THR All done wooop wooop !!

[sandyharman]

Just arrived home and all good, not quite sure what to do with myself - feel like I've been let out into the wild !!
Going to read through all the notes you sent me again later may also try some ice !
Thanks again for all your help, it has been priceless


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[Jaycey]

Stick to the mantras and you will be fine. I remember the same feeling. It's different when you are suddenly on your own after all the attention in the hospital. Having to get your own food and make your way around yourself can seem daunting. But you would not be discharged unless everyone felt you were doing fine.

One tip, you might want to keep a log of your meds as a reminder as well as keeping track of what you took and when.

 

[sandyharman]

Thanks Jacey your a star - on the case with the drugs - good idea !


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[Jaycey]

Glad someone can learn from my experience! I was a mess when first home from LTHR. Could not remember when or how much meds I was taking. :rolleyes:

 

[sandyharman]

Day 5 - update

Had a dodgy night last night just because I'm only on my back - I'm desperate to sleep on my side !!
Also my butt cheek is massive !!! Ha ha !!
Pain is fine though and had a good day today.




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[Jaycey]

Sleeping on your back gets easier. Hope you are icing and elevating to relieve that swelling.

 

[sandyharman]

Day 6 update

Had another good day yesterday and the pain is still under control.
I've of course had my moments where I've thought "why the heck have I done this !!"
Finding sleeping on my back really hard...
Also I hurt myself getting into the car yesterday - just rushing it....
So just need to slow down.....
But all is good and I'm in a good place !
Day of rest today which doesn't come me easy to me.....


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[Jaycey]

Finding sleeping on my back really hard.

This will get easier. But unfortuately Sleep deprivation is pretty much inevitable - but what causes it? Don't fight not getting the rest at night. Just nap as often as you can during the day. And yes - no rushing at this early stage.

You are doing great!

 

[sandyharman]

1 Week in !!
Brilliant read Jacey - thanks !!

I was playing games at 03.00 this morning and annoying everyone on FB - doing my best to be relaxed about it !

Now 1 week in and it's looking good so far, not what I expected but then it never is ?

I noticed that I have bruising behind my knee? Any ideas on this one ?

As with pain I've only ever needed Ibuprofen 400mg and normal Paracetamol seems to be doing the job well although I have taken your advice and taken it by the clock

I'm walking really well now with crutches -didn't really want the stick at 37.....would have hurt my pride even more

Now looking forward to seeing some progress in my movement ?


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[faster pussycat]

Hi @sandyharman - I had huge bruises down the back and side of my leg after my RTHR. I looked like I had been hit by a truck ! Weirdly the bruises started at the top and gradually moved and made their way down my leg to my ankle. It's quite normal, the surgeon will have been rough with you to get old joint out and the new one in. Keep icing, elevating, a little gentle walking, the bruises will soon go


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[sandyharman]

Thanks - yes it's all down the back of my leg now !!!! It looks great !!


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[Jaycey]

I noticed that I have bruising behind my knee? Any ideas on this one ?

I had huge bruising on the back of my knee after my latest THR. The surgeon lengthen my op leg a bit and I am certain tissues were traumatised. Worry not - ice the area if it is sore.

The transition from two crutches to 1 can happen fairly quickly. Only try this if you are feeling totally confident. The crutch should be on the non-op side. I left the hospital using 2 crutches after my first THR and by day 2 was only using 1. I guess the 6 months of practice pre-op was a slight advantage.

 

[sandyharman]

Just tried the 1 crutch and it works a treat and feels good !! - thanks !!!


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[Jaycey]

I share your dislike of using a cane. Just something about it! I found 1 crutch so much more secure and you can use one hand to carry something. Great progress @sandyharman !

 

[sandyharman]

Nearly 2 weeks in and it is still progressing by the day.
Still using one crutch and this is also getting easier - moving so much quicker now !!

Still struggling to sleep as I'm desperate to turn on my side, a couple of times I have tried and its soon let me know !!!!

My pain meds run out today, do I ask the doctor for more or just wait and see?

So far so good, I just need to remind myself not to run before I can walk !






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[Jaycey]

My pain meds run out today, do I ask the doctor for more or just wait and see?

Ask for more ASAP. Not time to cut down on anything now as you are progressing well. When you start forgetting to take your doses then it's a sign you don't need as much. Until then, take them regularly so you keep building that mobility.

 

[sandyharman]

Ok thanks, will get into the Docters tomorrow !


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[xtina16405]

@sandyharman i hated sleeping on my back too. I had to learn to use my pillows to get comfortable. I slept with about 4 pillows under my head and shoulders. It was the only way I could do it. I think it is amazing how our bodies communicate with us. My hip told me many times it was too soon for side sleeping. Hopefully you can find a comfy back position.

Sounds like you are doing well otherwise and definitely call the doc for more pain meds. You will be a much happier camper. Keep following the BS mantras and you will be great.

 

[Saturn69]

Keep the weekly updates coming gives me a good idea with the recovery , hope the new year sees you back to your best

 

[sandyharman]

Nearly 3 weeks !!
Sorry for lack of updates

Thanks for all your comments and advice

Nearly 3 weeks in and the improvement is progressing by the day
Still only using the one crutch but I can walk around the house now with no crutches although I walk a bit funny !!! I seem to be higher up on my operated side than my non operated side...... Normal ??

No pain now whatsoever !!!!!!!!!!!
Previous hip pain and operation pain gone !!!!
but still lacking movement - I guess this is normal at this stage?

Im popping into work next week to see the physio who can hopefully help me with the movement issue

I will also discuss a return to work date which I'm aiming for end of jan.
I have to drive 45 miles a day but work in an office
Obviously can't drive at the moment but I'm waiting for an appointment from the hospital which I think is usually around 7 weeks after the surgery ?

Overall I'm on the mend at a fast pace. I'm still struggling to sleep at night which is bizarre as I can now sleep on my side (not for very long)






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