went to tylenol athritis stopped them a week ago only take one if Im going out, walked around mall yesterday , sleep is just fair pretty well sick of the casket position. Walked for 5min without a cain. One more week on antibiotics , I feel good about where Im at except the 10lbs of choc I've eaten all is good.

 

[MammaT]

Chocolate has known medicinal benefits.

 

[Layla]

You're doing great! Yeah that sleeping position you describe is over rated....they'll be plenty of time for that later. Waaaay later, lol!
Enjoy the chocolate, it's recovery. You can walk / exercise it off soon enough.
My hubby used to reward me during recovery with chocolate and Gummy Bears. I'd do my walk around the house
and he throw a couple in my lap. I'd do a bathrooom run and he'd throw a few in my lap afterward etc
I felt like a dog being rewarded with a bone after a doing a trick
@tyorke1

 

[tyorke1]

at what point can you add heat to loosen up the muscles,

 

[Layla]

I don't believe that's advised at this point @tyorke1 I think it can make the swelling worse.
I'd continue icing for pain and swelling as often as you can tolerate it.
Let's ask @Josephine really quickly to double check why / why not regarding heat.
Warm wishes for a great weekend!

 

[Josephine]

Heat at 2½ weeks is not advisable as it will make the area hot, increase swelling and pain.

 

[tyorke1]

Im 3.5 weeks but prob no difference thanks

 

[Layla]

Hey @tyorke1
How about placing a heating pad elsewhere...like on your lower back, or shoulders, just as a distraction.
Especially if you're just tired of the whole icing biz.....
The icing is really beneficial so I would definitely continue icing on a regular basis.
Brrrrr! Now I'm cold

 

[tyorke1]

Im now off all meds, should I be taking an antiinflamatory to help with healing

 

[MammaT]

I stuck with Tylenol for occasional pain. I didn’t find the anti-inflammatory stuff all that helpful post surgery and had taken so many pre-surgery I was glad to take a break. Are you feeling you need something?

 

[SaraK]

My OS prescribes celebrex for the first month but only continues it after that if having problems. After my appt yesterday, I'm only on aspirin for blood thinner and even that's reduced.

 

[tyorke1]

thanks Sara, ill hold off I see him for my 6 week app on the 16th ill ask then. Glad you are doing well it's an interesting journey

 

[Gone again]

I’m pretty sure any anti inflammatory will slow the healing. Best way to speed things up is to not overdo it.

 

[tyorke1]

what is an appropriate amount of walking with cain and without, I walked the track with the cain for 30min 2 days in a row, felt like just right. and I can walk without the cain with a limp for a bit not long , just wondering is all this good or bad . just over 4weeks post op

 

[SaraK]

Sounds like fantastic progress to me! You do have to build up on going without the cane. You don't realize how much it helps with balance (so not using it uses a lot of different muscles) and taking some of the weight off the operated leg until you try going without it. One trick I was given for getting rid of the limp without the cane (assuming you don't have one with the cane), is to move your arm and hand as if you were using the cane. It can also help to put a tote bag over the shoulder on the operated side or hold a small weight against your body on that side - we naturally lean away from the weight and it keeps you from leaning into the operated leg like you do when you limp.

 

[tyorke1]

ill have to buy a murse or man purse , lol, thanks Sara, nice tips on getting rid of the limp.

 

[SaraK]

A backpack over 1 shoulder might be a better way to go unless you already have (or want) a murse!

 

[Gone again]

No murse ! just don't do it. my surgeon told me the other day to use the Cain but don't limp. If you must limp sit down and take a break. because your learning to walk again and you want to get learnt good.

 

[tyorke1]

no murse lol, interesting about the limping thanks

 

[Dive17]

@tyorke1,
Thanks for the good information on the limping and use of the cane. I have been trying to lose the cane but I limp without it. I will just keep it a while longer. Your 30 minutes walk with the cane, especially in Canada in the winter is impressive! Do you walk at an indoor track? I am planning to go walk and soak some rays this weekend. We are forecast to have a few days of warm weather before the next front hits so have to enjoy it while it lasts.