3 weeks out

[NanaPat]

Hi everyone....I'm on the road to recovery...I'm certainly not recovering as fast as some, but am learning that we're each different.

I had the anterior surgery (RTHR on May 26th) and I think I have the large head/metal prosthetic (I forgot to ask at my one week check-up). My scar is about 4 inches long and curved a bit at each end.

I'm using a walker and had PT at home for the first two weeks....I'll go out for PT next week....have to decide which therapy facility I want...one is a sports rehab and the other is regular PT. The PT who came to the house was partial to the sports clinic rehab....any suggestions from anyone out there?

Today I almost fell, but caught myself with the arm of a sofa....felt my hip pop, but it only ached for a while and has been okay since.....scared the stuffing out of me tho.....and has certainly slowed me down today.

I can get my leg out of bed, but can't get it back into bed yet so my husband has to help me whenever I need to use the bathroom. I was told not to use the leg lifter that so many of you have....was told they'd prefer I wait for the muscles to strengthen....sigh.

For pain I've been using Oxycodone (equivalent to Percocet) and had a pain patch until a couple days ago. I'm only using one or two Oxycodone a day now, altho my skin still feels VERY sensitive to the touch all the time. My Coumadin will end Friday and I get to take the TED socks off then. I still have one more blood test for the Coumadin tho.

Our oldest son is flying in from a job in Alaska on his way home to Texas (he gets here Friday), so it should be interesting....I'm sleeping in the living room (we rented a hospital bed) cause my husband was going to strip and repaint our bedroom (new flooring, etc.) while I'm out of commission, but he hasn't been able to do any of it yet.....anyway, should be interesting since I still need help getting in and out of bed all the time...modesty???? LOL

Thanks for listening....looking forward to being back online again.

 

[Jamie]

Hi, Nana!!! So glad you are on the mend. Things will continue to get better and better for you, so hang in there! And be careful!!!

 

[kangaroo]

Every day is another day Nana.....one step forward at a time.....Keep up the spirits
Rachel

 

[Steph]

Sounds like you are doing really well and with good humour too. I think that is what keeps us moving forwards - just being so positive and having so much suport here. It will all come and soon you will be whizzing around again, just take each day as it comes and only do as much as your body tells you - you will be fine.

The thing that really helps me is water therapy - it is really good, so if with your PT you have a chance to do it, then I really recommend it.

Keep up the good work

 

[DianeC]

NanaPat,

I'm glad you posted; I've been wondering how you were doing. It's nice to hear that you're doing well.

Diane

 

[webbie73]

NanaPat,
It is so good to see you!! You are ahead of where I was at 3 weeks so keep it up. As for PT ask each center what they will do for you. I personally am going to a center where they do a lot of stretching and strength building. I had to decide between 2 places. The other place was more of a "get on a machine and rebuild" not my thing. LOL.

BTW we have matching scars!

 

[youngmom]

Hey Nan. I've been following your posts because I had a LTHR on May 26th too! Be careful and don't trip. That scares me too. The other day I almost fell over one of my boys matchbox cars. My husband has been really good about keeping everything picked up but I think he's getting tired! Husbands can be a wonderful thing! :hehe:
I am limping around the house without my cane for the past 4 days. I took my 4 year old to the movies 2 nights ago. Uhhh, I wouldn't recommend it. I had no pain meds in me so I decided it was past due for a little mommy time. Ouch. Those movie seats are not made for people that just had this procedure done! Today I am home alone and feeling guilty because my husband had to take me 22 month old to day care because I'm not quite ready to take care of him by myself yet. Hopefully next week.
How is your pain? Is your scar hot? Mine is. Should I be concerned? Keep me posted on how you are doing. I'm in Nashville and the weather today is super hot...thinking about going to the pool. Take care! :skp:

 

[Josephine]

Scars do get warm and almost hot, youngmom. It's to do with the healing. However, if it gets hot hot, swollen and painful, see your doctor.

 

[tahoe1009]

Glad you are doing well!! I am a klutz and slipped in the shower last weekend and like you it scared me! I'm farther along though. As for the bed situation you can only do what you can do right!! I hope PT is great for you whatever you choose.

 

[Texas]

Hi Nana and Young. I hope you all feel better soon. No tripping,,anyone..Take care and let us know how you all are doing...You'll go to the movies soon enough...You both are still real early in recovery....But it will be all the better when you can and in no pain. Hope that comes soon for both of you ...........

 

[Judles]

Nana! After reading all the posts, I realized that I never had a leg lifter!!! That was my hubby's job!!! You sound terrific! Take it slow!

 

[JudyS]

Hi NanaPat
I did not have a leg lifter either, but really pushed myself to get that darn leg in bed. I did not know what I would have done in the middle of the night to go pee!!!! I could only get so much help around here.
Sounds like you are doing just fine. The first 2 weeks I did not even leave the house or get dressed. JUst did my home pt, slept, iced, slept repeat!!! I did not immediately go to pt so hard to say which would work for you.

Don't worry about your son comming, it will all work out. Just have a nice relaxed time with him:thmb:
Post when you can , we love to hear from you
judy

 

[NanaPat]

Thanks for all your comments, it's so good to hear from you! Today is my evaluation appointment at the outpatient physical therapy place...we leave soon.

It's been an ugly day so far tho.....I'm just plain 'mad' today....tired of being helpless....I know I'm lots better than in the early days, but am just plain tired of being tired and needing so much help! My husband has been terrific, but I too know that he's getting tired of all the extra things he has to do. Guess patience is not one of my virtues! LOL

I'm hoping I'll be able to get some water exercises eventually...but the OS says not until the scar is totally well and he gives the okay. I don't know anyone with a pool, but am hoping PT will continue through that time frame....we'll see.

Yes, my scar area is still warm....in fact, until just the last couple of days the entire area above my knee has felt pretty warm....but it's finally starting to get closer to normaltemp. After reading other threads a few days ago I started using the ice again....sure helps...dulls the pain for a while.

Even tho my wound is only about 4 inches long, most of my upper leg still feels numb and extremely sensitive to the touch at the same time....by evening the weight of the bed sheet bothers me....assume that's part of the healing process???? Does that sound normal?

I enjoyed Father's Day (even tho I'm the Mom - LOL)....our daughter-in-law cooked and cleaned here for my husband. I felt guilty about not being able to help, but certainly enjoyed her wonderful meal! My son chose well!!! God bless them!

I'll let you know how the PT visit goes.....

 

[Texas]

Hi NANA Glad you posted !!!!!!! Dont feel hopeless your not. Just need a lil help here and there and thats ok. You will be better soon and be so happy you did this. You will sooo love the water excercises it really helps alot. Let us know how your appt goes. I bet you are doing better then you think....Yes I dont like sheets touching me either. Im told that will go away. Sounds like you right on track ...Keep it up.....Tell hubby he's a real trooper..and great husband....

 

[Jamie]

Hi, Nana....we all have felt that frustration that things aren't moving faster in recovery. And us gals are...the WORST!! But truth is, you are still way early in the process. You may still need some help for a while. You are so lucky to have a wonderful helper available and I'm sure he is rewarded by being able to do things for you in exchange for all you have done in the past.

When you're feeling like you're not progressing, stop and really think about what you can do this week that you couldn't do the week before. Maybe even write them down so you can look back in a week or two and see how far you've come. And try to enjoy the pleasure that those who love you are getting from helping you out. Helping others is one of the greatest things a person can do for their own well-being. Allowing yourself to be helped does more for the other person than it does for you! God bless you...you'll be up and going at full speed very soon.

 

[NanaPat]

Thanks Texas and Jamie....really appreciate your supportive input....it definitely helps!

After I posted this morning I got out of bed (FINALLY) by myself and even managed to get all my clothes on except the shoe on my operated side....boy did that feel like a big success! I guess being mad has some helpful benefits too. LOL

The trip for PT was good....she hasn't handled anyone with the anterior surgery before, but will be calling my doctor for specific information before my next visit on Friday. She did lots of measuring....range of motion stuff I guess. She was impressed with my 4 inch scar and said she'll be massaging the scar tissue in the future to help break it down for better ROM. She gave me a couple new exercises to work on at home. After talking with my Dr. she'll have an exercise plan laid out for me.

I'm definitely looking forward to PT (may regret that statement later...LOL). I'm not much of an exercise person because of my fibromyalgia pain, but am hopeful I'll be able to incorporate more things into my future lifestyle!!

Jamie...thanks for the reminder to relax and enjoy the fact that others receive enjoyment from helping you (me). You're right, I know I sincerely enjoy helping whenever I can...

 

[PRGal]

Even tho my wound is only about 4 inches long, most of my upper leg still feels numb and extremely sensitive to the touch at the same time....by evening the weight of the bed sheet bothers me....assume that's part of the healing process???? Does that sound normal?

Hi Pat! If I remember correctly (& judging by the 4" incision), you had an anterior, right? Yes, the simultaneous numbness/super sensitivity is quite normal--I definitely remember that paradox! The good news is that it DOES eventually go away, though the numbness fades pretty gradually. (Eight months out, I still have a tiny inch-long area directly to the left of my scar that is numb--no big deal, though!)

As for being frustrated about feeling helpless--well, I have the patience of a short LIT fuse, so I can definitely empathize! Tough as it was, however, I forced myself to take it easy those first few weeks--you can do it, too! :thmb:

 

[NanaPat]

Found a therapist who has experience with anterior surgery....she answered several questions I had. Unfortunately, she won't be there every time I am....just hope I can get some appointments with her. The other therapist I was told about wasn't as good as I had hoped. Tomorrow is PT visit #2....hope I get some good exercises to work on.

I am beginning to give my self permission to take a nap when I'm tired and just ignore the dust gathering on everything in the house....definitely less stressful...LOL! I've been using ice again and I think that helps too.

Thanks PRGal..appreciate knowing the sensitivity should go away eventually. By the way, when were you able to sleep on your side?

 

[Texas]

Hi Nana yes the dust will be there. You nap iif your body is telling you, you need one . Go right ahead. I had a hard time with wanting to do housework, but I decided I want this to work so I needed the rest. Take care and get more lil zzzzz's..Sounds like you are doing fantastic...Keep it up...

 

[PRGal]

Found a therapist who has experience with anterior surgery....she answered several questions I had. Unfortunately, she won't be there every time I am....just hope I can get some appointments with her. The other therapist I was told about wasn't as good as I had hoped. Tomorrow is PT visit #2....hope I get some good exercises to work on.

I am beginning to give my self permission to take a nap when I'm tired and just ignore the dust gathering on everything in the house....definitely less stressful...LOL! I've been using ice again and I think that helps too.

Thanks PRGal..appreciate knowing the sensitivity should go away eventually. By the way, when were you able to sleep on your side?

Funny how different every surgeon is--I had no PT at all & was allowed tub baths & to get in a pool at 2 weeks (I was glued, not stapled.) I slept on my unoperated side at around 2 weeks, but found it more comfortable to keep a pillow between my knees for a week or so. I tried the operated side for short stretches during the 3rd week. I definitely remember that it wasn't laying on my side that caused any discomfort--it was moving into that position that made the muscles protest a bit. But I hated being on my back so much, it was worth it! :hehe: