Revision THR 9 days post op, new hip in and I feel good

[meatfree]

Hi all thanks for all the encouragement, helps to know you are not alone. Have just been out for a walk with my friend and she actually said I seem to be walking better so maybe it is habit and when I am not concentrating on it it comes naturally. We do have excercises to do on primary hip ops Aussiemike but not on a revision because of the higher chance of dislocation. Obviously if you have any problems you can ring someone, there is backup if you need it urgently. I have decided to slow myself down as i think i am trying to rush things, being stuck in for so long preop and not being able to do anything has gone to my head a bit lol My poor body has been hammered in the last 6 months an i am lucky to be as good as I am so I have decided to be nicer to myself and give myself a break. Not that i have done anything stupid I really am observing the 90degree rule not risking poping this baby out! I am expecting too much of myself, so i have to relax and enjoy my recouperation instead of wantin to go everywhere and do everything My surgeon told me it could take me 12ths to 18mths to get over this and he couldnt promise that I wouldnt still have a limp or be in pain, so I think I am doing alright and feeling very good and hopeful so far. HAVE A GREAT DAY

 

[meatfree]

Good morning everyone and a lovely one it is too. Up early still not sleeping without a tablet. Can only lay on my back for an hour at a time and the same on my side so have to keep changing position. Took 2 x 30mg codeine last night to see if it helped but didn't. Reading other peoples posts a lot of us are in the same boat so guess its just part an parcel of the recovery. Can't believe how well my wound is healing, showed my friend yesterday and she said its looking wonderful have a few numb spots but not surprising considering it has been cut twice in 6mths. My hip is feeling good, looking forward to seeing my xray and speaking to the surgeon in 2 weeks. Only 5 more clexane to go, seems like they are breeding in the box haha, thought they wouldn't ever come to the end. Another friend will be round after so will go for a little walk with her, it's such a beautiful morning the sky is blue the sun is shining and the birds are singing, life is good Have a great day everyone. Lesley

 

[bottomshollow]

Way to go, Lesley! Your completed revision seems to be the ticket to your destination. That sleeping thing is a cross most of us have to bear---but it does get better as time goes on. Lesley said, "Only 5 more clexane to go, seems like they are breeding in the box haha, thought they wouldn't ever come to the end." Love that observation and couldn't agree more! Life is good and it will get better. Take care and keep us posted. We care.

 

[Poppet]

Hi Lesley

What a great update from you.. I had to laugh about the 'breeding in the box' reference... soon they will be history..

Yes, it is an exciting time when you get to see the post surgery X-rays and feel reassured that all is well with the world...

 

[meatfree]

Good morning everyone and another beautiful one it is. No sleep again just dozing and moving position every hour. My shoulders and arms are still so very painful, roll on monday my last clexane( i killed the queen haha, no more breeding) and then i can take ibuprofen again!Just hoping i don't cause any permanent damage to my arms i really dont want that. I feel so good with my hip and notice i am not limping now i have become more aware of it, so thats a positive thing.Still on 2 crutches not ready to let them go yet. Have also noticed my thigh has gone down, had quite a swelling just under my bottom cheek too, that has gone down a bit and my thigh was twice the size and that has reduced also, i notice the difference in my jog pants. Will be 4 weeks monday, time goes so fast, you think you will be in the same position for ever but gradually you see improvements, it's great to start seeing a positive outcome. I have one gripe i have a sock aid which is great but how on earth do you get your socks off? The funny dances i do trying to do this makes me laugh i have a right tantrum sometimes , have tried all different ways, usually end up standing on the end of my sock with my good leg and dragging slowly back but sometimes i cant get any sock to grab, ah well perhaps i will think of an invention to do this. Have a good day everyone and enjoy the sunshine while its here, going for a walk with my man and my dog, make the most of it. LESLEY X

 

[Poppet]

Hi Lesley

Wow! Where has that 4 weeks gone.. So pleased you are seeing improvements each day.. It is a good feeling when the swelling reduces.

Haha! Great that you found the queen bee.. She has gone searching for the next soon to be hippie...

 

[meatfree]

Hi everyone.Had a really good day today, went for a drive to the mountains near where I live. Sunshine and lovely views of the valleys for miles and miles, managed to walk quite far before I had to rest. The fresh air was so nice. Ididn't do any mountain climbing thought id save that for another time heheSeems so strange how much easier I am finding getting over this revision(4 WKS TOMORROW) compared to my first time in 2008, took me a lot longer to get over the pain. I still think it's because I had the cement spacer for 22wks, the pain I had with that can't be compared. And tomorrow it's the last clexane yaba daba doo!!!can it get any better? Still not sleeping though, had to take a sleeping pill last night I was so tired don't want them every night as my Dr won't give me anymore so I want to make them last. Sweet dreams everyone or have a good day if you're just getting up. Lesley

 

[AussieMike]

Mountains and sunshine - well look at you Lesley!! I love it. Great to hear that your journey stays on track. Its your time to shine - go girl!!

 

[Anniepops]

Hi Lesley, how lovely and positive you sound, that is wonderful

I know what you mean about standing on the toe and trying to pull off your sock that way.lol. Have you got a grabber you can use? If not it might be worth getting one then you can just whip it off with that.

Take care

Ann

 

[meatfree]

For all you brave hippies.
The day is getting nearer, you have butterflies inside,you really want this over with but you want to run and hide.
You can't ever imagine a world without pain to have a real life and be able to live again.
Into the hospital signing your life away,nurses so cheery they do this every day.
See all the Doctors , that tell you you'll be fine,you are first on the list and we will see you at nine.
No sleep at all, through the long night, others on the ward telling you it's alright.
They do these ops everyday, then the trolley is here on you're on your way.
Trying to be brave and not shake or cry, smiling at everyone, heaven knows why!
Then the needle goes in and away you go don't care what they're doing, you don't want to know.
Before you know it someone's stroking your brow, wake up sleepy head it's all over now.
Your lower body is numb, no pain which is good, the surgeon then tells you it went just as it should.
You now have a new hip and all should go well, you lay there and listen even though you could yell
"Yippee i am sorted at last no more pain,a few more months and i'll have a life again.
Home from the hospital, taking such care, no bending too low as you get off the chair.
Plenty of rest and pills when you need, get spoilt rotten by friends as they do a good deed.
Nurse takes out the clips, wow there are a lot there but it feels so much better now its out in the air.
Healing so well as the weeks fly by, still tired though sometimes and still have a cry.
It's a very traumatic time for us all,wanting to go it alone but afaid we will fall.
Waiting for the time we can drive, swim and walk but who is there if you need to talk?
Well it's BoneSmart of course when you need a friend
there with encouragement from the start to the end.
Always there with an answer and they really do care,
so if you feel down or worried BoneSmart are there.

Hope you like this, just pops into my head at unusual times, eg early hours of the morning. Have written a funny one too wil post that in a few days. to all you BoneSmart angels

 

[bigozzie9er]

Good Morning Meat.. After reading the above poem, It's like you just narrated not just my, but our personal life journey.. Bonesmart has been such a great resource..This is so true.. Glad your healing well such as I. Take care and keep on steppin'
Remember, NO PAIN, NO CANE

 

[meatfree]

Hi Anniepops have tried a grabber, sock just keeps flicking back up my leg, got it sorted now get my man to take it off for me hehe.
Hi bigozzie9er glad you like my poem. I see we had op the same day and went home same day too! It's great as time passes how much better you feel isn't it? Still on both crutches at the moment if i go out but ok on one inside. I go see my surgeon wed 17th oct for xray and any questions i have. I cant drive or swim until ok from him and having a revision the dislocation rates are higher, so i need to ask how long i have to keep the 90 degree rule going. Can't wait to sleep in any position i want either . Have managed to sleep on my good side with a pillow between my knees and being very careful that my operated hip doesn't cross over as no way can i sleep on my back (when i can sleep). What restrictions have you been given and for how long?
Well my friends i went for the best walk this morning, got halfway round my village then sat on a bench and had a chat with a few locals then continued around. Hip feels brilliant no pain at all Have still got swelling under my bottom cheek and it goes down to my knee, gets worse if i do too much. I use its as my doing too much guide as it throbs like mad if i do.
And the best news is my sharps bin has been picked up so no more clexane for me my poor tummy looks like a pin cushion Have a good day all x

 

[bigozzie9er]

Morning Meat, My restrictions are the norm.. I'm outpatient PT now.. doc said everything looked good and I'm at 100% weight bearing.. I still use the walker around the house because working on my posture.. I use the wrist crutches when I go out.. The doc said I can drive as long no meds.. Which is hard after the PT.. It's more intense now.. be careful.. In fact, Some of the exercises I did on Monday hurt my calves (like a pulled muscle)and I have pain when I walk now.. So be careful.. Just because they tell you to do something, I would recommend trying it slow first and see how your body reacts.. I tried to jump in with both feet and now I'm trying to shake this tightness.. Take your time and it will all come around.. Have a great day and goodluck at the Docs.. Ron

 

[meatfree]

Thanks Ron, I doubt I will be able to drive for at least 12 weeks and maybe longer,I have waited over 4 yrs for this hip and I am not puttting it at risk in any way it's precious lol You sound like you are doing really well, nearly 5 weeks for us already! Keep being told don't run before you walk but it is so exciting every day to feel better and be able to do more. Take care, let you know how hospital appointment goes.
Good morning everyone, a cold wet one in Wales today, the nights are drawing in now and winter is on the way! Still not sleeping properly awake every hour, trying to leave the sleeping tablets alone as they can have strange side affects but think I will have to have one tonight as I am getting exhausted. My hip feels so good, no pain at all, it is so wonderful after 4 years of intense pain. Want to find out how long this 90degree rule stands in a revision as I am still very wary with it, so looking forward to seeing my surgeon on wednesday. I am walking well now, inside with 1 crutch and outside with 2, am still not safe to do without so I am not going to rush it even though I am not getting on with them at all lol they are hurting my arms so much and can't wait to get rid for good Go for a good walk everyday now, it's so nice to get out in the fresh air. Jake is home again tonight so will get lots of doggy cuddlesmy daughter will miss him when he comes home for good but i can't wait! Have a great day everyone Lesley

 

[Jaycey]

Love your poem! Stay with your restrictions until you see your surgeon. They will check everything out at that followup visit and then let you know when you are officially released. Sounds like you are doing very well!

 

[sharonslp]

Lesley, you're doing wonderfully well. Don't sweat the small stuff....socks are small stuff. Sleep....not small stuff, but no good answers there. You do the best you can, and know that it's temporary. The arm pain from your crutches is temporary. Can you transition to a cane yet? Maybe at least indoors? But you are sounding cheerful and positive, and that's a huge help in getting through this.

But about the socks....what about a long-handled shoehorn? That would push your sock down, and then curve around the heel to keep pushing it right off. Of course, by the time you find the perfect solution, you'll be past the need for it.

Sharon

 

[Damn!]

Sharon is absolutely correct. Around here there is a saying "Don't sweat the petty things, and don't pet the sweaty things." Sounds like you are doing great. I loved your poem and look forward to the next one.

Take care.

Tammy

 

[meatfree]

Hi Jaycey, Im doing great other than my arms as ive said but that will get better and don't worry I won't do anything until i am given the ok. I'm a good girl I am lol
Tried the shoe horn and yes it works great idea sharonslp don't feel safe enough to give up my crutch just yet maybe in the next week
Glad you like the poem Tammy I think we can all identify with it, number two comin up
Been out today and manage to walk round a shop for a bit ( with Steve close by )whoohoo life is comin back yipeee, my hip feels great no problem, bit tired now but thats to be expected

 

[meatfree]

Hippie steps.
Up on your feet your legs are shaking
look down at your wound are your stitches breaking.
Tottering round on a zimmer frame
like being a child learning to walk again.
Struggle to the toilet not using that pan again
Sit there for ages but all in vain.
Your face going red as you dance and jiggle
Trying not to make a noise makes you giggle.
Eventually come out hoping no one could hear
but when you open the door all the ward gives a cheer.
Have you up on the crutches now OT said
so you shuffle your bottom to the end of the bed.
Spasms in your legs and they are twitching
doing their own little dance and the wound is itching.
Feeling so proud as you walk head up high
the pains not too bad and I'm not going to cry.
Back on the bed now shuffle your bum
The pans kicking in now I WANT MY MUM!!!
But I'm a brave soldier and I can do it again
Things will improve and I will beat this pain
I am a super hero and I have the power
and under my blankets I will not cower.
So arise all you hippies we can conquer together
We are all super heros so don't give up ever!!!!

 

[Jamie]